SAG set to honor actress Betty White

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The Screen Actors Guild announced Tuesday plans to present U.S. actress Betty White with its Life Achievement Award at a ceremony in January.

The honor is to recognize White's career achievement and humanitarian accomplishments.

The former co-star of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls" is to receive the prize at the 16th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards show, which is to premiere live on TNT and TBS Jan. 23.

"Whether creating some of television's most indelible characters, plunging into film roles with joyous gusto or perfecting the art of the quip as a television panelist and host, Betty White has entertained audiences with her impeccable comic timing and remarkable wit for more than 60 years," Screen Actors Guild National President Alan Rosenberg said in a statement. "Her lifelong devotion to the welfare of animals, manifest in her work as an author, producer and philanthropist, is further evidence of her tremendous humanity and meaningful contributions in so many important areas. Screen Actors Guild is honored to celebrate Betty White's extraordinary achievements over the course of an exemplary life."