Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. } Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. "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. He told her, I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over. And without missing a beat, Betty replied, Oh, I hope so. Contact Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. It's been claimed that Duncan's fixed role on "The Betty White Show" as a singer and dancer meant he was the first Black American to have a regular appearance on a TV variety show. 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. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. 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. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. CNN . 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. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. Live. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. 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. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. } Live with it. , Betty White, one of the most endearing and enduring faces on television, dies at 99. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasn't universally popular at all. 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. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. pos: 'right_rail_1', Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. Entrepreneurs Summit This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. I am one bad ass bitch. But his first performance was more than enough for Southern racists to threaten NBC with a boycott if he continued to be part of the lineup. Be like Betty White. 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. Her show was cancelled afterwards. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . In response, Betty White famously said Im sorry. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. Betty White In Person (1987). Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. You never ask me out.. targeting: { He is a Black Tap Dancer. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. 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. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. And there was Duncan. Duncan, 88, was a regular featured performer on White's NBC variety talk show, The Betty White Show , in the . 'The Betty White Show' saw her perform songs and entertain viewers with skits and interviews with guests. At one point, the network threatened to take her off the air for having a Black man repeatedly appear on the show, but she wouldnt budge. 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. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. The show was canceled soon after. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. You never call. INFORMATION It was the first time in over 60 years that Arthur Duncan and Betty White had appeared on stage together. White, a boundary-breaking television star by 1952, then became the first woman to produce a sitcom, Life with Elizabeth, which she also starred in. Arthur Duncan. And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. Sales Partnership Solutions 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. tude.cmd.push(function() { She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. Jan 1, 2022. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. Over 60 years later,Whiteand Duncan were reunited on Little Big Shots: Forever Young to Duncans surprise. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. subcat: '', It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; It has since been updated. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes About Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. (Video: Reuters). Oborfacts What can i say? Stars Betty White George Tibbles Dick Cathcart See production, box office & company info Add to Watchlist 2 User reviews Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy 1 nomination total Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. Live with . Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. 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! 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 gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. You never ask me out," per People. 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. 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? Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. . Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. He was 97. "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. This material may not be reproduced without permission. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. It's Betty White's 99th birthday on Sunday, and former co-stars Arthur Duncan and Wendie Malick are singing her praises. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing. It was the first award in an entirely new category. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. 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. You never ask me out.. 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. 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. Then, in 1964, he was scouted by Sam Lutz, the manager of The Lawrence Welk Show, and invited to come on as a guest. When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. She also told her critics to "live with it.". White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Listen to Betty White. 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. Arthur Duncan, whose exuberant tap dancing carried him from the streets of Pasadena to Betty White's variety shows in the 1950s as one of the first Black regulars performing on television,. She is older than Mickey Mouse. *Arthur Duncan was born on this date in 1933. 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. That solved everything at the time.. (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: [] }; When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. 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. 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. A movie event planned prior to her death to . There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. cat: 'entertainment', B.E. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . ]); cat: 'entertainment', cat: 'entertainment', 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. Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. She was fond of leveraging her power to extend empathy towards those who were far less privileged than her. "Los Angeles was more accessible." 0. 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. Have something to tell us about this article? 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. Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. 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. env: 'prod', 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. 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. The show. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. , Facing the threat of boycotts across the South, White famously said, Im sorry but he stays Live with it!. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. Subscribe to Newsletter Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. When Bea Arthur left The Golden . 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. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. Twitter shares wild and wonderful stories about Betty White, who died Dec. 31, 2021. . You never call. 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. 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. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', But this story is true. 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. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. A colleague. Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. Decades later, in the doc, he was still in awe of her. If Betty White was able to extend so much love and admiration to everyone shed come across over the years, anyone can do the same. Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', 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! Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. page_type: 'article', "I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. 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. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS 1. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Duncan credits White for starting his career. 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more.