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Betty White turns 95: See the beloved star talk 'Golden Girls' on TODAY in 1987

In honor of White's birthday, we're looking back at a 1987 TODAY interview in which she opened up about playing Rose Nylund.
/ Source: TODAY

Happy birthday, Betty White!

The TV legend turns 95 on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and while she's known for various small-screen roles — from Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" to Elka Ostrovsky on "Hot in Cleveland" — she's perhaps most loved for her turn as hilariously naive St. Olaf native Rose Nylund on "The Golden Girls."

In honor of White's birthday, we're looking back at a 1987 TODAY interview in which she opened up about the character.

"Now, Rose isn't slow-witted; she just marches to a different drum, that's all," White explained. "Rose believes anything anybody tells her and she takes each word at its surface meaning; she never looks for the overall meaning. And sometimes she backs into unfortunate situations."

Golden Girls
No one makes us laugh more than Blanche, Rose and Dorothy.ABC via Getty Images

White added that the rapport she shared with co-stars Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty was an important factor in the sitcom's success.

RELATED: 'Golden Girls' flashback: See Betty White and other cast members on TODAY in 1991

"We are having so much fun, there should be a law against it. We work well together, because everybody's very professional, but off-camera, we adore each other. And it's a privilege to go to work."

She continued, "If the four of us did not get along or support each other, I don't know how you can be funny. I really don't."

Check out the gallery below for a look back at White's decades-long career.

Betty White through the years: A look back at the beloved 'Golden Girl'

Slideshow  28 photos

Betty White through the years: A look back at the beloved 'Golden Girl'

From her early days in Hollywood to her resurgence of fame at 90, here's a look at White's decades-long career.