The Real Reason Why Betty White Never Had Children

When it comes to Hollywood stars, there is no one more legendary than Betty White. The Golden Girls alum, who celebrated her 99th birthday on Jan. 17, 2021, has gotten more popular with age because of her humor, outgoing personality, and work ethic, to name a few shining qualities. Not only that, but she has starred in over 121 television and films and even earned a Guinness World Record in 2014 for "Longest TV Career for an Entertainer (Female)," according to Today. White's personality has made her a fan favorite on and off-screen, with Ryan Reynolds taking to his Instagram Stories to call her "the funniest person" on the planet, People reported. 

So what about White's life outside of work? The star was a stepmom to three kids but did not have biological children. Although the reason for that is not anyone's business, the legend did open up about her decision in a 2012 interview — keep on scrolling to find out what she had to say.

Betty White has been married three times, with her third marriage being the most successful. White and late husband Allen Ludden met on his game show, Password, where they eventually fell in love, according to Country Living. They were married from 1963 to 1981, up until when Ludden died from stomach cancer, per the outlet. The Hot in Cleveland actress hasn't remarried or been involved with anyone serious since Ludden's death, and also never seemed to regret not having any children.

White explained her decision to Katie Couric on CBS Sunday Morning in 2012, "No, I've never regretted it. I'm so compulsive about stuff, I know if I had ever gotten pregnant, of course, that would have been my whole focus. But I didn't choose to have children because I'm focused on my career. And I just don't think as compulsive as I am, that I could manage both."

Despite not having bio kids, White gained three stepchildren (David, Martha, and Sarah) when she married Ludden, whose first wife, Margaret, died in 1961. Sandra Bullock, who starred alongside White in 2009's The Proposal, once recalled how White said she "blessed" to be a stepmother, according to People.