Celebrities including Michelle Obama and Sandra Bullock pay tribute to actress Betty White

Celebrities including Michelle Obama and Sandra Bullock have led the tributes for Betty White—the Golden Girls actress, who passed away yesterday at age 99.

Michelle Obama said she would 'miss the joy she brought to the world', and Sandra Bullock, who acted with her in the 2009 film The Proposal, said she would raise a glass to the actresses' life.

Other famous faces, including Ryan Reynolds, Reese Witherspoon and Viola Davis, also took to social media today to pay their respect to the comedy icon. 

Betty White started acting at just 20 and her career spanned eight decades - including appearing in Golden Girls as Rose Nylund and the Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 70s.

Michelle Obama took to both Instagram and Twitter to pay tribute to the legendary actor, saying, "Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven."

Another big fan, Sandra Bullock, who worked with the actress, said to People magazine, "I don't drink vodka … but I will tonight, on ice, with a slice of lemon with a hot dog on the other side and just be okay being sad," referring to Betty's favourite food and drink.

The actress went on to say, 'I'll have to buy some rose-colored glasses because Betty was that for all of us."

Ryan Reynolds, who had a soft spot for the actress, after appearing in rom-com The Proposal with him playing Sandra Bullock's Grandma, in 2009, also said about the actress, "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."

Talk show host and actress Ellen De Genres paid tribute on Twitter to Betty, who appeared on her show regularly, by saying, "What an exceptional life. I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White. Sending love to her family, friends and all of us."

Other famous faces called the actress, who passed away just days before her 100th birthday, a 'legend' and a 'great talent'.