Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. Betty White served as both host and producer. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled in 1954. According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. 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. . Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) Duncan went on to become the first Black regular on a variety show when he was hired on 'The Lawrence Welk Show' and he continued on that show for another 20 years. subcat: '', Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. Arthur Duncan (born September 25, 1933) is an American tap dancer, known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982, which, along with his earlier inclusion (despite Southern objections) on the 1954 Betty White Show, made him the first African-American regular on variety television programs.Born in Pasadena, California, Duncan entered show business at age 13, when he was a member of a dance quartet that performed at McKinley Junior High School in Pasadena, California.He later entered Pasadena City College to study pharmacy, but left to pursue a career in show business, touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and The Betty White Show. At a time when racial segregation was at boiling point, there were strong calls from different quarters to remove a tap dancer named Arthur Duncan from her show. 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. Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 Championed by Betty White at the start of his career, he became one of the first Black regulars on a TV variety show. Betty imbued charm, wit, and sincerity at each and every turn, always ready to poke fun at herself and those around her, eager to uncover both the humanity in comedy and the comedy in humanity. Arthur Chester Duncan (September 25, 1925 - January 4, 2023) was an American tap dancer, also called an "Entertainer's Entertainer," known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. As in, before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine and the Greensboro, N.C., lunch-counter sit-ins. (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: [] }; Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. She is older than Mickey Mouse. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. "I said, 'I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!'" env: 'prod', This was in 1954. And it was never a question at all.. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. Entrepreneurs Summit "I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. She deploys language as a way to connect with her audience and empower them to take action. You never ask me out.. pos: 'right_rail_1', Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. He Was Fatally Beaten by Memphis Police Now People Around the World Are Sharing #SunsetsForTyre in His Honor, 41 Daughter Quotes That Will Touch and Melt Your Heart, The Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne The Rock Johnsons Feud, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally Have a Few Things to Say About 20 Years of Marriage and We Should Listen, How the Boy From the Success Kid Meme Helped Raise Over $100,000 to Save His Dads Life, Actress Goes to Pick Up Her Car From Valet Parking Finds an Insulting Note on the Ticket That Mortifies Her, Strangers Spring Into Action to Save a Driver in Crisis on a Busy Road [VIDEO], 8-Year-Old Finds Out His Favorite Waffle House Waiter Is Hiding a Secret Doesnt Hesitate to Raise $64,000 for Him, White Woman Refuses to Listen to Dad After He Forbid Her From Marrying a Black Man 60 Years Later, Theyre Still Together. page_type: 'article', In other news, One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. 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. You never call. Betty White Made 1954's The Betty White Show Very Progressive. The show was canceled soon after. ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. She was fond of leveraging her power to extend empathy towards those who were far less privileged than her. NBC first aired in 1954. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider env: 'prod', However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. White went on to game shows, the talk-show circuit and eventually mega-stardom as Rose Nylund on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls.. You never call. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. . Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. Arthur Duncan, a gifted dancer whose appearance on one of Betty White's early TV shows prompted a showdown between southern censors and White, died January 4. cat: 'entertainment', But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? 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. page_type: 'article', A tap dancer with remarkable skill, Arthur Duncan was the first African American to be hired as a series regular on the variety shows of early television. Not only had she been one of the first women to helm her own show on television, but she also laid the groundwork for how women could assert their agency in a landscape that was still dismissive of their talent and power. 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. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it." The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. Subscribe to Newsletter When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. Background [ edit] One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. 2. 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.. 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. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. The show was the first big break for Duncan, then in his early 20s, he said in the 2018 documentary "Betty White, First Lady of Television.". Duncan performed alongside stars like actress Jayne Mansfield, singer Jerry Colonna, comedian Hedda Hopper, and the Les Brown orchestra in places like Pearl Harbor, Korea, Okinawa, and Guam. From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . Born in Pasadena, California, Duncan entered show business at age 13, when he was a member of a dance quartet that performed at McKinley Junior High School in Pasadena, California. In the documentary, White described that all through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didnt get rid of Arthur because he was Black., Added Duncan: People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. In the 1950s, representation on television was still a controversial subject, and the gatekeepers of the industry werent even keen on having women run shows. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', She also told her critics to "live with it.". page_type: 'article', Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it.". NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer Arthur Duncan on her show because he was Black A file photo of Betty White. This article was published more than1 year ago. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. ). The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. 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. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. 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.. 1925) Norman Fruchter, 85, writer and academic (b. "She never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. Masthead, Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. After being born in Pasadena, California in September 1933, Arthur Duncan took his first steps in the performing world at the age of just 13 and after a brief spell studying pharmacy, returned to the world of showbusiness in his early 20s. Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. } And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. ', Betty White's quips and quotes through the years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. pos: 'right_rail_3', Arthur said, "She . ]); 4. He was 97. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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 . Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. targeting: { Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Registry of Corporate Directors. Jan 1, 2022. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. 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! Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. 1. 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. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. A colleague. R.I.P. This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. "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. cat: 'entertainment', Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. 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. She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. . 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,. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 3. tude.cmd.push(function() { }); !function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); Her show was canceled soon after. This soon led to the show's cancellation. As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. 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. Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . And there was Duncan. Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. I am one bad ass bitch. She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. 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!. Betty White, whose more than 80-year career included Emmy-winning roles on sitcoms "The Golden Girls" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died on Dec. 31. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. env: 'prod', subcat: '', Left: Arthur Duncan/Betty White Show/NBC Right: American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. 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. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. At the time, she faced criticism for including African-American actor Arthur Duncan in the series, and refused to remove him from the show despite a loss in ratings. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. CNN . INFORMATION However, it was during an appearance on Steve Harveys show Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017 that Duncan felt truly blessed when Betty White surprised him onstage. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. Now she wants restitution. B.E. "I'm sorry. Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. That solved everything at the time.. Her response: "I'm sorry. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. She didnt have an idea of the extent to which it would enrage her market, yet the collective furor didnt crush her spirit or change her mind. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. aid: '769722', The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. After initially becoming a ratings success, a controversy surrounding Arthur Duncan and repeated scheduling changes resulted in The Betty White Shows quiet cancellation by NBC who did not renew the show for more episodes according to WFMU. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. Have something to tell us about this article? A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. . The comedian had a natural affinity towards animals, particularly elephants and gorillas. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS Live with . With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. } Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. There's no knowing if her putting her foot down on Duncan staying on had any role in the show being repeatedly rescheduled for different time slots before eventually being taken off the air that same year. 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. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. His reply to her that they would be performing at local hospitals and orphanages was as wholesome as the beloved actress and entertainer, who died this week at 99. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. targeting: { 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. 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. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" 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. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. White died on Friday, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday, news that prompted a look back on a career that included advocacy on many fronts. When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show.