The world suffered from many problems in 2021. With the progression of COVID-19, it was a stressful time for everyone. Unfortunately, the year had to end with the passing of two icons. Then, the new year began with another icon’s death just nine days in. 

Betty White was a worldwide name. She was an actress and comedian. White suffered a stroke on Christmas, passing away in Los Angeles six days later on New Year’s Eve. She was 17 days away from her 100th birthday. A parade was scheduled to celebrate her life on January 17, which was her birthday. The parade was then moved to January 16 because of Martin Luther King Day taking place on the 17. 

According to IMDb, she started her full-time career with a daytime show titled “Life With Elizabeth” in 1953, which ran until 1955 before being canceled. She spent time working other shows before landing the role of Sue Ann Nivens in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The show ran from 1970-1977, and then White followed that with her most famous role in 1985 when she became Rose Nyland in the sitcom “Golden Girls,” which ran from 1985-1992. She held her last major role in 2010, when she spent five years as Elka Ostrosky in the sitcom “Hot in Cleveland.” Her final acting credit was in the animated Toy Story 4 spin-off, “Forky Asks a Question: What is Love?” She played an animated cat ironically named Bitey White in the series. 

Betty was nominated for 57 awards in her career, winning 27. These awards include Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Best Actress in a Comedy Series, Comedian of the Year, and Female Star of the Year. White left behind three step children, which she shared with her late husband Allen Lunden who passed away in 1981. 

John Madden was a staple in the sports world. Born in 1936, Madden was a former football coach and sports commentator,

according to ESPN. He passed away on December 28, at the age of 85. He began his coaching career at Allan Hancock College in 1960 and was promoted to head coach in 1962. He then took over as offensive coordinator at San Diego State in 1964 before becoming the Linebackers Coach of the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) in 1967. Madden was officially named head coach of the Raiders in 1969 where he served until his retirement in 1978. He has the most wins out of any head coach in Raiders’ history, including a Super Bowl victory in 1976. He also has the second most number of wins out of any coach in the entire league, behind only Guy Chamberlain. In ten seasons with Oakland, his team only missed the playoffs one time. Following his retirement, he became a color commentator for CBS Sports until 1993. He was a commentator after that for Fox Sports, ABC Sports, and NBC Sports until his retirement in 2009. The final game he called was Super Bowl XLII on February 1, 2008. In honor of his career, EA Sports named their most popular football video game, “Madden NFL,” after him. 

Madden left behind his wife Virginia, with their 62nd wedding anniversary being two days prior to his passing, and two kids Joseph and Michael. 

Bob Saget was seen as one of the most beloved father figures in the television world, explained by the LA Times. This was because of the comedian and actor’s portrayal of Danny Tanner in the 90’s sitcom “Full House.” Danny Tanner was loved by everyone, being the wholesome dad who gave life lessons to his three daughters in the show. Outside of the show, Saget started his career writing short films at his alma mater, Temple University. In 1987 he landed his hit

role on Full House, and remained on the show for all eight seasons. He also hosted America’s Funniest Home Videos during his time on Full House. He played different one time roles and directed other movies during the 2000’s. In the 2010’s he had comedy shows run around the entire country. In 2016, he returned as the Danny Tanner character on the Full House reboot, Fuller House. He appeared

in limited episodes throughout the series until its end in 2020. Saget held his last comedy show on his tour on January 7, 2022, two days before his passing at the age of 65. He was found in his hotel room and it was determined that he died in his sleep. The cause of death is still unknown. Saget left behind his wife Kelly Rizzo and three daughters who he had with ex-wife Sherri Kramer, Aubrey, Lara Melanie, and Jennifer Belle, respectively. 

The entertainment and sports industries would not be where they are today without the influence of Betty White, John Madden, and Bob Saget. They revolutionized the way these industries operated. The world is still mourning their loss, and their legacies will be remembered forever.