Here’s the advice Hot in Cleveland star Betty White gave to young actors

Betty White’s decades-long career included memorable roles in beloved series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls and, of course, Hot in Cleveland.

When it came to playing Elka Ostrovsky on Hot in Cleveland, White was initially hesitant to take the role. But after filming the pilot, she fell in love with the series. What began as a short-term commitment turned into a six-season stay in Cleveland. 

In a 2015 interview with USA Today, White reflected on the end of the series, which had just wrapped after six seasons. While it was an emotional goodbye between White and her Hot in Cleveland castmates, she was thankful for every moment of it.

According to the interview, White said she was amazed to still be working at her age. Roles for older actors often dry up as Hollywood shifts its focus to younger talent. She, however, spent decades defying those expectations and breaking age barriers.

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First with The Golden Girls and later with Hot in Cleveland, she proved that audiences were eager to watch stories centered on older women. She made being over 50 look cool.

When asked whether she planned to keep working after Hot in Cleveland ended, White's answer was simple: "I would love to."

"That’s one of the things I appreciate the most, that I’m still invited to work," White continued. "Usually, you get to a given age—and that’s a couple of decades ago for me—and work dries up. But I’ve been so lucky. I’m 93 and I’m so healthy and strong. Work is just a joy. I know it can’t go on forever, but I’m making the most of whatever comes along."

With a career spanning decades, the 93-year-old shared practical advice for aspiring actors. Her guidance was short and sweet: take the work seriously.

"Enjoy your work, but take it very seriously," White said. "Show up on time. Come in prepared. Learn your lines. Don’t ever think you can wing it, because you really can’t. It shows in your eyes. It gives you away if you haven’t done your homework."

Her long career in Hollywood wasn’t just about talent; it came down to discipline, professionalism and a real love of performing, all of which helped make her one of the longest-lasting actresses in Hollywood. Hot in Cleveland wasn’t the end... it was just another chapter.