Fans of the late, great Betty White are getting a delightful peek behind the curtain of her legendary career, with co-star Malin Akerman revealing the surprising, foul-mouthed method White used to make everyone feel comfortable on the set of the 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal. This anecdote reinforces White’s reputation as an authentic, hilarious, and genuinely beloved presence, far beyond her iconic wholesome image.
The late, iconic actress Betty White, celebrated for her wholesome image and sharp wit, possessed a surprising, unfiltered side that delighted her co-stars and made sets a comfortable environment. Recently, Malin Akerman, who starred alongside White in the beloved 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal, shed light on White’s unorthodox method of putting her castmates at ease: a truly legendary “potty mouth.”
This revelation offers fans a deeper appreciation for White’s genuine personality, solidifying her status not just as a television legend but as a refreshingly authentic human being. It’s a testament to her unique charm that such candid language could foster such a positive atmosphere.
The Unexpected Comfort of a “Foul” Language Legend
In The Proposal, Malin Akerman played Gertrude, the ex-girlfriend of Ryan Reynolds’ character, Andrew Paxton, while Betty White portrayed Andrew’s eccentric and endearing grandmother, Grandma Annie. Akerman, 47, confessed to feeling nervous about working with the esteemed Golden Girls star, who passed away in 2021 just days before her 100th birthday.
During an October 2025 video interview with TheSkimm, Akerman recalled her initial apprehension. “Walking into the hair and makeup trailer that first day, I was trying to be on my best behavior,” she remembered. However, those nerves quickly dissipated thanks to White’s surprising approach. “And within like five minutes, the amount of foul words coming out of that woman’s mouth just put everyone at ease.”
Akerman further elaborated on White’s character, stating, “She was one of the loveliest humans ever. And funny as f—, as she would have said herself.” This candidness from White broke down barriers, fostering a relaxed and authentic environment where co-stars felt comfortable being themselves.
A Consistent Trait: More Co-Stars Confirm White’s Witty Curses
Malin Akerman’s experience was far from unique. Several other colleagues of Betty White have shared similar anecdotes, cementing the image of a beloved actress whose private vocabulary was a delightful contrast to her public persona. These stories have become cherished insights for fans, showcasing White’s authentic and irreverent sense of humor.
Ryan Reynolds’ Humorous Tributes
Ryan Reynolds, who shared many comedic scenes with White in The Proposal, frequently celebrated her vibrant personality. On White’s 99th birthday in January 2021, Reynolds honored her with a foul-mouthed video they made behind-the-scenes of the film. In the clip, White playfully jokes about hating Reynolds, famously telling him, “When Betty White says she wants a cup of coffee, you f—ing get her a cup of coffee. You ab-crunching jackass.”
Reynolds captured the essence of her charm, writing on his Instagram story at the time, “We made this 12 years ago. Betty turns 99 today. But she is 100 [percent] the funniest person on the planet.” This tribute perfectly encapsulated the playful, boundary-pushing humor that White brought to her relationships.
David Boreanaz’s “Bones” Encounter
Even outside of The Proposal, White’s R-rated antics were well-known. Bones star David Boreanaz recounted his own memorable interaction with White during the Bones: 20th Anniversary Retrospective panel in August. White appeared on the series twice, in 2015 and 2017, as Dr. Beth Mayer.
Boreanaz recalled White’s warm greetings to everyone, followed by a shock. “She goes up to Emily [Deschanel]—‘oh, you’re so pretty,’” he remembered. “She looks at me, she goes, ‘holy s—, I want to f— you. I want to f— you!’ I just started laughing.” Deschanel, confirming White’s reputation, added that White had a “legendary potty mouth.” These stories collectively paint a picture of a woman who defied expectations with her authentic and uninhibited humor.
Betty White’s Lasting Impressions of The Proposal
Despite her preference for the quick pace of television production, Betty White held fond memories of her time on The Proposal. In a 2009 CBS interview, White spoke highly of her co-stars and the film’s director.
“Sandra [Bullock] and Ryan Reynolds are two incredible people,” White stated. “They are not only funny and gorgeous, and all that, but they are such down to earth movie star people. It was a ball, it really was.” Her ability to connect genuinely with her castmates, even with her surprising language, clearly made for a joyous filming experience.
In a 2010 interview with People magazine, White explained her preference for the small screen: “I love television because you do it, go home and move on. With films, you go over it so many times, you beat the whole joke to death.” This insight highlights her practical approach to her craft, yet it never diminished her appreciation for the projects she undertook.
Following her death in December 2021 at the age of 99, both Reynolds and Bullock shared heartfelt tributes. Reynolds posted a picture of White with a Deadpool poster, stating, “The world looks a little different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret.” Bullock emotionally acknowledged White’s impact, vowing to drink vodka on ice with a hot dog in her honor, a nod to White’s playful spirit.
Why These Stories Resonate with Fans
For dedicated fans, these behind-the-scenes revelations do more than just entertain; they deepen the connection to a beloved star. Betty White’s willingness to be authentically herself, even with a seemingly “foul” vocabulary, showcases a charming irreverence that contradicted her sweet, grandmotherly image. It’s a reminder that true legends are often multi-faceted and wonderfully human.
These anecdotes from Malin Akerman, Ryan Reynolds, and David Boreanaz contribute to Betty White’s enduring legacy, proving that her humor and ability to connect were not limited to the script. Her unique way of putting people at ease through unexpected honesty is a testament to why she remains, even now, a truly unforgettable legend.
