Yahoo News Betty White gives inspiring and adorable Emmys speech
Betty White has had the longest career of any actor or actress in television history - ever. This distinction is why she was honored Monday night at the 70th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, earning a standing ovation as she came out on stage.
The actress was introduced by Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon, with the latter joking: "At 96 years old, she still thinks about all those Emmys she didn't win. And she's still bitter."
White, who has won five Primetime Emmy Awards, used her to speech to talk about Emmys producer Lorne Michaels, her reputation as the first lady of television, and her career longevity.
"Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness. Thank you," she began. "I'm just going to quit while I'm ahead! Oh, my goodness, goodness, goodness. This is very exciting. I thought the biggest, most exciting night I had ever had, I'm talking to [SNL boss] Lorne Michaels now, was the night that he gave me an honor. But boy, you topped yourself tonight, Lorne. You think I'm going to miss a chance when I get it?
"Somebody said something the other day about 'First Lady of Television'. And I took it as a big compliment. And then I heard her talking to her daughter a little later, she said, 'First lady, yes, she's that old, she was the first one, way, way back'. But little did I dream then that I would be here. It's incredible that I'm still in this business, that I'm still - and you are still putting up with me.No, I'm thanking you. It's incredible that you can stay in a career this long and still have people put up with you.
"I wish they did that at home. I want to thank Lorne Michaels for doing not only this tonight, but all the wonderful things he's done with me - no, for me. And all I can say is, it's such a blessed business to be in, and how lucky can I be, and how much I say, thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you so much."
Long live Betty White!
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