Stephanie Barnaba remembers the first time she saw Betty White on TV. She was a young child living with her grandparents in Rhode Island, where she spent many evenings watching "The Golden Girls", co-starring White as the lovable Daffy Rose Nyland.
"We used to lie on our grandmother's bed and eat planter snacks out of tins," laughs Barnaba, 43, who owns a small media firm. "We thought the show was really funny, but more than anything, I enjoyed watching her. She was overjoyed."
White's performance remained a "source of good memories" for Barnaba for decades. She and her grandmother made a point of reruns of "The Golden Girls" for many years whenever they were together and in need of some small-screen comfort.
Barnabah is one of many Betty White fans across America who have reflected on the life of the Emmy-winning television star since she died on December 31 at the age of 99. Monday would have been his 100th birthday, and some of his fans celebrated the occasion, attending. Celebrate her career or attend virtual memorials.
In nearly 900 movie theaters across the country, independent distributor Fathom Events screened the 100-minute documentary "Betty White: A Celebration" filmed before her death. (The original subtitle was "100 Years Young - A Birthday Celebration".)
"During the many years we worked with her, we developed a great love and admiration for Betty as a person and as an accomplished entertainer," producers Steve Boecher and Mike Trinklen said in a joint statement.
"We are grateful for the many decades of joy he has brought to everyone," he said.
The film chronicles White's prolific production and personal life, including his tireless advocacy for animals. It also includes the presence of friends from the entertainment industry such as Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman and Carol Burnett.
Leida Rosenberg, 72, and her husband, Barry Spielvogel, 74, posed for an evening show at AMC Kips Bay 15 in New York City on Monday to reduce the risk of colds and COVID-19 - their first movie theater since the start of the pandemic. .
"We loved him. We won't miss it," said Rosenberg, a retired schoolteacher.
"We too have been stuck at home for two years," Spielvogel said.
Rosenberg said: "She showed us that you can still be active even into your old age. You don't have to sit at home. You can go out and volunteer and do something you love. "
"Unless there is a Covid," Spielvogel said.
In the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, where White was born, fans were invited to pay their respects in front of a movie theater over the weekend.
Small businesses in the city also paid tribute, NBC Chicago reported: a coffee shop served Betty White Mocha, an Italian restaurant poured glasses of her favorite cocktail (martinis, for the record), and a bakery served "Stay Golden" cookies. sold.
The Los Angeles Zoo invited guests to take a self-guided tour of White's favorite spots on the property, while other animal sanctuaries posted tributes. White cared deeply for "all living beings, including us," said the zoo's CEO and director, Dennis M. Verret, where White served on the board.
Meanwhile, the #BettyWhiteChallenge hashtag has rocked Instagram and Twitter. The social media users behind the campaign called on White's fans to donate $5 to local animal shelters or rescues in his name on Monday.
Google also recognized White. Anyone who discovered her name on Monday was greeted with animated rose petals and a graphic that read: "Thank you for being a friend" — a nod to the "The Golden Girls" theme song.
The tribute was a testament to White's wide-reaching legacy.
He was hailed as a natural television artist, gifted with an easygoing smile and impeccable timbre. He was recognized as a generation-span embodiment of professional longevity and beautiful aging.
Eric Seder, a technical consultant who works with law firms and grew up on "The Golden Girls", said he was particularly impressed by White's activism on behalf of animals, when many public figures were only Attaches herself to half-hearted reasons.
"Many celebrities throw their weight behind the cause, but only a few demonstrate authenticity," Cedar, 42, said in a phone interview.
"In the age of politicians and celebrities changing their public statements to fit current trends, Betty's messages of love, compassion and equality have never wavered," he said.
Barbara Sather, 70, who lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, put it more succinctly: "If you love animals that much, you must be a good person. It tells you what was in his heart."