Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. TIL that, in 1954, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan And it was never a question at all.. Betty White Shaped the Rise of Television. It's a Legacy That - TODAY He remained part of the cast from 1964 to 1982. window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 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. But this story is true. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. Simply put, if people like her hadnt raised their voices and resisted hatred and ignorance, our world wouldnt have been the same. "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. Her show was canceled soon after. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. 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. Duncan's . Betty White turns 99 this weekend, as former co-stars sing her praises Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We wouldnt have been the same. Stay up to date with what you want to know. }); EVENTS The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center on Twitter She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 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. 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,. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. However, Duncan spent years presuming that his dream of becoming an artist was too far-fetched. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. 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. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. page_type: 'article', The entertainment world is mourning beloved actress Betty White, "our national treasure." The "Golden Girls" and "Mary Tyler Moore" star died Dec. 31. 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. pos: 'right_rail_3', kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Getty Images. The Betty White Show (TV Series 1954- ) - IMDb He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. 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. . Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. Betty White: . Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. After the Pacific tour, Duncan spent several years performing at countless venues across Europe. "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" env: 'prod', While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. 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. . Live with it. , Betty White, one of the most endearing and enduring faces on television, dies at 99. But the stage kept calling, and he eventually dropped out to pursue tap dancing full time. #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. Was Betty White Slammed for Having Black Tap Dancer Arthur Duncan on When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. As producer of her own show, White decided to give Duncan a national platform to share those skills with the rest of the country. And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. SistersInc. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { This material may not be reproduced without permission. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. White said she wasn't going to budge: Evidently through the South at that point it was a very heavy [thing], and I said, Im sorry, but he stays [] Live with it! White said. In the early 1950s, White faced criticism for featuring Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer and singer, on a few episodes of her variety talk show The Betty White Show.. 1937) Elwood . Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. Arthur Duncan, 84, is a tap dancer best known for his stint on "The Lawrence Welk Show." PBS. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. 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? Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', 'The Betty White Show' saw her perform songs and entertain viewers with skits and interviews with guests. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. Arthur had seen everything he needed to see in life after reuniting with Betty. (Video: Reuters). White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. 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. But there was never a question at all., I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Live. "I'm ready to go now," he said. In 2020, the American Tap Dance Foundation inducted Duncan into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. Betty White, also known as the First Lady of Television, wore many hats, as a comedian, a talk show host, an actress, and more. I am one bad ass bitch. 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. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. Arthur Duncan - "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) - YouTube 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. . Betty White Photos: See 48 Photos of Hollywood's Golden Girl Through 65 Backyard . baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', targeting: { Im ready to go now, he morbidly joked as White approached. Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. 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. Now she wants restitution. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "289be4dd-5b1f-48bc-990f-ec567999e080" }).render("8791f6495fab447280f16fc61516a837"); }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; 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. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) You never call. You never ask me out.. 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. pos: 'right_rail_1', Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. 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. Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young., Here are some of her greatest career moments, Athletes, sports celebrities recall 'national treasure' Betty White, Robert Redford shares his affection for Betty White, 'I had a crush on her, too! She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. 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.. 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. 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. Sales Partnership Solutions Live with it." and gave Duncan more airtime. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. Of course, the social media world is full of distortions and fabrications. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. Betty White In Person (1987). "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. 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. 1 of 2. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', At 99 Years Old Betty White Lives In A Luxurious California Mansion Betty White Made 1954's The Betty White Show Very Progressive. She even had a regular childrens segment. 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. Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. 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.. Although The Betty White Show was cancelled within a year due to low ratings due to NBC constantly changing its time slot, Arthur Duncans newfound national exposure led to invaluable new opportunities. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. Tell us what you think! Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it.". 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. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. B.E. Screening event for Betty White's 100th birthday will go on Some facts about Betty White . And there was Duncan. ]); The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. "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.". Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS aid: '769722', 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. On moral courage and sacrificing privilege: When Betty White stood for You can empower others simply by speaking up when the opportunity arises. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. cat: 'entertainment', } Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. 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 broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. And to this day, the 87-year-old tap dances when the mood strikes. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. 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. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . In 1954 Betty White had a talk show and faced criticism for including a black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on her show. on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . 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. Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. Arthur Duncan, Tap Dancer born - African American Registry You never ask me out.. Registry of Corporate Directors. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. 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! Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. CNN . What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. She also starred in and produced The Betty. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress . Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young. tude.cmd.push(function() { Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Primetime Emmy-dj a legjobb ni fszereplnek (vgjtksorozat) The producers wanted to remove him from the show, but White said "He stays. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', In fact, as per Arthur, Betty gave him more time on the air when they started receiving backlash. See when we celebrated Betty Whites 95th birthday with our 5 fave TV appearances: Steve Harveys Hilarious Version of Ray Charless Georgia on My Mind, 8-Year-Old Girl Tries to Take Steve Harveys Hosting Job, George Lopez Schools Steve Harvey During Celebrity Family Feud. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. 'He stays, live with it': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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. 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.". She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. 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. ', 'What could be better than show business? Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. Be like Betty White. People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. 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. 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. Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. "I'm sorry. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. page_type: 'article', The Powerful Story Behind Betty White's Refusal to Remove a Black Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The Oborfacts What can i say? 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. Her response: "I'm sorry. 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.. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . 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. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. . tude.cmd.push(function() { Jan 1, 2022. Her response: "I'm sorry. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? 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. Betty White was born in 1922 and sliced bread was introduced in 1928. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. subcat: '', Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . Entrepreneurs Summit Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. When Bea Arthur left The Golden . "I'm. Listen to Betty White. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won.
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