Betty White insisted on Black dancer for her 1950s show Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. ]); People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. Her response: "I'm sorry. When Betty White Refused to Bow to Racists Over Dancer Arthur Duncan TIL that, in 1954, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. 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. Entrepreneurs Summit } "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. 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. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. 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. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . 'He stays, live with it': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes 1956) . 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 received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). R.I.P. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. - Wikipedia-----Video originally shared on archive.orgShared for historical purposes. The almost-centenarian was an icon in every sense of the word: with a career spanning eighty years, she marked a turning point for women in entertainment. 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. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. Some facts about Betty White . This article was published more than1 year ago. Betty White turns 99 this weekend, as former co-stars sing her praises 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. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Born on Sept. 25, 1933, in Pasadena, California, Arthur Duncan gravitated to the life of a performer from a very young age. Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. 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? Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. 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. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. 65 Backyard . On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. A movie event planned prior to her death to . cat: 'entertainment', Listen to Betty White. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. 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. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. 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 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. Betty White's Comic Reversals | The New Yorker Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. White, a boundary-breaking television star by 1952, then became the first woman to produce a sitcom, Life with Elizabeth, which she also starred in. It was the first award in an entirely new category. ', Betty White's quips and quotes through the years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', "I'm sorry. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. aid: '769722', He was 97. Pen Griffey Jr. on Twitter: "Let us not forget that in 1954 Betty White Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. Arthur Duncan. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. cat: 'entertainment', Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. 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! Registry of Corporate Directors. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. 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. 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. 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. You never ask me out," per People. This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. Arthur Duncan - Biography - IMDb 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. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. The comedian had a natural affinity towards animals, particularly elephants and gorillas. The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. Have something to tell us about this article? 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. However, Duncan spent years presuming that his dream of becoming an artist was too far-fetched. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. subcat: '', Screening event for Betty White's 100th birthday will go on 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. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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. 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. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. targeting: { Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. 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. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. Black Men XCEL 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. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', . 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. 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. 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. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', 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. He is a Black Tap Dancer. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. 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. That solved everything at the time.. 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. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. 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. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. 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, Tap Dancer born - African American Registry Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. 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 . "I'm ready to go now," he said. 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,. Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. 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. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. The Betty White Show (1952 TV series) - Wikipedia The Powerful Story Behind Betty White's Refusal to Remove a Black The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center on Twitter 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.. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Betty White - Wikipedia Sales Partnership Solutions Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. She deploys language as a way to connect with her audience and empower them to take action. Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. . Tell us what you think! 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. ). The Betty White Show (TV Series 1954- ) - IMDb kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', A colleague. targeting: { The show. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. 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. Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. 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! Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. tude.cmd.push(function() { A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. 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. 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. env: 'prod', 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 check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. As the world mourns actress and comedienneBetty White, who passed away on Dec. 31, many are discovering or being reminded of the way she broke TV barriers with tap dancerArthur Duncan. Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. Contact . Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. "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. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . Her show was canceled soon after. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. BE 100s According to IMDb, Duncan appeared on three episodes of White's show in 1954. 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. 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. We wouldnt have been the same. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. Betty White In Person (1987). Betty White refused to remove Black dancer on her show in 1954 - USA TODAY Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. I am one bad ass bitch. *Arthur Duncan was born on this date in 1933. 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. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Arthur Duncan on The Betty White shows why Betty White is 'the First Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Her response: "I'm sorry. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. It has since been updated. 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. "I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business. 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. In 2020, the American Tap Dance Foundation inducted Duncan into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. 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. Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. . Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. You never ask me out.. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. 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. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. 15 Glorious Photos of Betty White When She Was Young - Prevention BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. 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. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. "I'm sorry, but, you know, he stays," White said,according to a PBS biography. }); !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); 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. INFORMATION Jan 1, 2022. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT.