Betty White and the Bones cast: a candid moment and a lasting legacy
Betty White’s unabashed humor surfaced again in a recent Bones anniversary retrospective, when she reportedly greeted David Boreanaz with a jaw-dropping line on the set. As Boreanaz recounted during a Bones 20th Anniversary Retrospective panel, White arrived in 2015, offering warm hellos to the crew and then turned to him with a bold confession that left the room in disbelief and laughter.
The exchange began as White complimented Emily Deschanel, instantly shifting to Boreanaz with the blunt remark, “Holy s—t, I want to f—k you. I want to f—k you.” Boreanaz said he couldn’t help but laugh at the moment. Deschanel, who didn’t recall the incident, described it as amazing. The moment underscored White’s reputation for blunt, infectious humor, a sentiment echoed by fellow cast members who called her a legendary potty mouth and a bit of a troublemaker.
Joining the panel, which was moderated by a journalist, were Bones creator Hart Hanson and cast members Michaela Conlin and Eric Millegan. They all reflected on White’s 2015 guest appearances as Dr. Beth Mayer in Season 11 and her return in Season 12, noting her quick wit and the palpable energy she brought to the set.
Beyond the memory of that boisterous moment, the Bones ensemble shared admiration for White’s impact. Deschanel’s takeaway that the anecdote sounded “amazing” sits alongside other stories of White’s candid humor and generosity with the cast.
Betty White’s larger-than-life persona extended far beyond her guest stint on Bones. The beloved star, best known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, died on December 31, 2021, at age 99, just shy of her 100th birthday. Her longtime agent and friend, Jeff Witjas, paid tribute to her enduring spirit, noting that she died of natural causes and “peacefully in her sleep at her home.” White’s death followed a stroke she suffered on Christmas Day, six days prior to her passing. Witjas also highlighted her devotion to animals and her wish to be with her late husband, Allen Ludden, again in the afterlife.
Editor’s note: The anecdote from the Bones set adds to Betty White’s enduring legacy as a fearless, funny figure who brought warmth and laughter to audiences while delivering memorable, boundary-pushing moments. Her career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on television and charitable work, including her well-known love for animals.
Summary: Betty White’s on-set anecdote with David Boreanaz highlights her bold, playful personality. The moment sits within a broader legacy of a career that spanned iconic TV roles and a lifelong passion for animal welfare, capped by her death in 2021 at age 99 after a stroke on Christmas Day. White’s influence continues to spark fond memories and a positive, upbeat view of aging in show business.