HERE WE GO AGAIN: My Life in Television

by Betty White ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1995

A breezy memoir of 45 years in television by a lady who's seen it all and is still in there pitching. For many years of her career, Betty White appeared to be one of those uniquely television-made stars: someone who was famous purely for being famous. It wasn't until she created the unforgettable role of Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show that the world saw the remarkable comic actress who was lurking behind the perennial game show contestant. White has a great idea for this autobiography: She tells her life story as reflected in the history of television, a medium she was a part of from its very earliest days. Her first major break, in 1949, was a daytime local Los Angeles show, Hollywood on Television, on which she was required to ad-lib for a staggering five and a half hours a day, six days a week. And yet she found the experience a complete pleasure and moved easily onward to sit-coms, game shows (she eventually became the first female host), variety shows, and more. Throughout, she frequently comments on how what she did would be done in TV today, and envisions the future of the medium. Her private life takes a secondary role here, although her love for husband Allen Ludden is sweetly displayed. Unfortunately for this surprisingly lengthy book, not every anecdote is as engrossing as White seems to think; she gives equal weight to her parade-hosting appearances and her Emmy-winning performances. Still, the actress comes across as good company: a gracious woman with an unkind word for no one. A likable if long-winded autobiography from a justifiably well-loved personality.

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1995

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1995

Categories: NONFICTION