Betty White Chose Not To Have Children So She Could Focus On Her Career & ‘Never Regretted It’

Jul 20, 2023

On Dec. 31, 2021, the world lost one of its brightest and funniest stars: Betty White. The beloved comedian was 99 years old at the time and was less than a month away from her 100th birthday. She had lived a beautiful and wonderful life, busting doors open for women all over the world and making sure to always spread light and positivity wherever she went. All in all, White was the true definition of a trailblazer.

Even though she graced the earth for 99 years, fans couldn’t help but wish they could have had more time with the brilliant actress. White is best known for her work in a handful of comedic and variety shows on television, as well as a handful of feature films that showed off just how funny she truly was. Some of her most notable roles come from shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Golden Girls” and “Hot in Cleveland.”

Another beautiful fact about White is that she was married to the love of her life, Allen Ludden, for almost 20 years, staying with him up until his death in 1981 and never remarrying after. She was a devoted wife to him, and took on the role of becoming a stepmother to his three children, David, Martha and Sarah Ludden.

Although White never had biological children of her own, she was still an incredibly wonderful stepmother to her stepchildren. Back in the early 2010s, the actress opened up about why she personally never wanted to have children, and how the decision played a big part in her life in the years ahead.

White was born on Jan. 17, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois. She began modeling in her youth, but during World War 2, she worked as a volunteer driving military supplies to the Hollywood Hills. Later, her love for performing led her to pursue a career in Hollywood, where she started as a radio personality during the 1930s. However, it was in the 1950s that she truly became a household name, starring in the popular television comedy "Life with Elizabeth." However, it was her role as Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in the 1970s that catapulted her to national fame. 

As the 1960s rolled in, White continued to shine on the small screen, earning critical acclaim and admiration for her comedic timing and versatility. She became a regular on various game shows, including "Password," where she demonstrated her wit and quick thinking. 

White's career reached even greater heights in the 1980s with her role as Rose Nylund in the classic sitcom "The Golden Girls." The show became a cultural phenomenon, and White's portrayal of the naive yet endearing Nylund earned her an Emmy award. 

As the years passed, White's charm and talent remained as captivating as ever. Her comedic brilliance extended beyond sitcoms, and she continued to make memorable appearances and win the hearts of viewers worldwide. At the age of 88, she became the oldest person to ever host “Saturday Night Live” and earned an Emmy for her efforts. Her vivacious personality and humor made her a favorite amongst multiple generations. White's longevity in show business is a testament to her talent, work ethic and genuine love for entertaining people. As she continued to shine in her career well into her 90s, White became a symbol of joy, humor, and resilience for audiences around the world.

During her life, White accomplished quite a lot in her professional life and also had a beautiful family. The actress was married a total of three times. Her first marriage to Dick Barker lasted from 1945 until 1946. Her second was to fellow actor and agent Lane Allen in 1947. However, their marriage ended just two years later due to Allen constantly pressuring White to give up her acting career. White did not have any children with her first two husbands but did become a stepmother during her third marriage.

In 1963, White married Ludden and stayed with him until his tragic death in 1981. During an interview with the Daily Mail, White explained she had no plans of getting married again. She said:

“Once you’ve had the best, who needs the rest?”

During their relationship, White became a stepmother to Ludden’s three children – David, Martha and Sarah – whom he had from a previous marriage. David is a successful academic, Martha is a retired lawyer, and Sarah runs a karate school called Thousand Waves with her husband.

Mourning the loss of her husband while still parenting her three stepchildren was at times challenging, but something that White knew she needed to do. During an interview with Times Go By, White talked about the mourning process and moving on.

“There’s no formula,” she said. “Keep busy with your work and your life. You can’t become a professional mourner. It doesn’t help you or others. Keep the person in your heart all the time. Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.”

Sandra Bullock, who starred with White in “The Proposal,” spoke with PEOPLE about what White was like as a stepmother. Bullock said, “(Betty) said, ‘You know what? I never had children biologically. I married someone who had three children. And how blessed I was to have those three stepchildren.’”

Despite loving and deeply caring for her three stepchildren, White never had any biological children and never had the desire to. Speaking with Kate Couric from CBS Sunday Morning in 2011, White talked more about her personal choice to never have biological children.

White said:

“I’ve never regretted it. I’m so compulsive about stuff, I know if I had ever gotten pregnant, of course, that would have been my whole focus. But I didn’t choose to have children because I’m focused on my career. And I just don’t think as compulsive as I am, that I could manage both.”

Up until her death in December 2021, White was a very busy woman with a highly successful career – and she loved it. Speaking with Couric, she explained, “It is such a blessing. I cannot possibly tell you, Katie, and it’s a constant surprise to me because as you get to this age, you’ve lost a lot of your close ones that you – you don’t just sit and talk to them about it, they’re not there anymore.”

White also gave some beautiful advice that she surely held onto as she continued to age. She said, “When I pontificate, it sounds so, you know, ‘Oh, well, she’s preaching.’ I’m not preaching, but I think maybe I learned it from my animal friends. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.”

What do you think about Betty White’s life, career and choice to not have children? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends, too.