How Betty White is celebrating her 99th birthday: 'Older than sliced bread'

The longtime actress has said she'll feed her ducks while in lockdown

Actress Betty White poses for a portrait in Los Angeles on June 9, 2010. White turns 99 on Sunday, January 17. AP Photo

American actress Betty White, who was born in 1922, has had a career in television longer than anyone else, having spent 80 years appearing on the small screen.

The Golden Girls star marks her 99th birthday on Sunday, which she will spend in lockdown in her Los Angeles-area home.

"What am I doing for my birthday? Running a mile each morning has been curtailed by Covid-19, so I am working on getting The Pet Set re-released, and feeding the two ducks who come to visit me every day," White told Entertainment Tonight.

The Golden Girls, clockwise from top left, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, Betty White and Estelle Getty.

The Pet Set is White's syndicated show from the 1970s, which celebrated her love for animals and will be re-released on DVD and streaming platforms on February 23. It featured celebrities such as Mary Tyler Moore, Doris Day and Burt Reynolds, as well as their furry friends.

“Since I am turning 99, I can stay up as late as I want without asking permission!” White told AP.

On top of feeding ducks, White said her plans also include eating a hot dog and French fries brought to her by her longtime friend and agent, Jeff Witjas (who will also turn up with a bouquet of roses).

White's acting credits date back 75 years, to 1945, when she first appeared in a short film called Time to Kill. She has a total of 121 credits listed on IMDb.

Since then, she's become known for playing a range of beloved characters, and for her comedic timing. That's what has earned her four Golden Globe nominations, five Emmy awards and nearly 40 other wins.

In 2018, there was a documentary made about her life and career, called Betty White: First Lady of Television.

"I am blessed with good health, so turning 99 is no different than turning 98," White told People magazine this week.

When asked what keeps her going, she replied: "A sense of humour. Don't take yourself too seriously. You can lie to others – not that I would – but you cannot lie to yourself."

'Icons only'

Friends and fans paid tribute to the TV legend on Twitter.

"Happy Rockin’ Birthday and Many More," wrote Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons.

Sister, Sister actress Jackee Harry posted a photo to mark the day, with the hashtag #IconsOnly.

Fans admitted to being nervous when they saw White's name trending on Twitter, before realising it's her birthday.

Many shared images of White when she was younger.

And also made reference to the fact that she's older than sliced bread, which was first sold to the public in 1928.