Betty White, who starred in the recently-cancelled comedy show Hot in Cleveland, was given a TV Icon award during this year’s People’s Choice Awards which was held on January 7. As she got to the stage to accept her award, none other than Chris Evans (aka Captain America himself), offered his arm to help white onto the stage. White received a standing ovation from the crowd and was given a bouquet of flowers before beginning her acceptance speech. The star was as sharp and funny as ever, even referencing a speech comedienne Melissa McCarthy gave earlier that evening.
“When Melissa McCarthy came up on stage and said she’d stay with us as long as you let her — well, you’ve abused the privilege with me,” White joked.
#PeoplesChoiceAwards: @BettyMWhite wins TV Icon, gets emotional standing ovation http://t.co/OtQo0lPDQN pic.twitter.com/olnb6jBZt2
— THR Live Feed (@TheLiveFeed) January 8, 2015
The 93-year-old also said that she was shocked that she’s still being given awards at her age. “The People’s Choice at 93?” the Golden Girls actress said. “Thank you with all my heart.”
The award was presented to White by Ellen DeGeneres, who won the award for favorite TV show host. It is worth noting that White is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest TV career for a woman in history. And while Hot in Cleveland has been cancelled, White still manages to stay relevant by poking fun at pop culture trends including her famous spoof of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” video.
Betty White began her career in the 1930s when she started doing voiceover work for radio commercials and shows. And while she found success in TV shows from the ‘40s onwards, she pretty much became a household name when she starred in the sitcom The Golden Girls which chronicled the life of single women (widows and divorcees) who have reached their golden years.
White is the last surviving member of The Golden Girls’ main cast.