So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. Some facts about Betty White . 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. Tell us what you think! divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Born on Sept. 25, 1933, in Pasadena, California, Arthur Duncan gravitated to the life of a performer from a very young age. 65 Backyard . And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Are you going to go house to house?. 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. Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. } 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. According to the 2020 book Betty White on TV, the show failed to attract sponsors and was cancelled on Dec. 31, 1954 despite a desperate plea by White to NBC execs. 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.. Betty 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.. 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,. She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. She was fond of leveraging her power to extend empathy towards those who were far less privileged than her. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. ]); So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. 1 of 2. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. He is a Black Tap Dancer. The show was canceled soon after. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. 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. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Have something to tell us about this article? aid: '769722', The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. She set the standard, and we will forever be grateful. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) 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. Television was still a new medium, but White was already a veteran performer of stage and radio, had acted on a sitcom and had co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. } 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. Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. 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 admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. aid: '769722', She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. 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. And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. This was on The Lawrence Welk Show. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Getty Images. 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. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. 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. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. White made a career playing sweet characters with hidden and hilarious grit, and that quality goes all the way back to her first televised variety show, where, as the host and producer, she defied racist demands to get rid of Duncan because he was Black. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. Background [ edit] Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . pos: 'right_rail_2', You never ask me out." I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. 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. env: 'prod', Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. 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. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. cat: 'entertainment', baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. 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. "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. 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. That solved everything at the time.. }); !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); When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 1. 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. "She never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . 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 also told her critics to "live with it.". And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. "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.". cat: 'entertainment', When Steve Harvey asked Arthur what it was like to see his old friend, he joked, Im ready to go now. But before God could take him, Arthur wanted to catch up with Betty first. Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. In fact, as per Arthur, Betty gave him more time on the air when they started receiving backlash. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', tude.cmd.push(function() { The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. 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. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? 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. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. 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 . 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', And there was Duncan. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. Jan 1, 2022. 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. subcat: '', Rest well, Betty. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety 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. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. 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. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . Subscribe to Newsletter Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. 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. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. 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! B.E. env: 'prod', In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. In response, Betty White famously said Im sorry. Duncan credits White for starting his career. Live. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. R.I.P. 3. 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. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. page_type: 'article', ', 'What could be better than show business? Oborfacts What can i say? Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). But his first performance was more than enough for Southern racists to threaten NBC with a boycott if he continued to be part of the lineup. (Video: Reuters). I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. 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. 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. 1925) Norman Fruchter, 85, writer and academic (b. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', And it was never a question at all," he recalled. Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. Betty White Made 1954's The Betty White Show Very Progressive. targeting: { There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . 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. He we as a tap dancer and singer who White was quite fond of and wanted to help him get more exposure. Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. 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. CNN . But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. INFORMATION Contact You never call, responded White. I was on the show, and they had some letters out of Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there, recalled Duncan. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. 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. The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. 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'. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. 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. Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. But there was never a question at all., I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. 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. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. Betty White served as both host and producer. 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. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Listen to Betty White. BE 100s Left: Arthur Duncan/Betty White Show/NBC Right: American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. We wouldnt have been the same. 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 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. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. Sales Partnership Solutions Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. 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.. page_type: 'article', 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? 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. White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . He was a 13-year-old student when he joined the dance quartet at McKinley Junior High School and began studying under renowned choreographer Nick Castle. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. 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. 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. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. 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. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. In 1961, the then 39-year-old actress met the man . Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. I am one bad ass bitch. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. 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.. 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. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. 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.