Betty White(01 of17)
Open Image ModalBetty White’s look may have changed over the years, but her advocacy for animals has never changed. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Lucille Ball(02 of17)
Open Image ModalLucille Ball didn’t start on television until she was nearly 40. Before then, she was a popular screen star. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Joan Rivers(03 of17)
Open Image ModalJoan Rivers' unrelenting drive has made her a relevant star since the 1960s. Despite her self-deprecating comedy, her sense of style has always been polished. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Carol Burnett(04 of17)
Open Image ModalAlthough best known for her variety series, Carol Burnett is equally talented as a singer and as a dramatic actress. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Mary Tyler Moore(05 of17)
Open Image ModalMary Tyler Moore, America’s sweetheart since her first starring role on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Betty White(06 of17)
Open Image ModalNever shy, Betty White’s impromptu dance between takes reveals her costume on her first sitcom "Life with Elizabeth." (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Carol Burnett(07 of17)
Open Image ModalCarol Burnett, here with Garry Moore, first made a name for herself on Moore’s variety show. Her uninhibited style was so unique, CBS gave her free reign to create her own show. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Joan Rivers(08 of17)
Open Image ModalJoan Rivers' glamorous look might surprise today’s audiences, but she began as an actress before making the move to comedy. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Lucille Ball(09 of17)
Open Image ModalLucille Ball shows some glamour (and leg!) in one of her pre "I Love Lucy" films. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Mary Tyler Moore(10 of17)
Open Image ModalMany have drawn the comparison between Mary Tyler Moore’s look on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and first lady Jackie Kennedy. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Betty White(11 of17)
Open Image ModalWhen the producers of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" wanted “a Betty White type” for the show, they were fortunate to land Betty herself to play temptress Sue Ann Nivens. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Marlo Thomas(12 of17)
Open Image ModalMarlo Thomas' character on "That Girl" was the first young, independent career woman on television -- and popularized the flip hairstyle. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Lucille Ball(13 of17)
Open Image ModalLucille Ball reigned as the funniest lady on television for three decades. But she first made her mark in the movies -- thanks to a rare ability to be simultaneously funny and beautiful. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Mary Tyler Moore(14 of17)
Open Image ModalBackstage at "The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore" shows off the capri pants that caused so much controversy in the era when women on TV were expected to wear dresses. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Phyllis Diller(15 of17)
Open Image ModalThe most popular female standup of her era, Phyllis Diller appeared on dozens of TV shows. Her on-stage clothes were often loud and over-the-top. But off-camera, she was known for her chic and elegant look. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Betty White(16 of17)
Open Image ModalBetty White: setting the standard for television since the 1940s. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)
Mary Tyler Moore(17 of17)
Open Image ModalMary Tyler Moore's character was an inspiration to many: a single woman who held her own in a traditionally male field, but always maintained her femininity. (credit:Courtesy the archives of PBS Pioneers of Television)