The Unforgettable Moments That Never Made It On Screen

Some of the most cherished moments from the set of Hot in Cleveland were the ones that never made it to the screen. Jane Leeves, who played beautician Joy on the hit TV Land series, reminisced about her favorite part of the week: trying to make Betty White laugh. “If I could get Betty to crack up, it was like winning the lottery,” she recalled with a smile. “I’d turn around when the cameras weren’t rolling and do something silly, just to see her face light up. Watching Betty laugh—it was pure magic. It was one of those moments that made your heart feel full.”

Six Seasons of Laughter, Love, and Friendship

For six unforgettable seasons, the dynamic quartet of Hot in Cleveland — Jane Leeves, Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, and Wendie Malick — brought stories about friendship, love, and finding happiness after 50 to life. “We all shared this belief that life can get sweeter and richer as we age, as long as we keep our sense of humor,” explained Wendie, who portrayed one of three Hollywood insiders who moved to the Midwest to reinvent themselves. At the heart of the show was Betty White, playing Elka, the women’s hard-drinking octogenarian landlady. With her quick wit and unforgettable charm, Betty became the anchor of the show, proving that age is just a number when it comes to delivering the best lines.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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Elka Grimes: The Character That Stole Hearts

Elka Grimes, the saucy and sassy octogenarian landlady, quickly became the audience's favorite character. It’s ironic, considering her role wasn’t originally intended to be so prominent. “Betty’s timing was impeccable,” said Wendie, who played retired soap star Victoria Chase. “She had this incredible knack for comedy that made every scene she was in unforgettable.” Betty initially agreed to do a guest appearance on the pilot, hesitant to commit to another TV series. “I said ‘yes’ only if it was a one-shot deal,” she joked. But the producers saw the chemistry between Betty and the younger cast members and begged her to join the show full-time. “Against my better judgment, I said yes,” Betty admitted with a laugh.

Betty White: The Heart of the Show

It wasn’t long before Betty became the center of the show, the person everyone looked up to. Before each week’s live taping, the cast would gather in her dressing room, filled with stuffed animals, for the final read-through of the script. Betty’s positive attitude was contagious, inspiring everyone through more than 100 episodes. “Her energy was infectious,” Jane recalled. “She kept us from complaining about being tired. You’d see this 90-year-old woman full of life and energy, and it made you want to step up your game.” Betty was 93 when the show wrapped in 2015, but her enthusiasm never wavered.

Even when she was dealing with health issues, Betty never let it affect her work. “She did the show with cracked ribs and never once flinched,” revealed Valerie, who played Melanie Moretti, a romance-starved single mom. “Betty’s resilience was incredible. Nothing ever brought her down.” Betty herself credited her gratitude for life and opportunities as the key to her enduring spirit. “I’m so blessed,” she said humbly, adding that being the oldest on set had its perks. “They spoiled me rotten. They’d bring me a chair whether I wanted one or not!” In the studio commissary, the other actresses often joked about Betty’s simple but delicious lunches—hot dogs and fries. “If I make it to 90, that’s what I’m having,” Valerie laughed.

A Tribute to a Legend

In the Hot in Cleveland finale, Joy decides to name her newborn daughter Elizabeth—but calls her “Betty” for short. It was a heartfelt tribute to the show’s most remarkable star. “When I thought about naming the baby after Betty, I got emotional,” said series creator Suzanne Martin. “It just felt right.” Wendie echoed the sentiment, saying, “Betty has this incredible light that shines from within. She’s not only beautiful on the outside but also in her soul.”

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