poll: Who would replace Betty White? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

wiseguy182 · 05-04-2014, 12:34 PM

As unpleasant as it is to think about, Betty White is 92 and there's been some talk on what would happen if she passed away. Asking who would replace her is sort of a trick question since nobody could really replace a legend like Betty White. She would leave an enormous void. But...I think there are several older actors that might be a good fit, assuming they wanted to keep things the same and have an older actor as the caretaker of the house. Many of these options have already guest-starred on the show.

Let's take a look at some possibilities, I'll put an asterisk next to ones who have appeared on the show:

*Doris Roberts ~ Perhaps not quite as beloved as Betty, but she's certainly up there. Check out the HUGE applause she got when she guest starred on Full House in the early 90's (I think the only person to rival that, at least in the first 3 seasons, was Scott Baio). She has her fan base and deservedly so.

*Carol Burnett ~ Generally thought of as one of the nicest celebrities, as well as one of the funniest women, Carol would certainly be a strong contender. The Carol Burnett reunion shows, which were happening up to the 2000's, were very well received. And on that note...

Vicki Lawrence ~ would Vicki reprise the Mama character? Make no mistake about it, Vicki was still doing the character as recently as a few years ago, and the dvd releases last year were very well received. Vicki is only a year older than Wendie IRL, but the Mama character would have to be Elka's age right about now.

*Valerie Harper ~ Valerie's popularity is sky-high at the moment, after she beat out a seemingly incurable brain tumor. Perhaps a spot on a proven sitcom hit would be a nice end to a career that saw her kicked off her own sitcom in favor of Sandy Duncan. (and no, I DON'T want to see Sandy Duncan on Hot in Cleveland, so please don't suggest it, LOL

Charlotte Rae ~ And speaking of someone who beat out a tough disease at an old age, there's Charlotte Rae. Charlotte recently defeated pancreatic cancer (a silent killer since it has no visible symptoms). Charlotte pretty much disappeared after leaving the Facts of Life after seven seasons. But she certainly has experience playing a housemother. Speaking of which...

*Cloris Leachman ~ Ah, Cloris Leachman. She seems to be somewhat underestimated. Over the years, she's played everything from the mother of deranged Anthony Fremont, to Beverly Ann, to hilariously cantankerous Aunt Mooster on Promised Land. (a role in which she played a character considerably older than her real age, one of her episodes airs on UP! tomorrow -- 5/5/14). She could certainly play the role of feisty old lady like Betty. And on that note...

Katherine Helmond ~ Simply delightful as the likeable, feisty, horny old lady on Who's The Boss?

Angela Lansbury ~ Having seen several of her elderly Murder, She Wrote co-stars die in the last few years hasn't dissuaded Angela from retiring, she's apparently itching to get back into a major role. She's 88, and one of the older options. But she might be up to it.

Katherine MacGregor ~ This one seems unlikely as Scottie seemingly retired from television at the tail-end of Little House on the Prairie's run. But LHOTP is a much beloved show, and Katherine NAILED her part. Currently 89 years old, but she could bring the laughs.

Feel free to mention anyone I may have forgot. You may vote for more than one option in this poll.

MrCleveland · 05-04-2014, 03:09 PM

I only chose Vicki Lawrence since she's the youngest of the bunch.

Charlotte Rae may not make it after one season and Valerie Harper is on the edge of death...

Marvo301 · 05-04-2014, 07:32 PM

I would suggest Shirley Jones. She was great in a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show a few years back.

wiseguy182 · 05-04-2014, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCleveland

Valerie Harper is on the edge of death...

Not anymore, as I said.

wiseguy182 · 05-05-2014, 12:47 AM

holy crap, Valerie Harper is being sued for 2 million dollars by the producers of a play because she failed to disclose her illness and slurred her speech in rehearsals. What a frivilous, disgusting, revolting lawsuit.

Hot Lips · 05-05-2014, 11:15 AM

Whoever ends up taking her place and whenever that is the show won't be the same without Miss Betty White.

icecream · 05-05-2014, 01:15 PM

Vanna White

MrCleveland · 05-05-2014, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiseguy182

Not anymore, as I said.

That's why I'm not a fan of doctors...they will give you a time for death and if they say 24 hours...it could be 24 months that the person lives!

They give you an opinion and it really isn't much fact.

James28 · 05-05-2014, 02:49 PM

I thought I'd just go the safe route and choose Vicki Lawrence to be a potential replacement for Betty White (in case Ms. White doesn't live to see the end of Hot in Cleveland), even though this poll is multiple choice.

