Finally, an end to the darkness is in sight – Betty White has announced she’s making her big TV comeback
Betty White. (Amanda Edwards/ WireImage)
Betty White is making her TV comeback in a new Lifetime movie.
Remember back in 2019 when we all hoped 2020 would be a great year? Well, it’s fair to say those hopes have been dashed — but Betty White is making it a little bit better.
This year is pretty much beyond saving at this point, but the acclaimed actress and LGBT+ icon is set to make her return to television, so at least that’s something good.
The 98-year-old Golden Girls star will be appearing in an as-yet-untitled made-for-TV Christmas film for Lifetime, Entertainment Weekly reports.
In the film, White will play a woman who helps would-be Santas get ready for the festive season — but she could actually be Mrs Claus.
Betty White has been outspoken in her support for the LGBT+ community, and it’s fair to say she has quite the following.
White is beloved by the LGBT+ community and has also been a vocal advocate for queer people’s rights throughout her long and storied career.
Speaking to Parade magazine in 2010, White said people should mind their own business and not focus on other people’s relationships.
“I don’t care who anybody sleeps with. If a couple has been together all that time – and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones – I think it’s fine if they want to get married,” she said.
“I don’t know how people can get so anti-something. Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and don’t worry about other people so much.”
She also joked: “Gays love old ladies.”
Lifetime doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to LGBT+ representation, sadly.
While her LGBT+ fanbase might hope for a queer twist to her upcoming Lifetime Christmas film, it seems unlikely, given the network’s track record.
Last year, Lifetime released 30 new Christmas films — and not a single one had an LGBT+ lead character.
In an interview with The Wrap last year, Meghan Hooper White of Lifetime said they always strive to make their festive favourites reflective of the world around us.
“We want to see ourselves. While we are proud of the great strides we have made in having many inclusive and diverse storylines… we can always continue to expand,” she said.
