And it was never a question at all," he recalled. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. She pledged her support for same-sex marriage, saying, If a couple has been together all that time and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones I think its fine if they want to get married. Additionally, she didnt understand how some people could be anti-something. She was a proponent of minding her business, standing up for the oppressed, and carving her unique place in the culture through entertainment. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. "I'm. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080" }).render("8791f6495fab447280f16fc61516a837"); }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. At 21, the California native had been performing in a dance quartet for years and was looking for his big break. After appearing as a guest on the show, Lawrence Welk offered Duncan a permanent spot as a member of his \"musical family.\"The 1989 film Tap featured Duncan in a cameo appearance with other famous tap dancers.In 2004 Duncan was honored at the annual \"Tap Extravaganza\" in New York City.In 2006, Duncan was honored for his contributions to tap dance at the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival.In 2017, Duncan appeared on the series premiere episode of the reality talent series Little Big Shots: Forever Young, where he performed a dance and reunited with actress Betty White.In 2018, Duncan made an appearance on The Talk as part of a surprise for co-host Sheryl Underwood who performed a tap dance routine with Savion Glover as part of the show's New Year's Evolution. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. She hired a Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, for "The Betty White Show" in 1954, a full three years before the first federal civil-rights legislation since Reconstruction was passed,. Stay up to date with what you want to know. As in, before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine and the Greensboro, N.C., lunch-counter sit-ins. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. And he got his start in no small part thanks to Betty White. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', He soon moved on to The Lawrence Welk Show in 1964, where he was introduced every week until 1982 as the man whos keeping tap dancing alive.. One particular way in which Ms. White refused to bow to systemic racism was by insisting Arthur Duncan, a Black dancer, remain on her 1950s show, The Betty White Show.. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. SistersInc. Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . She set the standard, and we will forever be grateful. Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. . I did something a little different, Duncan told her. However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. "In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show," The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center tweeted after her death. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. pos: 'right_rail_3', "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. Tai Saint-Louis January 2, 2022 6442 Arthur Duncan and Betty White, reunited by Steve Harvey As the world mourns actress and comedienne Betty White, who passed away on Dec. 31, many are. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. Unfortunately, the show was canceled the same year, though its hard to say whether it was a direct result of the outcry or if interest was waning in general. Betty White, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland Star, Dead at 99 During the Little Big Shots episode, Harvey surprised Duncan by bringing White on the show to catch up with her old. . BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. Although The Betty White Show was cancelled within a year due to low ratings due to NBC constantly changing its time slot, Arthur Duncans newfound national exposure led to invaluable new opportunities. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. Nick Castle Jr. had become a director and asked Duncan to dance his 1989 film Tap, starring Sammy Davis Jr. Duncan obliged, but his accolades didnt end there. (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) "I did something a little. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. R.I.P. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. subcat: '', You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. cat: 'entertainment', He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. Twitter shares wild and wonderful stories about Betty White, who died Dec. 31, 2021. . It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. Sign up for notifications from Insider! But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. Today, many of us dont even comprehend the power she wielded, the significance she carried as the foremost Golden Girl of our zeitgeist, or how she unshakably fought to bring justice and diversity to our screens. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasn't universally popular at all. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. 4. "I'm ready to go now," he said. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. About By the 1960s, White had made many appearances on television game shows. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', The comedian had a natural affinity towards animals, particularly elephants and gorillas. pos: 'right_rail_2', The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show.Betty responded with Im sorry. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. Contact White continued to resist the pressurecoming from stations in the South and used Duncanmore, until the show was canceled in 1954 the same year segregationin public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it.". BE 100s Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. Arthur had seen everything he needed to see in life after reuniting with Betty. She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. (Video: Reuters). She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Whats more intriguing is that this wasnt Bettys sole act of defiance within the show; she interviewed a Black child on the special when it was considered controversial to do so. as well as other partner offers and accept our. