cat: 'entertainment', Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. 0. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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,. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. } env: 'prod', Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { pos: 'right_rail_1', And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Live. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. as well as other partner offers and accept our. She also starred in and produced The Betty. pos: 'right_rail_3', divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', } A colleague. 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.. targeting: { 2. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. And there was Duncan. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. "I said, 'I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!'" In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. page_type: 'article', She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . Randy Shropshire/Getty ImagesFrom left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of Tap World in Los Angeles, California, in 2015. The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. 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. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. White said she wasn't going to budge: Evidently through the South at that point it was a very heavy [thing], and I said, Im sorry, but he stays [] Live with it! White said. She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. 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. Twitter shares wild and wonderful stories about Betty White, who died Dec. 31, 2021. . "The first TV show I had ever been on, and I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television," he said. subcat: '', That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. 1956) . He is a Black Tap Dancer. 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. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. ]); kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. See, back in 1954 Betty White served as the host and producer of The Betty White Show, a comedic variety show that was geared toward families and entertainment. Her show was cancelled afterwards. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. The producers wanted to remove him from the show, but White said "He stays. 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. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. "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.". However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Listen to Betty White. tude.cmd.push(function() { tude.cmd.push(function() { kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. }); EVENTS 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. But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. 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. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. subcat: '', But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. Betty White served as both host and producer. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { "I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business. Getty Images. You never call. Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. 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. 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. 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. 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.. You never call. As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. R.I.P. Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. }); !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); 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.. 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. 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. That solved everything at the time.. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. 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. . She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. 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. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. env: 'prod', Arthur Duncan. Live with . The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. 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!. The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. Duncan went on to have alustrouscareer inshow business and gained fame for being the first Black performer on The Lawrence Welk Show,according to The Library of Congress. 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. When asked why she was risking her livelihood to defend a Black man, she said, Im sorry, but he staysLive with it, as per People. 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'. 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. Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . 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. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. - Wikipedia-----Video originally shared on archive.orgShared for historical purposes. ', 'What could be better than show business? . . The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. aid: '769722', The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. This article was published more than1 year ago. INFORMATION This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. "I'm ready to go now," he said. Subscribe to Newsletter Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. 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. 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. 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! Her response: "I'm sorry. # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. 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. 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. Be like Betty White. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. 29K views 1 year ago 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. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. "Los Angeles was more accessible." "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. 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. env: 'prod', And it was never a question at all.. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Throughout her life, she lent her support to myriad animal rights organizations, including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, The Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation, and Actors and Others for Animals. You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. aid: '769722', 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. ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. . 1925) Norman Fruchter, 85, writer and academic (b. 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, the then-83-year-old said. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. 'The Betty White Show' saw her perform songs and entertain viewers with skits and interviews with guests. Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. In the early 1950s, White faced criticism for featuring Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer and singer, on a few episodes of her variety talk show The Betty White Show.. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. "I did something a little. She also told her critics to "live with it.". Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . At one point, the network threatened to take her off the air for having a Black man repeatedly appear on the show, but she wouldnt budge. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. It has since been updated. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. Let us not forget that in 1954 Betty White's show was canceled shortly after receiving backlash for her refusal to cancel Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan. She is older than Mickey Mouse. subcat: '', targeting: { See when we celebrated Betty Whites 95th birthday with our 5 fave TV appearances: Steve Harveys Hilarious Version of Ray Charless Georgia on My Mind, 8-Year-Old Girl Tries to Take Steve Harveys Hosting Job, George Lopez Schools Steve Harvey During Celebrity Family Feud. Sales Partnership Solutions 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. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. By the 1960s, White had made many appearances on television game shows. Entrepreneurs Summit Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. Women of Power Summit 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. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. Tell us what you think! I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. The show. Oborfacts What can i say? He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young., Here are some of her greatest career moments, Athletes, sports celebrities recall 'national treasure' Betty White, Robert Redford shares his affection for Betty White, 'I had a crush on her, too! Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', In a heartening example of life coming full circle, 55-year-old Arthur Duncan was still tap-dancing when the son of his former mentor approached him with a project. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. About So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. } White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . The show was canceled soon after. Duncan's . url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', 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. When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. Live with it. , Betty White, one of the most endearing and enduring faces on television, dies at 99. So at age 18, he enrolled in Pasadena City College to study pharmacy. Arthur said, 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. It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. And to this day, the 87-year-old tap dances when the mood strikes. Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. SistersInc. 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. Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954).