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Duncan was later discovered by big band leaderLawrence Welk who invited him onto his ABC variety show. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. . Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. He is a Black Tap Dancer. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. He said it was White who gave him his break. You never ask me out.. 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 entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. 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. That year, 1954, also saw the Supreme Court handing make the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which banned segregated schools. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. You never call. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. 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. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. 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. Born on Sept. 25, 1933, in Pasadena, California, Arthur Duncan gravitated to the life of a performer from a very young age. Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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. Arthur Duncan, the dancer in question, was a young man in his twenties, striving to make a mark in the industry. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. 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. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. 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. 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. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. CNN . 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.. 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. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. ]); In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. targeting: { 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'. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. 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. 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. Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. White went on to game shows, the talk-show circuit and eventually mega-stardom as Rose Nylund on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls.. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. 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. Arthur Duncan, an 83-year-old tap dancer, was on the premiere of Steve Harvey 's Little Big Shots: Forever Young. You never ask me out.. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. 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. Betty White served as both host and producer. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. This took place in 1954: when American society was still organized on the basis of hard racial lines, and segregation was considered the norm. env: 'prod', Jan 1, 2022. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". Registry of Corporate Directors. White . 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. It was the first award in an entirely new category. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . But White didnt capitulate, telling her critics, Im sorry, but he stays. 1925) Norman Fruchter, 85, writer and academic (b. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off her show. 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. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. You never call. The show was canceled soon after. Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. Her show was cancelled afterwards. 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? 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. But there was never a question at all., I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. Reunited with White on "Little Big Shots," Duncan reignited trademark banter they used to have on her show. (1954) nem adtak t djat (1955) Nanette Fabray (1956) Nanette Fabray (1957) Jane Wyatt (1958) Sales Partnership Solutions 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 asked Arthur Duncan. "I'm sorry, but, you know, he stays," White said,according to a PBS biography. But just who is Arthur Duncan and why did his appearance on The Betty White Show cause such controversy at the time? You never call. R.I.P. And he got his start in no small part thanks to Betty White. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. The entertainment world is mourning beloved actress Betty White, "our national treasure." The "Golden Girls" and "Mary Tyler Moore" star died Dec. 31. cat: 'entertainment', Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. 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. Photo by: Vivian Zink/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images. 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. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. 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. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. 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! 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. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. The special is called Betty White: First Lady of Television. Now she wants restitution. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines. "I'm sorry. . 1. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. ]); Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. 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. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. subcat: '', 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. Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. Some facts about Betty White . kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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. Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled in 1954. This material may not be reproduced without permission. 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. -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. And to this day, the 87-year-old tap dances when the mood strikes. Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. 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. A colleague. "She never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. 65 Backyard . Background [ edit] A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. However, Duncan spent years presuming that his dream of becoming an artist was too far-fetched. env: 'prod', The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. "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.". 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. I am one bad ass bitch. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. And it only escalated after NBC rolled out the show nationally, with Southern viewers threatening to boycott the network if White didnt remove Duncan from the lineup. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. 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. Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood out. . Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. (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 she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. Live with . Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. She paid respect to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or what have you. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. This article was published more than1 year ago. 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. 1956) . Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. Rest well, Betty. Her response: "I'm sorry. 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. Betty White gave Arthur his first job on her televised variety show, The Betty White Show. 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.