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. And it only escalated after NBC rolled out the show nationally, with Southern viewers threatening to boycott the network if White didnt remove Duncan from the lineup. Television was still a new medium, but White was already a veteran performer of stage and radio, had acted on a sitcom and had co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Oborfacts What can i say? Jan 1, 2022. White explained the controversy in the documentary, "All through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didn't get rid of Arthur because he was Black," said White. } She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. Duncan reserved high praise for White during an appearance in a 2018 documentary about her titled 'Betty White: First Lady of Television.' Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Its unclear whether her decision to keep Duncan affected the shows fate, but it was repeatedly rescheduled for different time slots before quietly being taken off the air that same year. 0. With Betty White's passing at the age of 99, this internet meme about White refusing to ban Arthur Duncan, an African American dancer, from the cast of her television variety show in 1954, is getting wide circulation. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. When letters started coming from Mississippi and elsewhere demanding Arthurs removal, Betty simply wrote back saying, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. It wasnt a matter of finding a compromise or trying to understand the other sides perspective; she wanted to trust her gut and do the right thing, protest be damned. Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. ', 'What could be better than show business? The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. } Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. Betty knew she wasnt some prominent politician or royalty she was merely a television actress but she was still extremely self-aware of her influence on the country. It's been claimed that Duncan's fixed role on "The Betty White Show" as a singer and dancer meant he was the first Black American to have a regular appearance on a TV variety show. The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KLAC-TV (now KCOP-TV) in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. 1956) . ]); Background [ edit] Arthur Duncan. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Her response: "I'm sorry. It has since been updated. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . NBC first aired in 1954. If White, 99, had it her way, she would have remained at her longtime marital home in Carmel, which she first built with her late husband, Allen Ludden, when they bought the land in 1978. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. "I said, 'I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!'" Supervising Producer, Yahoo Entertainment, Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of, It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. Black Men XCEL Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. Are you going to go house to house?. The beloved actress was preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday with a big televised special that will still air despite her passing only a few weeks before the age . There was even a regular childrens segment. Duncan's . Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. After MLKs home was bombed, he refused to back down: This movement will not stop, The brave, forgotten Kansas lunch counter sit-in that helped change America, Sam Howell is the Commanders first-string QB for now, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors. Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. Entrepreneurs Summit He told her, I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over. And without missing a beat, Betty replied, Oh, I hope so. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Be like Betty White. Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress . She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Betty White Made 1954's The Betty White Show Very Progressive. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. When encouraged to take Arthur Duncan off the air, White, then in her 30s, said: "I'm sorry, but, you know, he stays," per the Post. BETTY White has updated fans on her health in rare interview after fans fear for the beloved Golden Girl ahead of 100th birthday.The actress, 99, crep . tude.cmd.push(function() { tude.cmd.push(function() { Duncan was already a regular on the show which featured performances by White and others, interviews, skits and even a kids segment before it was added to NBCs national lineup in 1954. Of course, the social media world is full of distortions and fabrications. 1. In 1957, Duncan joined Bob Hope's troupe touring U.S. military bases, making him the first African American to be part of that 100-member group. This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. In response, Betty White famously said Im sorry. env: 'prod', In the 1950s, Betty White was criticized for having Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan on her variety talk show, "The Betty White Show." Rating: True About this rating Betty White, also. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. Still, as the only Black cast member, the show also posed a unique risk to Duncan, according to dance historian Constance Valis Hill: In an era in which blacks and whites did not even hold hands, let alone kiss each other on nationally broadcast television programs, Duncan was often seen standing in the background, trying very hard not to look like he was with any of the women on the program.. