Valerie Bertinelli Shares Heartfelt Memories of Betty White’s ‘Radiant Aura’ of ‘Genuine Grace and Benevolence’ During Their Time Together
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In a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Valerie Bertinelli took a moment to reflect on her cherished memories and experiences working alongside the beloved television legend, Betty White. The two talented actresses had the pleasure of co-starring on the TV Land sitcom, Hot in Cleveland, from the years 2010 to 2015. During the interview, Bertinelli fondly reminisced about the late Betty White and the lasting impact she had on those around her.
Describing her recollections with warmth and admiration, Bertinelli, 65, shared, “She was magical. You know, there are people that when they walk into a room, they kind of glow.” Bertinelli further elaborated on White’s remarkable essence, stating, “Betty had this aura about her of just pure grace and kindness and humour.” White, who sadly passed away at 99 years old on December 31, 2021, left behind a legacy of positivity and joy that continues to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.
During their time together on Hot in Cleveland, Bertinelli and her co-stars formed a close bond with White, creating unforgettable memories both on and off set. Bertinelli fondly recalled a heartwarming surprise they planned for White’s 90th birthday in 2012. Known for her love of animals, they decided to commemorate the special occasion by gifting her a box of puppies for the day, as a thoughtful gesture of affection and admiration towards their esteemed colleague.
Betty White’s unwavering passion for animals was well-known, and her dedication to advocating for animal welfare left a lasting impact on those around her. Bertinelli shared a touching anecdote about how White had personally named her beloved pets, demonstrating her deep connection to the animal kingdom and her kind-hearted nature. Bertinelli remarked, “In fact, she named my dog and she named my first cat. She named Luna and Nelson, my first cat, because she always wanted a cat named Nelson Eddy, so she gave that to me for Nelson.”
Beyond their shared experiences on set, Bertinelli expressed her gratitude for the wonderful opportunity to work on Hot in Cleveland and collaborate with a talented team of individuals. She took to social media to commemorate the show’s 10-year anniversary, expressing her immense gratitude for the enriching experience and the valuable lessons she learned during her time on the show. The memories she created with White and the entire Hot in Cleveland cast remain cherished moments in her heart.
Reflecting on her initial encounter with White during the pilot episode of Hot in Cleveland, Bertinelli recalled being in awe of the legendary actress. Despite White’s iconic status in Hollywood, she remained humble and approachable, preferring to be treated as an equal among her colleagues. Bertinelli shared, “And she was just like, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal.’ I mean, she’s Betty White, but she just thinks it’s no big deal. And she wanted to be treated like everybody else. And that was important to her and I never could quite do that though.”
In closing, Valerie Bertinelli’s heartfelt reminiscence of her time spent with Betty White serves as a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, grace, and infectious humour. As the world continues to mourn the loss of a true television icon, Bertinelli’s words stand as a testament to White’s enduring spirit and the profound impact she had on all those who had the privilege of knowing her.