Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. Oborfacts What can i say? The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . . Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. . 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. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. 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. 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. Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . Arthur had seen everything he needed to see in life after reuniting with Betty. This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. Arthur Duncan - "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) - YouTube 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. Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. aid: '769722', When The Betty White Show was rolled out on TV channels across the US, many stations and viewers in southern US states threatened to boycott the show unless Arthur Duncan was removed owing to the segregation laws and attitudes towards race that were prevalent at the time. TIL that, in 1954, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan 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. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Live with it, according to USA Today and ended up giving Arthur Duncan more airtime as a result. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. 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. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. He was 97. 'He stays, live with it': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer 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. 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. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) 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. 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. Her response: "I'm sorry. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Arthur Duncan From 'Lawrence Welk' Thanks Betty White For His Career Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. Twitter shares stories about how Betty White was amazing | EW.com - Yahoo! In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. Privacy Policy It was the first award in an entirely new category. 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. 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. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. 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. 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. Betty White: . The show. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. And there was Duncan. Arthur Duncan on The Betty White Show (1954) | Tap Dance 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. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. 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. A pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was noted for her vast body of work in entertainment and for being one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the camera. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. You never call. 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.. 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. Betty White - Wikipedia 2. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. 2023 deaths in the United States - Wikipedia Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. Her show was canceled soon after. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. 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. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. } 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. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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! tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', We wouldnt have been the same. subcat: '', She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. 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. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. The Controversial Decision That Nearly Ruined Betty White's Career tude.cmd.push(function() { Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. This soon led to the show's cancellation. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. 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. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. 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. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "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," said Duncan during an episode of 'Steve Harvey's Little Big Shots: Forever Young' in 2017. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan - iFunny Arthur Duncan, Tap Dancer born - African American Registry 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. In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) Arthur Duncan. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. You never call, responded White. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. The Powerful Story Behind Betty White's Refusal to Remove a Black 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. "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.". Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines. 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. 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. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. On moral courage and sacrificing privilege: When Betty White stood for Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress . It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. 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. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. 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. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. He we as a tap dancer and singer who White was quite fond of and wanted to help him get more exposure. Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. 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. Registry of Corporate Directors. He is a Black Tap Dancer. 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. According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. FLASHBACK: Lawrence Welk star Arthur Duncan credits Betty White for his Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. INFORMATION She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. ', Betty White's quips and quotes through the years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it.". 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. aid: '769722', 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. 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. In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on TV, even though the color of his skin was a real problem for some people. "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. targeting: { Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. White had already spent years trying to break into film and TV and eventually managed to become a co-host of the Hollywood on Film talk show in 1949 and left only to launch her own company. 1. At 21, the California native had been performing in a dance quartet for years and was looking for his big break. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . This was in 1954. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 'He stays': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer from her show in Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. From left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of, Arthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys, how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner, the first African-American photographers and their portraits. page_type: 'article', Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. . 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 . pos: 'right_rail_1', When Betty White Refused to Bow to Racists Over Dancer Arthur Duncan As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. 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. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. env: 'prod', This, along with his earlier inclusion (despite objections) on The Betty White Show in 1954 and with the help of White herself, made him the first African-American regular on a . But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. cat: 'entertainment', Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. When Bea Arthur left The Golden . 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. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 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. Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. } After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. 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! You never ask me out.. 1925) Norman Fruchter, 85, writer and academic (b. targeting: { Screening event for Betty White's 100th birthday will go on 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. Little Big Shots: Forever Young airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. She deploys language as a way to connect with her audience and empower them to take action. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. Arthur Duncan - Wikipedia "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. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. Betty White refused to remove Black dancer on her show in 1954 - USA TODAY In 2020, the American Tap Dance Foundation inducted Duncan into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. About When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. BE 100s In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. Betty White Reunited With Tap Dancer Whose Career She Launched - Yahoo! 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.
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