Betty White’s 100th birthday documentary will move forward as planned.
The legendary actress’ death was confirmed on Friday, just weeks before she would join the centenarian club. As part of the celebrations, White agreed to participate in a star-studded documentary film that provided a glimpse into her everyday life and shed more light on her illustrious career.
In the wake of White’s unexpected death, many fans wondered whether the film—titled Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration—would still hit the big screen on what would’ve been her 100th birthday. Hours after her passing was announced, the team behind the project revealed the celebration would go on.
“Our hearts mourn today with the passing of Betty White. During the many years we worked with her, we developed a great love and admiration for Betty as a person, and as an accomplished entertainer,” producers/directors Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein said in a statement to People magazine. “We are thankful for the many decades of delight she brought to everyone. Betty always said she was the ‘luckiest broad on two feet’ to have had a career as long as she did. And honestly, we were the lucky ones to have had her for so long.
“We will go forward with our plans to show the film on January 17 in hopes our film will provide a way for all who loved her to celebrate her life—and experience what made her such a national treasure.”
The documentary will feature appearances by Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Carol Burnett, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, and more. As of Friday, the film was expected to screen at 900 theaters across the U.S. on Jan. 17, 2022. You can learn more about the documentary, including how to purchase tickets, at Fathom Events’ website.
