In a revealing podcast appearance, Sally Struthers shared how she felt about Betty White's behavior towards her, including an incident where she felt fat-shamed by the iconic actress.
Sally Struthers has publicized her challenging interactions with Betty White, emphasizing a lack of positivity in their encounters, Page Six reported.
Sally Struthers, known for her role in "All in the Family," recently spoke on the "Let's Talk About That" podcast, where she described her past experiences working with Betty White. Struthers highlighted an event during the pilot for a new game show, recalling how White's comments made her feel uncomfortable.
During the podcast, Struthers recounted how White discouraged her from eating a cookie in front of others by saying, "Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you, dear, you don’t need a cookie." This remark left Struthers feeling belittled, a sentiment she carried with her long after the incident occurred.
Throughout the discussion, Struthers portrayed White as "very passive aggressive," a personality trait that seemed at odds with the beloved public image White maintained. Despite White's death in December 2021, her memory and persona remain a topic of significant public interest.
According to Struthers, her personal experiences with White contrast sharply with the widespread admiration White received during her lifetime. This admiration included a grassroots campaign that successfully pushed for White to host "Saturday Night Live."
Betty White, an esteemed television personality, passed away just shy of her 100th birthday due to a stroke. Best remembered for her role on "Golden Girls," White was a fixture in American entertainment from 1985 to 1992, where she starred alongside Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, and Rue McClanahan.
White was celebrated by many for her comedic talent and warm personality, garnering a fanbase that spanned generations. Notably, she had recorded a thank-you message for her fans in anticipation of her 100th birthday, expressing gratitude for the support over her decades-spanning career.
In her message, White said, "I just want to thank you all for your love and support over the years. Thank you so much, and stick around!" This message highlights the affection White felt towards her fans and her intent to maintain a connection even as she approached the century mark.
Yet, not all who worked closely with White shared this fond perspective. Bea Arthur, according to a 2022 memoir by Joel Thurm, had used derogatory language to describe White due to her alleged treatment towards Estelle Getty, another "Golden Girls" co-star.
Betty White openly discussed her views on mortality in a 2012 interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," where she expressed a fearless curiosity about the afterlife. "I'm not at all afraid to die. At that point, you learn the secret," she said, reflecting a philosophical take on her own mortality.
Struthers, recognizing White's massive appeal, admitted her experiences might not reflect the broader public perception. "I know everybody loves her. They loved her so much... I know all that," Struthers commented, acknowledging the disconnect between her personal interactions and the public's perception of White.
Despite this acknowledgment, Struthers maintained, "I didn’t have such a great experience with her," during the podcast. This feeling highlights the complexity of personal relationships in Hollywood, often hidden behind the curtain of public admiration and media portrayals.
The entertainment industry, known for both its glamor and its challenging interpersonal dynamics, provides a backdrop for varied personal experiences. Struthers’ account adds a layer to the understanding of Betty White not only as a performer but as an individual.
In discussing Bea Arthur, Struthers noted her propensity to speak negatively about people, saying, "She would trash everyone we ever knew." This comment sheds light on the sometimes-tense relationships among iconic figures in show business, adding depth to the public narratives.
As fans and industry peers continue to celebrate Betty White's legacy, the revelations by Sally Struthers offer a reminder of the complex human aspects behind the beloved personas. These stories contribute to a fuller portrait of the personalities that have shaped television history.
