Over the years, we've seen Betty White in a number of terrific roles, from Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show to Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. In 2012, she added another to the list — Grammy Norma in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.
SheKnows exclusive with Betty White
In an amazing career spanning over seven decades, Betty White has received 20 Emmy nominations, winning seven times. And of course, no one will ever forget White guest-hosting Saturday Night Live in 2010. In recent years, the 90-year-old White has garnered a cult-like following. In 2012, she continued to add more credits to her name — including a role in the 3-D CGI film Dr. Seuss' The Lorax as Grammy Norma.
The Lorax
Many of us grew up on Dr. Seuss books. We now read the stories to our kids, huddle around the TV to watch our favorites and flock to the theater to see the Seuss movies. On March 2, 2012, Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment released a new film based on one of the classic Dr. Seuss books — The Lorax. The movie hit theaters on the 108th birthday of Seuss, who died in 1991 at the age of 87.
The story is set in the town of Thneedville where a boy is searching for love but also finds an exciting adventure. He meets a variety of unique characters such as the often-grumpy and always lovable Lorax and the mysterious Once-ler. White joined a star-studded cast of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax as the voice of Grammy Norma in the film.
"Making The Lorax was a delight and environmentally it's such a beautiful story — that's what drew me to it," said White. "The movie is very positive and fun, but also has a message — that we have to make the most of what we have and save what we have left of this amazing planet."
Despite her age, Grammy Norma is brave and vibrant. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and she's a whole lot of fun. She sounds a lot like White herself.
"We are both old that's for sure — that's our main similarity," White laughed. "What I love about her is that she digs into life and enjoy every minute of it."
Betty White and the Emmys
White has a long list of Emmy wins and nominations on her resume. In July 2012, White was nominated for another. This time, the nod comes from her role as host of NBC's Betty White's Off Their Rockers.
In the vein of Punk'd, the show delivers crafted comedic stunts and candid moments, capturing the hilarious reactions of unsuspecting people on hidden cameras.
"It's a hidden camera show but this time it's old people putting young people on," explained White. "They allow young 'marks' to hear some pretty outrageous stuff — all staged, of course. I think the results are pretty funny."
Hearing that she's been nominated for an award never gets old for White. "When the nominations were announced I was so shocked... and I'm still shocked and very thrilled," she gushed.
The Lorax on Blu-ray and DVD
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax will be available on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on August 7, 2012. Both sets feature DVD, Digital Copy and UltraViolet, so you can watch it anytime, anywhere.
The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack will also include three brand new mini-movies featuring some of your favorite characters from The Lorax including the Bar-ba-loots, Humming-Fish, Swomme-Swans and, of course, the Once-ler and the Lorax. Plus, there's plenty of other bonus features that your family will love.
In addition to Betty White, the all-star cast of the film features Danny DeVito , Ed Helms , Zac Efron , Rob Riggle and Taylor Swift .
"I encourage everyone to see it," said White. "It's the kind of movie that young kids — and everyone — will want to see again. It's pretty to look at and the story is very enjoyable. I know I want to see it again."
The Lorax sneak peek
Check out a sneak peek of the new mini-movies and find out more about The Lorax in the video below.
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is coming to Blu-ray and DVD
Image credit: Starbux/WENN.com
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How to recreate Dr. Seuss stories at home