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Sally Struthers, the acclaimed All in the Family actress, recently shared candid reflections on her interactions with Betty White during an appearance on the Let's Talk About That! podcast. Speaking on January 13, Struthers opened up about a moment of public "fat-shaming" by White that left her with mixed feelings about the iconic actress.
The 77-year-old recounted an incident while working on a pilot for a game show at White's home in Los Angeles. As they gathered around a plate of cookies brought out by White's housekeeper, Struthers reached for one, only to hear White quip, "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you, dear. You don't need a cookie." The comment, made in front of others, stunned Struthers. "It was totally unnecessary," she remarked. "That's not nice, especially in front of everyone."
Despite her negative experience, Struthers acknowledged the widespread admiration White garnered throughout her illustrious career. "I know everybody loves her," she said. "People signed petitions to get her to host Saturday Night Live. She was adored by millions. But my experience wasn't so great."
White, who passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 99, remains a cherished figure for her portrayal of Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls and other beloved roles. Struthers' remarks, however, shed light on a lesser-known facet of the late actress. White's representatives have not commented on the claims.
Struthers contrasted her encounters with White by praising Bea Arthur, White's co-star on The Golden Girls. Arthur, she said, was a "force of nature" and far from conventional. During rehearsals for All in the Family, where Arthur guest-starred as Maude, she would insert expletives into her lines, shocking the room but keeping the atmosphere lively. "She was filthier than a drunken sailor," Struthers joked, reminiscing about their laughter-filled run-ins at grocery stores.
The anecdotes underline the complexity of relationships in Hollywood's golden era. While White's public persona was endearing, Struthers' story reminds us that even icons are human, with flaws and contradictions.
While reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized her gratitude for colleagues like Arthur, whose humor and authenticity left a lasting impression.