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. aid: '769722', As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Live with it. , Betty White, one of the most endearing and enduring faces on television, dies at 99. White was briefly married to U.S. army pilot Dick Barker in 1945.Two years later, White wed Hollywood agent Lane Allen, whom she divorced in 1949. Betty White: . } Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. page_type: 'article', She also told her critics to "live with it.". . Betty White In Person (1987). Rest well, Betty. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. If there is content shared on this platform that you feel infringes on your intellectual property, please email me at Reelblack@mail.com and info@reelblack.com with details and it will be promptly removed. When Harvey asked what Duncan thought about seeing White again, he jokedGod, I think I am ready to go now., Sports world reacts: Athletes, sports celebrities recall 'national treasure' Betty White, Celebrities mourn loss: Robert Redford shares his affection for Betty White, 'I had a crush on her, too! By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. . I was on the show, and they had some letters out of Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there, Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2018 ahead of a surprise TV reunion with White. Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. , Facing the threat of boycotts across the South, White famously said, Im sorry but he stays Live with it!. In 2017, Arthur Duncan was reunited with Betty White on Little Big Shots: Forever Young (pictured above) and later in 2018, contributed to PBSs Betty White: First Lady of Television documentary film. And Duncan had not only managed to build a professional career out of his art but had become so renowned that Francis Ford Coppola cast him in The Cotton Club in 1984. They were going to take our show off the air if we didnt get rid of Arthur, because he was Black., People in the South resented me being on the show, and they wanted me thrown out, Duncan agreed. . She had helped secure his first television job on her variety show 'The Betty White Show' and wasn't going to give in to the mob even if there was considerable opposition to it. You never call. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. Arthur Duncan, whose exuberant tap dancing carried him from the streets of Pasadena to Betty White's variety shows in the 1950s as one of the first Black regulars performing on television,. If Betty White was able to extend so much love and admiration to everyone shed come across over the years, anyone can do the same. INFORMATION Following his breakthrough performances on variety shows, Arthur Duncan was invited to be part of Bob Hopes troupe of performers to tour US military bases and was the first African-American to do so. When Steve Harvey asked Arthur what it was like to see his old friend, he joked, Im ready to go now. But before God could take him, Arthur wanted to catch up with Betty first. 1 of 2. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', In a 2018 documentary honoring Bettys illustrious career, Arthur said, I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television. Betty herself wasnt blind to the outrage, but she wouldnt let the commotion, or as she said, the ruckus sway her in the least. This was in 1954. ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. Tap dancer Arthur Duncan was first introduced to national audiences by Betty White in 1954 before making history as the first Black performer on The Lawrence Welk Show. Duncan gave Underwood flowers to congratulate her return to tap dancing.In 2020, Duncan was inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame of the American Tap Dance Foundation. Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. How Gabriel Prosser Planned What Would Have Been The Largest Slave Rebellion In American History, Meet The Ken And Barbie Killers: Paul Bernardo And Karla Homolka, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. And it was never a question at all.. CNN . subcat: '', You never ask me out.. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. - Wikipedia-----Video originally shared on archive.orgShared for historical purposes. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. Not one to waste an opportunity, White immediately set about hiring Duncan to dance on The Betty White Show, which aired on NBC in Los Angeles. This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. And to this day, the 87-year-old tap dances when the mood strikes. Stars Betty White George Tibbles Dick Cathcart See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist 2 User reviews Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy 1 nomination total Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. "I was on the show and they had letters from Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there," Duncan recalled said in a 2017 interview onSteve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . Arthur Duncan was a tap dancer and singer known for his regular appearances on "The Betty White Show" and "The Lawrence Welk Show." Died: January 4, 2023 ( Who else died on January 4? Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, In the 1950s, Betty White was criticized for having Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan on her variety talk show, The Betty White Show., Image Via Film screenshot/Wikimedia Commons. He typically performed one solo routine per episode, scored by the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, but also frequently danced with peers Bobby Burgess and Jack Imel. subcat: '', We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. I was on the show, and they had some letters out of Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there, recalled Duncan. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. Watch The Betty White Show (November 29th, 1954) 1 Video 3 Photos Family Music Talk-Show Daytime show with Betty White talking to guests, singing with the orchestra, etc.

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