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While Betty White became a sitcom superstar thanks to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls, she also helped pioneer the genre in the 1950s.

It started when White found herself co-hosting — then solo hosting — a daytime talk show in Los Angeles called Hollywood on Television, according to comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff writing for Wfmu. Because the medium was so new, White would ad-lib for hours until an enterprising producer began writing short husband-and-wife sketches for White (Elizabeth in the scripted bits) and her dullard partner Alvin. “They worked — above and beyond anyone’s expectations,” White explained.

The sketches eventually evolved into a locally produced situation comedy called Life With Elizabeth. It was a low-rent affair, with White and producer/writer George Tibbles making up names to list in the credits so it would seem like a more robust production. Klac’s station manager got ambitious after a month...

At the age of 90, Betty White picked up her 20th Emmy nomination for hosting "Betty White's Off Their Rockers." Yep, 20 for her primetime and daytime work and she's still grateful -- and surprised -- by the love.

"I'm 90 years old, I've been around forever," White said during a recent phone interview with The Huffington Post. "People have got to be up to here with me and to still get a nomination was just incredible."

Her 20th nomination was for Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program for NBC's hidden camera prank show, "Betty White's Off Their Rockers." The Emmy love didn't stop there: Her NBC birthday special, "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl," also received two nominations.

"I'm so thrilled! It sure keeps life interesting," she said.

Since her TV career began in the '40s, White has been a mainstay in the medium.

Veteran funnylady Betty White celebrates her 90th birthday Tuesday -- and NBC threw her an extravaganza!

The 90-minute "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" special, which aired Monday, featured birthday wishes from the likes of Tina Fey, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Hugh Jackman, Amy Poehler, Joel McHale, Morgan Freeman, Ray Romano, Ellen DeGeneres, Carl Reiner, William Shatner, Chevy Chase, Zachary Levi (who proposed marriage to the adorably game star) and President Barack Obama himself.

The hilarity never stops with octogenarian superstar Betty White, who is now set to host an NBC reality show, tentatively titled, "Betty White's Off Their Rockers."

Wait until you hear the premise! The series focuses on a group of senior citizens who band together to play pranks on younger people. Now, that's entertainment!

The "Hot in Cleveland" star will host the series, based on a hit Belgian show that has been produced in other European countries,...

"Extra" asked for your votes on your favorite entertainers of 2010 -- and the top five choices have been made!

Coming in at No. 5 is spectacular octogenarian Betty White, who has had one heck of a year making the masses laugh their asses off.

From her hilarious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement acceptance speech in January, to her stellar hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live," appearances on the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, her wacky Snickers commercial, her TV series "Hot in Cleveland,...

Betty White, 88, is starring in the new film "You Again," alongside Kristen Bell and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Check out these fun facts you probably didn't know about the celebrated octogenarian sensation.

55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White

Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.

Betty White

Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.

Betty White

Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.

Betty White

Betty was the first woman to receive...

Betty White, 88, is starring in a new TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland."

Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite -- and White hottest -- actress!

Check out more facts that you probably didn't know about America's favorite actress!

55 Fun Facts About Betty WhiteBetty White

Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois onJanuary 17, 1922.

Betty White

Betty White is of German and Greek ancestry.

Betty White

Moved to Los Angeles at two years old.

Betty White, who has spent six decades as a comforting television presence, will be honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award at the 16th annual SAG Awards on Jan. 23.

White is best known for her roles as the deceptively sweet Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and the sweetly naive Rose Nylund on "The Golden Girls." She has also made her mark as a passionate animal activist.

At 87, she remains continually active. She most recently appeared on the big screen in "The Proposal" as Sandra Bullock's grandmother; she is part of the voice cast of Hayao Miyazaki's animated "Ponyo"; and is currently filming Disney's "You Again," starring Kristen Bell.

"Whether creating some of television's most indelible characters, plunging into film roles with joyous gusto or perfecting the art of the quip as a television panelist and host, Betty White has entertained audiences with...