Anytime a senior citizen is cast in a current show, there's always high potential for them passing away while the show is still ongoing.

MrCleveland · 05-05-2014, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James28

I thought I'd just go the safe route and choose Vicki Lawrence to be a potential replacement for Betty White (in case Ms. White doesn't live to see the end of Hot in Cleveland), even though this poll is multiple choice.

Anytime a senior citizen is cast in a current show, there's always high potential for them passing away while the show is still ongoing.

Didn't know that, but yeah...that's the reason why I chose Lawrence. Most of the people on that list are in their 80's and may NOT see the entire series.

Sweathog · 05-07-2014, 04:42 AM

Well I know she is a Senior Citizen but the last time I checked she wasn't gone. I certainly hope she can make it through the entire run of the show. She is hilarious in the show.

king of comedy · 05-07-2014, 06:31 AM

Vicki Lawrenece

Schmoopie · 05-17-2014, 01:53 AM

I don't like Hot In Cleveland personally, but I don't think anyone could replace her. I always thought that if Betty White passed away that they would either cancel the show or find a way to go on without her. I do think that it's popular enough that Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli and Wendie Malick could carry the show on their own. They would have to do some serious rewriting but I think it would work. I think it's tacky and disrespectful when shows replace actors who have died with other actors (unless there's no way the character could be written off given the circumstances). I'd rather them just write the character off and give them a proper demise (the way it was handled when John Ritter died. Granted, I was beyond ticked at the way Monk handled Stanley Kammel's death (by barely even mentioning it), but at least they didn't replace him with another actor to play the same role.

McGillicuddy · 06-14-2014, 07:09 PM

Betty White is immortal!

Coffeecup · 06-14-2014, 08:37 PM

As I looked over the list, I passed on Vicki. I like her but if she did the Momma character I would tune out. Doing Momma has been seen enough. Now if the Elka character leaves, Betty could say I have had enough, isn't the house Elka's. The three would have to buy the house. It could be sold by a cousin. Might be better to have the 3 moved to a new ladys house. I thought the 3 could visit Carol Burnet. Didn't she play Victoria's mother.

View Poll Results: who would replace Betty White?
Doris Roberts	2	15.38%
Carol Burnett	1	7.69%
Vicki Lawrence	6	46.15%
Valerie Harper	1	7.69%
Charlotte Rae	1	7.69%
Cloris Leachman	2	15.38%
Katherine Helmond	0	0%
Angela Lansbury	0	0%
Katherine MacGregor	0	0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

05-04-2014, 12:34 PM	#1
wiseguy182 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 11, 2006 Location: Wendy's salad bar Posts: 7,030	poll: Who would replace Betty White? As unpleasant as it is to think about, Betty White is 92 and there's been some talk on what would happen if she passed away. Asking who would replace her is sort of a trick question since nobody could really replace a legend like Betty White. She would leave an enormous void. But...I think there are several older actors that might be a good fit, assuming they wanted to keep things the same and have an older actor as the caretaker of the house. Many of these options have already guest-starred on the show. Let's take a look at some possibilities, I'll put an asterisk next to ones who have appeared on the show: Doris Roberts ~ Perhaps not quite as beloved as Betty, but she's certainly up there. Check out the HUGE applause she got when she guest starred on Full House in the early 90's (I think the only person to rival that, at least in the first 3 seasons, was Scott Baio). She has her fan base and deservedly so. Carol Burnett ~ Generally thought of as one of the nicest celebrities, as well as one of the funniest women, Carol would certainly be a strong contender. The Carol Burnett reunion shows, which were happening up to the 2000's, were very well received. And on that note... Vicki Lawrence ~ would Vicki reprise the Mama character? Make no mistake about it, Vicki was still doing the character as recently as a few years ago, and the dvd releases last year were very well received. Vicki is only a year older than Wendie IRL, but the Mama character would have to be Elka's age right about now. Valerie Harper ~ Valerie's popularity is sky-high at the moment, after she beat out a seemingly incurable brain tumor. Perhaps a spot on a proven sitcom hit would be a nice end to a career that saw her kicked off her own sitcom in favor of Sandy Duncan. (and no, I DON'T want to see Sandy Duncan on Hot in Cleveland, so please don't suggest it, LOL Charlotte Rae* ~ And speaking of someone who beat out a tough disease at an old age, there's Charlotte Rae. Charlotte recently defeated pancreatic cancer (a silent killer since it has no visible symptoms). Charlotte pretty much disappeared after leaving the Facts of Life after seven seasons. But she certainly has experience playing a housemother. Speaking of which... Cloris Leachman ~ Ah, Cloris Leachman. She seems to be somewhat underestimated. Over the years, she's played everything from the mother of deranged Anthony Fremont, to Beverly Ann, to hilariously cantankerous Aunt Mooster on Promised Land. (a role in which she played a character considerably older than her real age, one of her episodes airs on UP! tomorrow -- 5/5/14). She could certainly play the role of feisty old lady like Betty. And on that note... Katherine Helmond* ~ Simply delightful as the likeable, feisty, horny old lady on Who's The Boss? Angela Lansbury ~ Having seen several of her elderly Murder, She Wrote co-stars die in the last few years hasn't dissuaded Angela from retiring, she's apparently itching to get back into a major role. She's 88, and one of the older options. But she might be up to it. Katherine MacGregor ~ This one seems unlikely as Scottie seemingly retired from television at the tail-end of Little House on the Prairie's run. But LHOTP is a much beloved show, and Katherine NAILED her part. Currently 89 years old, but she could bring the laughs. Feel free to mention anyone I may have forgot. You may vote for more than one option in this poll.
	__________________ "Dottie had said, in the event I got transferred that she was not interested in going with me. I wasn't expecting her to go with me. And wouldn't have even wanted her to I guess."

