I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever. What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. 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. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. 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. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. R.I.P. 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.. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. She produced and starred in the sitcom Life with Elizabeth (1953-1955), making . 1 of 2. According to the 2018 PBS documentary, Betty White: First Lady of Television, (available on Netflix) Duncan credited White for his first big break. 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. 4. pos: 'right_rail_2', The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. 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! 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. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. In December 1957, he became the first Black man to join Bob Hopes 100-member troupe to tour U.S. military bases worldwide. 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. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. "Los Angeles was more accessible." "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," Duncan told White, to which she replied: "Oh, I hope so. You never ask me out.. 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. } The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. 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. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. Now she wants restitution. Michael Green, 69, molecular and cell biologist (b. Some facts about Betty White . she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. She was fond of leveraging her power to extend empathy towards those who were far less privileged than her. But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. He Was Fatally Beaten by Memphis Police Now People Around the World Are Sharing #SunsetsForTyre in His Honor, 41 Daughter Quotes That Will Touch and Melt Your Heart, The Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne The Rock Johnsons Feud, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally Have a Few Things to Say About 20 Years of Marriage and We Should Listen, How the Boy From the Success Kid Meme Helped Raise Over $100,000 to Save His Dads Life, Actress Goes to Pick Up Her Car From Valet Parking Finds an Insulting Note on the Ticket That Mortifies Her, Strangers Spring Into Action to Save a Driver in Crisis on a Busy Road [VIDEO], 8-Year-Old Finds Out His Favorite Waffle House Waiter Is Hiding a Secret Doesnt Hesitate to Raise $64,000 for Him, White Woman Refuses to Listen to Dad After He Forbid Her From Marrying a Black Man 60 Years Later, Theyre Still Together. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Betty White Made 1954's The Betty White Show Very Progressive. Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 1956) . Her response: "I'm sorry. And it was never a question at all.. There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', env: 'prod', on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . Live with it, according to USA Today and ended up giving Arthur Duncan more airtime as a result. 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.. env: 'prod', CNN . Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. tude.cmd.push(function() { Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. 'The Betty White Show' saw her perform songs and entertain viewers with skits and interviews with guests. Later on, he became the first African-American regular on a variety program. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. 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. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. } "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. 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. 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. But this story is true. 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. Left: Arthur Duncan/Betty White Show/NBC Right: American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. Live. Part of her show would feature a young Black entertainer by the name of Arthur Duncan. targeting: { (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . You never call. 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. This is a tremendous loss," tap-dancing legend Arthur Duncan tells Rolling Stone. 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. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', ]); 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. Registry of Corporate Directors. 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! 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. This article was published more than1 year ago. The beloved actress was preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday with a big televised special that will still air despite her passing only a few weeks before the age . Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. 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 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'. Duncan started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', 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,. Oborfacts What can i say? White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. And to this day, the 87-year-old tap dances when the mood strikes. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. But this was 1954 and racial inequality was still rife. ]); 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. 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. Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young.". White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself keeps you feeling young. You never call. 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. Duncan credits White for starting his career. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. NBC first aired in 1954. Given that White and Duncan both corroborated this story in the documentary, we rate this claim as True.. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. 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. "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 response: "I'm sorry. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. # DidYouKnow In 1954, # BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 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. Have something to tell us about this article? Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. 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. Today, many of us dont even comprehend the power she wielded, the significance she carried as the foremost Golden Girl of our zeitgeist, or how she unshakably fought to bring justice and diversity to our screens. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Arthur Duncan. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. Rest well, Betty. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. } #betty #criticized #having #arthur #tap #dancer #show #said #im #sorry #live #gave #even #more . tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Live with it. Then, she gave Duncan even more airtime when he appeared on the show twice more. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. BE 100s 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, recalled Duncan. And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. Bettys ninety-nine years on this planet is a testament to the tenacity of human kindness. In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. You never ask me out," per People. 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. [5]After several years of appearances in Europe, Duncan was discovered by Lawrence Welk's personal manager Sam Lutz. Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . 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 . She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. Lets take a moment to honor the First Lady of Television and what her progressiveness meant to those watching at home. Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', This was in 1954. She is older than Mickey Mouse. Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. Television was still a new medium, but White was already a veteran performer of stage and radio, had acted on a sitcom and had co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. Her respond to pressure to stop featuring him was that people had to "live with it.". Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. 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. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. 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. The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines. Arthur Duncan was honored in 2004 and 2006 at the Tap Extravaganza in New York and the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Dance Festival. 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. Duncan's . Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. 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. The Betty White Showwas a spinoff of KTLA variety show Hollywood on Television, which White joined in 1949. White hired Arthur Duncan as a dancer on her show. Background [ edit] He is a Black Tap Dancer. 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. page_type: 'article', A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 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? Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. 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. About According to IMDb, Duncan appeared on three episodes of White's show in 1954. 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. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. 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. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. 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. 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.. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. 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. 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. 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. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. 65 Backyard . Listen to Betty White. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. aid: '769722', From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. 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. 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. 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. She just cared about giving people the respect they deserve. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. cat: 'entertainment', 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. Most incredibly, she was also a champion of LGBT equality. Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. 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. 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.
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