GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. SistersInc. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. 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. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Arthur first appeared on The Betty White Show in 1954. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. 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. 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. 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.. The show. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. ]); The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. In 1961, the then 39-year-old actress met the man . . In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. Born on Sept. 25, 1933, in Pasadena, California, Arthur Duncan gravitated to the life of a performer from a very young age. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. 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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. White continued to resist the pressurecoming from stations in the South and used Duncanmore, until the show was canceled in 1954 the same year segregationin public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. 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. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. Registry of Corporate Directors. She set the standard, and we will forever be grateful. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. (Video: Reuters). You never call. - Wikipedia-----Video originally shared on archive.orgShared for historical purposes. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. Betty White: . Arthur said, "She . Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. ). She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Betty White turns 99 this weekend, as former co-stars sing her praises targeting: { Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. . Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. Betty White In Person (1987). But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. Betty White: 8 Fascinating Things To Know About Her Life And Work White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . } It was the first award in an entirely new category. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. Arthur Duncan, Barrier-Breaking Tap Dancer, Is Dead at 97 Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. The Controversial Decision That Nearly Ruined Betty White's Career pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. cat: 'entertainment', Twitter shares wild and wonderful stories about Betty White, who died Dec. 31, 2021. . She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. Supervising Producer, Yahoo Entertainment, Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of, It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. You never call. It has since been updated. After the Pacific tour, Duncan spent several years performing at countless venues across Europe. tude.cmd.push(function() { Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. 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. 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. On moral courage and sacrificing privilege: When Betty White stood for Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. as well as other partner offers and accept our. This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. 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. Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. R.I.P. Betty White: Hollywood Pays Tribute to the TV Icon - W Magazine But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. ]); White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. 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. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. 15 Glorious Photos of Betty White When She Was Young - Prevention At 21, the California native had been performing in a dance quartet for years and was looking for his big break. Live. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies pos: 'right_rail_1', Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. 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. 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 . aid: '769722', 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? 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. National Treasure Betty White Has Died at the Age of 99 - Vulture But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. 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. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. The Betty White Show (1952 TV series) - Wikipedia Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. As in, before the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Little Rock Nine and the Greensboro, N.C., lunch-counter sit-ins. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. 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. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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. She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. Contact Primetime Emmy-dj a legjobb ni fszereplnek (vgjtksorozat) The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. 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. 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 never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. 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. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. Now she wants restitution. Be like Betty White. 4. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her 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 . Arthur Duncan obituary: tap dancer dies at 97 - Legacy.com "Los Angeles was more accessible." It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. Whats more intriguing is that this wasnt Bettys sole act of defiance within the show; she interviewed a Black child on the special when it was considered controversial to do so. She also starred in and produced The Betty. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. How Betty White Lost Her Show After Standing Up To Racist Bullies baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', pos: 'right_rail_3', Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. Her response: "I'm sorry. So, needless to say, Arthur was pretty excited when Betty showed up onstage and surprised him. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. Management url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. 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. You never ask me out.. Betty White Reunited With Tap Dancer Whose Career She Launched - Yahoo! In 2020, the American Tap Dance Foundation inducted Duncan into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. 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. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. Im ready to go now, he morbidly joked as White approached. }); EVENTS Arthur Duncan, One Of The First Black Regulars On American Television 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. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. Randy Shropshire/Getty ImagesFrom left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of Tap World in Los Angeles, California, in 2015. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. Betty White spent final days in home she didn't want to live in So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. 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. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Tell us what you think! A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. Not only had she been one of the first women to helm her own show on television, but she also laid the groundwork for how women could assert their agency in a landscape that was still dismissive of their talent and power. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . Have something to tell us about this article? Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS 0. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', You never call, responded White. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. aid: '769722', Simply put, if people like her hadnt raised their voices and resisted hatred and ignorance, our world wouldnt have been the same. He said it was White who gave him his break. Privacy Policy Listen to Betty White. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. env: 'prod', Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. 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. He remained part of the cast from 1964 to 1982. window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). page_type: 'article', Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. Betty White, veteran actress who starred in The Golden Girls, dies Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. 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. "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. 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 . Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Her show was canceled soon after. 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. Betty White served as both host and producer. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. 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. Fans mourn Betty White on social media - ajc By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. 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. In response, Betty White famously said Im sorry. He was 97. This soon led to the show's cancellation. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. She even had a regular childrens segment. 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. 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. page_type: 'article', But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? Little Big Shots: Forever Young airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Women of Power Summit And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. 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. Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. INFORMATION With Betty White's passing at the age of 99, this internet meme about White refusing to ban Arthur Duncan, an African American dancer, from the cast of her television variety show in 1954, is getting wide circulation. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. Sales Partnership Solutions ABOUT The Powerful Story Behind Betty White's Refusal to Remove a Black Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. 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. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. "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. Arthur Chester Duncan (September 25, 1925 - January 4, 2023) was an American tap dancer, also called an "Entertainer's Entertainer," known for his stint as a performer on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1964 to 1982. Betty White's Life in Photos - Peoplemag According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. } As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. At 99 Years Old Betty White Lives In A Luxurious California Mansion Jan 1, 2022. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Betty White, 99, gives health update in rare interview after fans fear So at age 18, he enrolled in Pasadena City College to study pharmacy. 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.
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