Offering the filmmakers exclusive access into her home and backstage, the documentary reveals a behind-the-scenes look at her life and career from The Mary Tyler Moore Show to The Golden Girls to Hot in Cleveland and more. Plus there are reflections from countless stars including Carol Burnett, Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Morgan Freeman, Robert Redford and on and on. “I’m going BIG for my birthday - right to the BIG SCREEN!,” tweeted White on Dec. 16. Sadly, White passed away on New Year’s Eve, just weeks before her centennial. However, the film, originally titled Betty White: 100 Years Young, will still go on as planned. In a joint statement producers Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein wrote: “Our hearts mourn today with the passing of Betty White. 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. We are thankful for the many decades of delight she brought to everyone. Betty always said she was the “luckiest broad on two feet” to have had a career as long as she did. And honestly, we were the lucky ones to have had her for so long.” Now titled Betty White: A Celebration, the film will still be shown on Betty White’s birthday in almost 900 movie theaters nationwide on Monday, Jan. 17. As Boettcher and Trinklein added they hope the film will “provide a way for all who loved her to celebrate her life—and experience what made her such a national treasure.” Here’s what we know about the Betty White tribute movie.
What is Betty White: A Celebration?
Betty White: A Celebration is chock full of behind-the-scenes footage. White offered exclusive access as we get to see her on set, entertaining at home, advocating for animals and we even join her at her birthday party. Plus, there are clips from some of White’s most famous roles, including Rose on The Golden Girls, her turn as host on Saturday Night Live, her award-winning Super Bowl/Snickers commercial, Elka on Hot in Cleveland and priceless Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show along with other career highlights. Also included is a lost episode from White’s early sitcom from the 1950s.
Who’s in Betty White: A Celebration?
Special guests include: Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli, James Corden, Wendie Malick, Jennifer Love Hewitt and countless others. There is even footage from White’s good friend, the late Alex Trebek.
How to watch Betty White: A Celebration?
Betty White: A Celebration will play in almost 900 movie theaters nationwide Monday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. (all times local). Tickets can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations is available here. (Participating theaters are subject to change.)
Is the Betty White: A Celebration on TV?
As of press time, the film is only available for one day, on Jan. 17, in theaters. Betty White had an epic life and career. As President Biden wrote, she “brought a smile to the lips of generations of Americans.”
What time is Betty White: A Celebration on?
At 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Check your local theater listings.
Is there a trailer for Betty White: A Celebration?
Yes! Watch the trailer for Betty White: A Celebration below! Next, Betty White’s Recipe for a Long Life: ‘Hot Dogs and Vodka’
