Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. cat: 'entertainment', . White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. Simply put, if people like her hadnt raised their voices and resisted hatred and ignorance, our world wouldnt have been the same. Her response: "I'm sorry. Sales Partnership Solutions When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show. 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. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. It was the first award in an entirely new category. 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.. Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. 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. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. 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. We wouldnt have been the same. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. In other news, One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. She pledged her support for same-sex marriage, saying, If a couple has been together all that time and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones I think its fine if they want to get married. Additionally, she didnt understand how some people could be anti-something. She was a proponent of minding her business, standing up for the oppressed, and carving her unique place in the culture through entertainment. aid: '769722', tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. 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 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. She also starred in and produced The Betty. Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 Championed by Betty White at the start of his career, he became one of the first Black regulars on a TV variety show. 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. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', And it was never a question at all," he recalled. "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. 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. He was 97. The beloved actress was preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday with a big televised special that will still air despite her passing only a few weeks before the age . 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. Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. Getty Images. In the documentary, White described that all through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didnt get rid of Arthur because he was Black., Added Duncan: People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. 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. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" 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. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. 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.. Duncan reserved high praise for White during an appearance in a 2018 documentary about her titled 'Betty White: First Lady of Television.' As in, before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine and the Greensboro, N.C., lunch-counter sit-ins. 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. Subscribe to Newsletter 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! There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. Duncan credits White for starting his career. 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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. 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. 2. White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. . baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. Arthur had seen everything he needed to see in life after reuniting with Betty. Twitter shares wild and wonderful stories about Betty White, who died Dec. 31, 2021. . This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', "I'm ready to go now," he said. 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 . Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. I am one bad ass bitch. But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. Have something to tell us about this article? There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. 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? 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. 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. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . }); EVENTS Background [ edit] aid: '769722', 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. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. 4. CNN . } In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. "Los Angeles was more accessible." 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. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. 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. 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! She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Entrepreneurs Summit ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. tude.cmd.push(function() { ', 'What could be better than show business? Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. 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. It has since been updated. 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. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. } The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . This article was published more than1 year ago. 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. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The show. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. Her response: "I'm sorry. as well as other partner offers and accept our. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. "I did something a little. And he got his start in no small part thanks to Betty White. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Live with . 0. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. 1 of 2. Tell us what you think! (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) } That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. 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. 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. Now she wants restitution. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. 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. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. "I'm sorry. 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. 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. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. subcat: '', Listen to Betty White. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. subcat: '', Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. A movie event planned prior to her death to . Betty White In Person (1987). baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. 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!. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. 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. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. 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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Some facts about Betty White . Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . 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. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. Are you going to go house to house?. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . ]); Betty White, whose more than 80-year career included Emmy-winning roles on sitcoms "The Golden Girls" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died on Dec. 31. And it was never a question at all.. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. She is older than Mickey Mouse. 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. ]); Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" "I'm. B.E. 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. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. The show was the first big break for Duncan, then in his early 20s, he said in the 2018 documentary "Betty White, First Lady of Television.".
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