In a surprising revelation, veteran actress Sally Struthers has opened up about her uncomfortable experience with the beloved Betty White, describing the late comedy icon as “very passive-aggressive.” The shocking claim came during a recent interview where Struthers reflected on her career and relationships in Hollywood.
Struthers, best known for her role as Gloria Stivic in All in the Family, shared that she admired White’s sharp wit but didn’t always appreciate how it was directed at her. “Betty was a master at throwing shade without you even realizing it until much later,” Struthers said. “She commented about my weight during a party once, and I laughed it off at the time. But when I thought about it later, I realized how much it stung.”
The Emmy-winning actress revealed that the moment happened in the 1980s when Hollywood’s expectations for women were notoriously rigid. “She said something like, ‘Oh, Sally, you must love catering on set—it shows!’ And everyone laughed, including me, but I felt a bit humiliated. That’s just who Betty was—charming but cutting.”
While Struthers acknowledged White’s immense talent and legacy, she also pointed out the challenges of navigating relationships with other strong personalities in show business. “I loved Betty, but she wasn’t perfect. Nobody is. She had her moments of being passive-aggressive, and that was one of them.”
Fans of both actresses are divided over the comments. Many see Struthers’ remarks as an honest reflection of her personal experiences, while others feel uncomfortable hearing criticism of someone as cherished as Betty White.
The internet has exploded with reactions, with some defending White’s playful sense of humor and others empathizing with Struthers’ feelings. One Twitter user wrote, “Betty White was a queen, but queens have flaws too. Sally is just sharing her truth.” Another commented, “Let’s not tarnish Betty’s memory—she brought joy to millions!”
Despite the controversy, Struthers insists she isn’t trying to attack White’s legacy. “I don’t want people to think I’m speaking ill of her. She was incredibly talented and made us all laugh. But she could also make you feel small if you weren’t careful. It’s just something that happened, and I’ve moved on.”
As Hollywood reflects on the legacy of icons like Betty White, Struthers’ candidness is sparking important conversations about the pressures of the entertainment industry, the complex relationships between co-stars, and how even the most beloved figures are human after all.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Betty’s humor crossed the line, or was it all just playful banter? Let us know in the comments!