Betty White Turned Down A Jack Nicholson Hit Because Of A Disturbing Scene
If you wanted to work with the great Betty White at any point throughout her extraordinary 70-plus-year career, your best bet was to offer her a television gig. Starting with the talk show "Hollywood on Television" in 1949, White made the small screen, and America’s living rooms, her home via sitcoms, game shows, and appearances on late-night programs like "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." White was a delightful presence with killer comedy timing, her secret weapon being that daffy persona that often bubbled over with surprisingly scalding wit. You never knew what was going to come out of White’s mouth, and that made her one of the medium’s unlikeliest stars (though her presence was once ratings poison for "Bones").
This isn’t to say White didn’t do movies. Her first credited appearance didn’t arrive until 1962 when she played a U.S. Senator from Kansas in Otto Preminger’s terrific "Advise and Consent." She wouldn’t return to movies in an onscreen capacity until the 1998 action flick "Hard Rain," at which point she began to work more frequently in features, typically in small supporting roles.
Interestingly, there was an offer on the table for her to make an earlier return to the movies in a high-profile Jack Nicholson comedy, but she turned it down for one fairly hairy reason.
Betty White wouldn’t be in anything that joked about cruelty to animals
During one of her many appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," White revealed that she had been offered a part in the Oscar-winning James L. Brooks film "As Good as It Gets." This would’ve brought her back to movies two years prior to "Hard Rain," but it wasn’t to be due to White’s objection to a mean-spirited gag in the script. As White told Leno, "They had this adorable dog in it, but in one scene the guy goes down the hall and puts the dog down the rubbish chute."
What was White’s specific issue with this joke? "Of course, it lands on some cushions and it’s fine," she said. "But I didn’t want to set that example because you never know what nuts or kids will see it and think I can do that. The director said, ‘The dog’s fine, the dog’s fine!’. But I said, ‘I just can’t do that.’"
White acknowledged that she might’ve made a career mistake by turning down a hit, but she had no regrets. And this shouldn’t come as a surprise because White was a well-known advocate for the Los Angeles Zoo and the American Humane Society. Even a silly, seemingly harmless bit like the trash chute scene in "As Good as It Gets" was a no-go for White.
Conclusion
Betty White’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare shines through her decision to turn down a role in "As Good as It Gets," showcasing her dedication to her values beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Betty White turn down a role in "As Good as It Gets"?
Betty White turned down the role due to a mean-spirited gag involving cruelty to animals in the script.
2. What was the specific scene that Betty White objected to in the movie?
The scene involved a character putting a dog down a rubbish chute, although the dog was unharmed in the end.
3. What does Betty White’s decision reveal about her values?
Betty White’s decision reflects her strong advocacy for animal welfare and her refusal to participate in any content that goes against her beliefs.
4. Was Betty White known for her work in movies?
While primarily known for her television roles, Betty White also appeared in various movies throughout her career.
5. How did Betty White’s career trajectory shift between TV and movies?
Betty White started with TV in 1949 and later ventured into movies, particularly in the later years of her career.
6. What impact did Betty White’s presence have on television?
Betty White’s comedic timing and unique persona made her a beloved figure on television, captivating audiences with her wit.
7. Why did Betty White prioritize her values over career opportunities?
Betty White’s strong commitment to her values, especially regarding animal welfare, guided her decisions in both her personal and professional life.
8. How did Betty White handle the offer to star in "As Good as It Gets"?
Betty White respectfully declined the offer due to her objection to a specific scene involving animal mistreatment in the film.
9. What organizations did Betty White support related to animal welfare?
Betty White was a well-known advocate for the Los Angeles Zoo and the American Humane Society, actively working to protect and care for animals.
10. What legacy does Betty White leave behind in the entertainment industry?
Betty White leaves behind a legacy of talent, humor, and compassion, showcasing the power of staying true to one’s values in a challenging industry.
Tags: Betty White, As Good as It Gets, Jack Nicholson, Hollywood, Animal Welfare, Comedy, Movies, Television