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. GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. 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. Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled in 1954. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. The entertainment world is mourning beloved actress Betty White, "our national treasure." The "Golden Girls" and "Mary Tyler Moore" star died Dec. 31. 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. . 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.. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', 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. 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,. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. 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. As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. 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. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. You never call. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. White . Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. This soon led to the show's cancellation. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. Betty White dead updates - Cause of death for Hollywood legend revealed 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. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer Arthur Duncan, Barrier-Breaking Tap Dancer, Is Dead at 97 ]); Of course, the social media world is full of distortions and fabrications. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. In fact, as per Arthur, Betty gave him more time on the air when they started receiving backlash. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. Subscribe to Newsletter Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Management Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. Her response: "I'm sorry. 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. 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. ]); "I'm ready to go now," he said. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS 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. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. subcat: '', Rest well, Betty. Arthur Duncan obituary: tap dancer dies at 97 - Legacy.com So at age 18, he enrolled in Pasadena City College to study pharmacy. And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. ]); 1 of 2. And it was never a question at all.. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. 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. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More 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 even had a regular childrens segment. Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. 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. The Betty White Show (TV Series 1954- ) - IMDb This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. 'He stays': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer from her show in BE 100s 65 Backyard . A colleague. 3. Betty White served as both host and producer. Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White 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. 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. She also told her critics to "live with it.". The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. tude.cmd.push(function() { tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes "I'm. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. 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. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. "I'm sorry. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. 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. It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. Left: Arthur Duncan/Betty White Show/NBC Right: American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. targeting: { R.I.P. Betty White: Hollywood Pays Tribute to the TV Icon - W Magazine Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress . The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. 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. 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. About It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. And he got his start in no small part thanks to Betty White. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. Betty White - Wikipedia And it was never a question at all," he recalled. 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. I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. 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. 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. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. 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 has since been updated. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. She also starred in and produced The Betty. 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.. Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. 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.". aid: '769722', Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 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. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. He said it was White who gave him his break. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, In the 1950s, Betty White was criticized for having Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan on her variety talk show, The Betty White Show., Image Via Film screenshot/Wikimedia Commons. Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the 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. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. Betty White Shaped the Rise of Television. It's a Legacy That - TODAY Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). CNN . Getty Images. } Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . Betty White obituary | US television | The Guardian Betty White spent final days in home she didn't want to live in The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. 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. R.I.P. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. 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. Her show was canceled soon after. 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. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. 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. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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 . By the 1960s, White had made many appearances on television game shows. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. SistersInc. Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . You never call, responded White. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', env: 'prod', There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. 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. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. 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.. 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. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. Betty White was one of a kind, and no incident highlights that better than her refusing to give in to demands for a Black dancer to be removed from her show in the 50s. Black Men XCEL Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . env: 'prod', So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. Privacy Policy There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. . Duncan's . 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. 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. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. 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. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. Nick Castle Jr. had become a director and asked Duncan to dance his 1989 film Tap, starring Sammy Davis Jr. Duncan obliged, but his accolades didnt end there. Duncan reserved high praise for White during an appearance in a 2018 documentary about her titled 'Betty White: First Lady of Television.' Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. Duncan was already a regular on the show which featured performances by White and others, interviews, skits and even a kids segment before it was added to NBCs national lineup in 1954. 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. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', } cat: 'entertainment', 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. Betty White Photos: See 48 Photos of Hollywood's Golden Girl Through Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. Betty White's Life in Photos - Peoplemag In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Arthur Duncan From 'Lawrence Welk' Thanks Betty White For His Career That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. 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. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. cat: 'entertainment', Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Betty White, The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland Star, Dead at 99 During the Little Big Shots episode, Harvey surprised Duncan by bringing White on the show to catch up with her old. But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. 1. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. 2023 deaths in the United States - Wikipedia 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. Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. 0. page_type: 'article', 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. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Betty White Reunited With Tap Dancer Whose Career She Launched - Yahoo! Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. Arthur Duncan - Wikipedia But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. You never call. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Background [ edit] When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. (Video: Reuters). Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 1956) . It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. FLASHBACK: Lawrence Welk star Arthur Duncan credits Betty White for his This was on The Lawrence Welk Show. Fans mourn Betty White on social media - ajc She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . cat: 'entertainment', 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! 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. ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. ', 'What could be better than show business? (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) Are you going to go house to house?.

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