Betty White is most notorious for her role as the dim-witted Rose Nyland on the long-running sitcom “The Golden Girls.” On the television show she has a lasting friendship with her three roommates, but in real life, she shared an exceptionally close bond with fellow funny lady Lucille Ball.

The two stars met and became friends in 1956 and stayed close friends until Ball passed in 1989 at the age of 71. White and Ball co-starred in the series, “Life with Lucy” and their bond helped them withstand as women in a business that was dominated by males.

Their willingness to be funny on camera at whatever cost is what sealed their friendship, according to Ann Dusenberry, who appeared on several shows with the duo. “They were powerfully funny and ready and willing to be playful, even foolish, if there was a joke in it,” she said.

Tom Kennedy, former TV  host, says they fought, teased, spatted, and growled as only two giants of theater can do, but they failed to mask their actual admiration for each other.

When Desi Arnaz, Ball’s beloved ex-husband and former cast mate died in 1986, it was White who gave her a shoulder to cry on. White recalls when Ball found out about his death she said, “Goddamn it. I didn’t think I’d get this upset. There he goes.”

White says she and Ball had so much fun. She says Ball was determined to teach her backgammon and they’d get together and she’d have it all set up, but her idea of teaching her never worked out.

Check out the video below of Ball and White competing on the television game show “Password Plus” and enjoy a trip back in time. Be sure to share this story of these funny gals with your family and friends.