She recently celebrated her 99th birthday and she’s still going strong – she’s Betty White.

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If there was ever a poll to be taken for the most beloved actress of all time, White would undeniably be on that list. She celebrates an entire career of warming hearts with her contagious charisma.

White was born on January 17, 1922 in Illinois. She was an only child. Shortly thereafter her family moved to Los Angeles, California. In the early 1950s, she landed her first job at a local television station, and there launched her first show, “Life With Elizabeth”.

Next, her role on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” gave her stunning 80-year career the boost it so deserved.

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It was during the filming of this show that she gave the audience her signature sweet smile and sharp wit. Her endearing personality kept many on their toes, and coming back for more.

And it would ultimately be her role on “The Golden Girls” that placed White into the hearts of millions forever. The show followed the lives of four elderly female friends and subsequently became one of the most top-rated shows on air for a total of seven seasons. The show also won several awards, including an Emmy for White.

White has continued to work on her career steadily throughout the years.

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In 2010, her career took off once again when she appeared in a comical candy bar ad for the Superbowl. Thereafter, her popularity in a Facebook ad campaign helped her to become the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live. While she was initially reluctant, she stepped out of her comfort zone and totally nailed it.

She told Newsweek:

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. It was really funny stuff, but it was a challenge.”

And while White’s career has been marked with monumental success, her heart’s biggest fulfillment comes with her charity work.

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She told Hollywood Reporter:

“I have to keep acting so that I can afford to keep doing my charity work!”

White is quick to admit that she has a big heart for animals. She has worked with the Los Angeles Zoo and the Morris Foundation for more than 40 years.

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She has revealed:

“I’m actually the luckiest old broad alive. Half my life is working in a profession I love and the other half is working with animals.”

Her friend, Tom Sullivan, has been quoted saying:

“I believe Betty White can charm the savage beast. Though Betty always treats people with dignity, respect, and charm, she has a far closer relationship to animals than she does people.”

And another has said of her:

“Betty is going to be remembered as a very kind person, a loving person, an extremely terrific actress and comedian. But I think she really wants to be remembered as one who gave most of her life to animals.’

With all of this, it’s no surprise that White feels so at home with animals.

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In today’s video, White can be seen sitting casually next to a giant brown bear named Bam Bam at the Los Angeles Zoo.

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As she has a chat, she feeds the giant bear a marshmallow, admits how lucky she is, and plants a giant kiss in the bear’s fur.

Check out this amazing interaction for yourself in the video linked below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Sources: Spotlight Stories, AirTV