He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. 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. 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. We wouldnt have been the same. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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. . Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it." The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. 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. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. 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. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. 65 Backyard . 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. 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. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', 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. It has since been updated. White went on to game shows, the talk-show circuit and eventually mega-stardom as Rose Nylund on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls.. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. 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. Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. You never call, responded White. Live. Now she wants restitution. 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 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. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Stay up to date with what you want to know. 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. Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', env: 'prod', 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. . It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. "I said, 'I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!'" Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. About The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. 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 NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Black Men XCEL tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { He we as a tap dancer and singer who White was quite fond of and wanted to help him get more exposure. "Los Angeles was more accessible." tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { He was 97. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', 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. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . ', Betty White's quips and quotes through the years, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. Her show was cancelled afterwards. However, Duncan spent years presuming that his dream of becoming an artist was too far-fetched. 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. After MLKs home was bombed, he refused to back down: This movement will not stop, The brave, forgotten Kansas lunch counter sit-in that helped change America, Sam Howell is the Commanders first-string QB for now, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors. He remained part of the cast from 1964 to 1982. window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. 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. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Listen to Betty White. You never ask me out.. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress . You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. You never ask me out.. } "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. Her response: "I'm sorry. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. In other news, One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . 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.. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. Registry of Corporate Directors. 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. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. 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 . 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. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. Betty White served as both host and producer. Are you going to go house to house?. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 0. ABOUT The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. subcat: '', 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. The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. Some facts about Betty White . aid: '769722', In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. In 1961, the then 39-year-old actress met the man . Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. Arthur Duncan, a gifted dancer whose appearance on one of Betty White's early TV shows prompted a showdown between southern censors and White, died January 4. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. 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! He is a Black Tap Dancer. Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. . But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. } Sales Partnership Solutions 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. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. } 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. (Video: Reuters). And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. Background [ edit] Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. "I was on the show and they had letters from Mississippi and elsewhere that some of the stations would not carry the show if I was permitted to stay on there," Duncan recalled said in a 2017 interview onSteve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. 3. Privacy Policy The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. 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. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. This was in 1954. Women of Power Summit . 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. 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. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. "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. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. Betty White: . }); !function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement('iframe');t.display='none',t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement('script');c.src='//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js',c.setAttribute('async','1'),c.setAttribute('type','text/javascript'),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document); Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. 1956) . 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. 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. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. See, back in 1954 Betty White served as the host and producer of The Betty White Show, a comedic variety show that was geared toward families and entertainment. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. . When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. 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. It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. 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. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. aid: '769722', Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. You never call. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. 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. 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. Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. It was the first award in an entirely new category. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. page_type: 'article', 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.