American TV icon Betty White dies at 99

Betty White, the beloved American actress and television personality, died on New Year's Eve at the age of 99, just weeks before her 100th birthday on January 17. White gained worldwide fame for her roles as Sue Ann Nivens on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' (1973-1977) and Rose Nylund on 'The Golden Girls' (1985-1992). She later starred as Elka Ostrovsky on 'Hot in Cleveland' (2010-2015). White began her career in the 1940s and became one of the few stars to witness the transformations of American television and cinema. She appeared in films such as 'Advise & Consent,' 'The Rainmaker,' 'The Story of Us,' and 'The Proposal.' White was nominated for 20 Emmy Awards, winning seven, and has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also a dedicated animal rights activist, working with the Los Angeles Zoo since its opening in 1966. White often spoke of her love for animals, stating they never lie or criticize. She credited her mother for her cheerful disposition.