Actress Betty White stars as Rose Nylund on the hit show "The Golden Girls."

White was born in 1922 in Oak Park, Illinois. She entered mainstream television landing the title role on the sitcom "Life with Elizabeth" which led her to win the first of many Emmy Awards. White was originally cast for a guest role on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," but her character of Sue Ann Nivens soon became a permanent fixture. White earned two more Emmy nods while appearing on the series.

White has played the character of Rose Nylund on three other series in addition to "The Golden Girls"—"Empty Nest," "The Golden Palace," and "Nurses." She received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Rose Nylund each year that "The Golden Girls" was on the air.

Over the years, White has also been featured on an extensive list of television shows such as "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Boston Legal," "That 70’s Show," "The Love Boat," "Mama’s Family," "The Practice," "Everwood," "My Wife and Kids" and "Joey."

White has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. In addition to her acting, she has authored many books and she is also well known for her tireless efforts as an animal rights activist.