on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. *Arthur Duncan was born on this date in 1933. 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. CNN . 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. pos: 'right_rail_1', Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. 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. Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 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. aid: '769722', 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. Women of Power Summit Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Duncan's . 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. Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. 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. 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. 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. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. Live with it, according to USA Today and ended up giving Arthur Duncan more airtime as a result. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. } A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. 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. However, Duncan spent years presuming that his dream of becoming an artist was too far-fetched. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled 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. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. 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? Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. pos: 'right_rail_2', "Her response: 'I'm sorry. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. 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. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', BE 100s Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. It was the first award in an entirely new category. 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. 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. White explained the controversy in the documentary, "All through the South there was this whole ruckus, they were going to take the show off the air if we didn't get rid of Arthur because he was Black," said White. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Betty White In Person (1987). According to the 2020 book Betty White on TV, the show failed to attract sponsors and was cancelled on Dec. 31, 1954 despite a desperate plea by White to NBC execs. One particular way in which Ms. White refused to bow to systemic racism was by insisting Arthur Duncan, a Black dancer, remain on her 1950s show, The Betty White Show.. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. subcat: '', 0. You never ask me out.. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', She also told her critics to "live with it.". Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. The almost-centenarian was an icon in every sense of the word: with a career spanning eighty years, she marked a turning point for women in entertainment. Left: Arthur Duncan/Betty White Show/NBC Right: American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. Masthead, Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. 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 Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KLAC-TV (now KCOP-TV) in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. Listen to Betty White. The show. Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. "Los Angeles was more accessible." BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. 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. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. 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. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. In other news, One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed. When Bea Arthur left The Golden . This was in 1954. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. 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. ]); Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. You never call. 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. 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. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. And it was never a question at all.. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. 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.. ', 'What could be better than show business? 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 . Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 'The Betty White Show' saw her perform songs and entertain viewers with skits and interviews with guests. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. White . One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. "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. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. 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. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. 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. It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. 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. I was on the show, and they had some letters out of Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there, the then-83-year-old said. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. She also starred in and produced The Betty. 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 we as a tap dancer and singer who White was quite fond of and wanted to help him get more exposure. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined.. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. 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. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. By the 1960s, White had made many appearances on television game shows. env: 'prod', Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. 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. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? 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. Getty Images. B.E. Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. A pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was noted for her vast body of work in entertainment and for being one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the camera. 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. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . tude.cmd.push(function() { She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. In response, Betty White famously said Im sorry. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. targeting: { When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. At a time when racial segregation was at boiling point, there were strong calls from different quarters to remove a tap dancer named Arthur Duncan from her show. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. page_type: 'article', 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. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. Privacy Policy When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. 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. How Gabriel Prosser Planned What Would Have Been The Largest Slave Rebellion In American History, Meet The Ken And Barbie Killers: Paul Bernardo And Karla Homolka, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. subcat: '', . Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show.
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