by Juliet Romano

Created on: August 02, 2010

Popularity is whatever the immediate media makes it out to be. Betty White, even though a Golden Girl, Rose, from the old show Golden Girls that has been discontinued for a while, has gained popularity through mass media influence. At 88, the actress and comedian still makes appearances in major shows almost like a side character. Her appearances in recent commercials, such as the Snicker's commercial, has given rise to her old-but-not-out personality. So why is Betty White so popular now?  In general, this era is bringing back the old humor and it is most likely a phase or trend that occurs every now and then, much like any fame, it has its high lights and a series of no lights. Regardless if her personality is created by scripts or not, Betty White still retains a smile that, though covered in age, has a heart melting, belly hurting with laughter, and eyes sparkling with joy quality.

Before she appeared on the infamous Saturday Night Live, SNL, show, and has set the record for the oldest person to host the show; she had created a major fan base through viral marketing methods, such as Superbowl commercials on youtube. Her commercials prompted another look at her background and many people, especially the younger generation, used Facebook Groups, such as the ""Bring back BETTY WHITE to host next season's SNL PREMIERE!" have over thousands of fans and many other groups want to see her in more shows in general. Like many older actresses, Betty White is not forgotten and in the interest of attention grabbing commercials, companies are still willing to hire her for her fame.

Due to her recent popularity with the younger generation, she is scheduled to appear in Glee, has appeared in shows like Ugly Betty,  and also voiced for both the Simpsons and Family Guy. Not only did Betty White appear on SNL, she has also appeared on Larry King Live, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and even showed up on Oprah more than once. Betty White's come back was due to her older woman sense of humor and style. One of the main reasons why she has survived in the media is for her upbeat and humorous side to life. Even though her ratings were nonexistent at times, she has managed to slowly creep back up.

Many assume, it was due to her sense of humor and aggressive on camera roles, while some believe it is a simple trend that will recede like all famous people and be nothing more than a mere memory. She may be funny, older, and appear on a lot of shows and late night television, but viewers need to know that this little old lady has won not two or three, but six Emmy Awards for best actress performance on a television series musical or comedy. Her dazzling performance will end one day, but she will always be tattooed in our brains and hearts as one of the funniest Golden Girls there ever was.

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