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Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . 1. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Of course, the social media world is full of distortions and fabrications. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The 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. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. About With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. She also told her critics to "live with it.". Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. "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. But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', 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. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . 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', B.E. Betty White, veteran actress who starred in The Golden Girls, dies Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. 1 of 2. This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . Duncan's . 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. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. She is older than Mickey Mouse. But there was never a question at all., I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? However, Albert was very active in the film world and soon chose to leave the show to film the classicRoman Holiday. Simply put, if people like her hadnt raised their voices and resisted hatred and ignorance, our world wouldnt have been the same. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 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. 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. Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. CNN . He was 97. Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. 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, 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. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. Betty White kept Black dancer Arthur Duncan on show despite - Bossip targeting: { Betty White - Wikipedia . Shed been a progressive since day one, and its because of people like her that we were able to delegitimize hateful sentiments that had dominated the country in those years. Duncan reserved high praise for White during an appearance in a 2018 documentary about her titled 'Betty White: First Lady of Television.' We wouldnt have been the same. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. This was in 1954. Tell us what you think! The show. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. Betty White: 8 Fascinating Things To Know About Her Life And Work The Betty White Show (1952 TV series) - Wikipedia SistersInc. You never call, responded White. Arthur Duncan, Tap Dancer born - African American Registry "Her response: 'I'm sorry. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . Arthur Duncan. -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer Betty White Photos: See 48 Photos of Hollywood's Golden Girl Through Betty White dead: 'SNL,' Robert Redford, Anderson Cooper mourn - USA TODAY 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 credits White for starting his career. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. 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 . 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.". Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. The Controversial Decision That Nearly Ruined Betty White's Career }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Betty White Shaped the Rise of Television. It's a Legacy That - TODAY In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. 2023 deaths in the United States - Wikipedia When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. "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. She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. 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. You never ask me out," per People. In a 2018 documentary honoring Bettys illustrious career, Arthur said, I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television. Betty herself wasnt blind to the outrage, but she wouldnt let the commotion, or as she said, the ruckus sway her in the least. 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. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. Im ready to go now, he morbidly joked as White approached. Oborfacts What can i say? Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. 'He stays, live with it': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Screening event for Betty White's 100th birthday will go on 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. 0. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. aid: '769722', . She also starred in and produced The Betty. There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. 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. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. 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. Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 2. 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. Contact The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasn't universally popular at all. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". R.I.P. Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes - House Beautiful 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. 4. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Betty White's Comic Reversals | The New Yorker The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. 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. Betty White Helped Launch Career of Black Tap Dancer in 1950s - Peoplemag In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. 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. ]); White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . 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. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. Jan 1, 2022. "I'm sorry. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. Betty White insisted on Black dancer for her 1950s show She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. pos: 'right_rail_2', At the time, she faced criticism for including African-American actor Arthur Duncan in the series, and refused to remove him from the show despite a loss in ratings. 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. Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. pos: 'right_rail_1', Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. ]); cat: 'entertainment', 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. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. (Video: Reuters). Getty Images. Watch The Betty White Show (November 29th, 1954) 1 Video 3 Photos Family Music Talk-Show Daytime show with Betty White talking to guests, singing with the orchestra, etc. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. } In 1961, the then 39-year-old actress met the man . The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. 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. 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 gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. "She never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. 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. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. 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. } A colleague. As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. Arthur Duncan on The Betty White Show (1954) | Tap Dance