In a candid conversation on the Let’s Talk About That! With Larry Saperstein and Jacob Bellotti podcast, actress Sally Struthers opened up about a surprising and uncomfortable experience with the late Betty White. Struthers, who is best known for her iconic role as Gloria Stivic on All in the Family, recalled an incident where White made a comment she felt was deeply hurtful.
The Cookie Incident
According to People, Struthers recalled an experience when she visited Betty White’s home to work on a pilot for a new game show. White had asked her housekeeper to bring them some food. “Then the plate was set in the middle and it was cookies, I think,” Struthers shared. “So I reached for a cookie and she said in front of everyone, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you dear, you don’t need a cookie.’ ” The hosts were taken aback. “Totally fat-shamed me in front of the rest of the people in the room,” Struthers added, “And I thought, ‘Gosh, that’s not nice.’”
While Struthers didn’t want to paint White as a villain, she did acknowledge that the interaction was a painful one and came from someone she had previously admired. Struthers characterized White as a “very passive-aggressive woman,” a side to the actress that, according to Struthers, wasn’t as visible to the public as White’s beloved on-screen persona, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
In addition to discussing her less-than-ideal encounter with White, Fox News noted Struthers fondly recalled her experiences working with another Golden Girls star, Bea Arthur. She described Arthur as “so candid” and “so funny,” and mentioned that their friendship was filled with humorous and unfiltered moments. Struthers vividly remembered how Arthur would “trash everyone we ever knew” when the two actresses bumped into each other while shopping in Brentwood.
Time With Elvis Presley
Despite her disappointment with White, Struthers reflected on other positive celebrity experiences. She spoke with great warmth about her time with Elvis Presley, whom she described as “probably the nicest man I ever met.” Struthers shared that Presley was “so polite and so kind and soft-hearted,” offering a sharp contrast to the behavior she had experienced from White, as reported by the New York Post.
The podcast conversation offers a rare glimpse into the complicated dynamics that can exist behind the scenes in Hollywood. Struthers’ remarks have sparked interest, as they present a more nuanced and personal side to Betty White, the beloved star who was known for her wit and charm, both on-screen and off. While Struthers doesn’t hold onto resentment, her story adds another layer to the already rich history of her career and the relationships she’s forged with some of the industry’s biggest stars.
Struthers’ candidness about her past relationships shows the delicate balance of public admiration and private interactions. While Betty White’s legacy will continue to be celebrated, Struthers’ reflections serve as a reminder that even icons can have their more challenging moments.