05-04-2014, 03:09 PM	#2
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,222	I only chose Vicki Lawrence since she's the youngest of the bunch. Charlotte Rae may not make it after one season and Valerie Harper is on the edge of death...
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)

05-04-2014, 07:32 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,450	I would suggest Shirley Jones. She was great in a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show a few years back.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

05-05-2014, 01:15 PM	#7
icecream Cat-tastic and Whiskerlicious Forum Celebrity Join Date: Sep 01, 2006 Location: The Catacombs Posts: 20,608	Vanna White
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05-05-2014, 12:47 AM	#5
wiseguy182 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 11, 2006 Location: Wendy's salad bar Posts: 7,030	holy crap, Valerie Harper is being sued for 2 million dollars by the producers of a play because she failed to disclose her illness and slurred her speech in rehearsals. What a frivilous, disgusting, revolting lawsuit.

05-05-2014, 11:15 AM	#6
Hot Lips I Have Hot Lips Frequent Poster Join Date: May 05, 2014 Location: 4077th MAS*H Posts: 149	Whoever ends up taking her place and whenever that is the show won't be the same without Miss Betty White.

05-05-2014, 02:49 PM	#9
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,967	I thought I'd just go the safe route and choose Vicki Lawrence to be a potential replacement for Betty White (in case Ms. White doesn't live to see the end of Hot in Cleveland), even though this poll is multiple choice. Anytime a senior citizen is cast in a current show, there's always high potential for them passing away while the show is still ongoing.
	__________________ "When the run of a network TV show has ended, some go out with a bang, some with a whimper, but all are...Future Endeavored." "Stay Safe"? More like "Stay Sad". #2020Hurts

05-07-2014, 04:42 AM	#11
Sweathog Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter. Occasional Poster Join Date: May 07, 2014 Location: USA Posts: 80	Well I know she is a Senior Citizen but the last time I checked she wasn't gone. I certainly hope she can make it through the entire run of the show. She is hilarious in the show.
	__________________ ~Beth~

05-07-2014, 06:31 AM	#12
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	Vicki Lawrenece

05-17-2014, 01:53 AM	#13
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I don't like Hot In Cleveland personally, but I don't think anyone could replace her. I always thought that if Betty White passed away that they would either cancel the show or find a way to go on without her. I do think that it's popular enough that Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli and Wendie Malick could carry the show on their own. They would have to do some serious rewriting but I think it would work. I think it's tacky and disrespectful when shows replace actors who have died with other actors (unless there's no way the character could be written off given the circumstances). I'd rather them just write the character off and give them a proper demise (the way it was handled when John Ritter died. Granted, I was beyond ticked at the way Monk handled Stanley Kammel's death (by barely even mentioning it), but at least they didn't replace him with another actor to play the same role.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

06-14-2014, 07:09 PM	#14
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	Betty White is immortal!

06-14-2014, 08:37 PM	#15
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,176	As I looked over the list, I passed on Vicki. I like her but if she did the Momma character I would tune out. Doing Momma has been seen enough. Now if the Elka character leaves, Betty could say I have had enough, isn't the house Elka's. The three would have to buy the house. It could be sold by a cousin. Might be better to have the 3 moved to a new ladys house. I thought the 3 could visit Carol Burnet. Didn't she play Victoria's mother.