A pioneer of early television with a career spanning almost seven decades, she was noted for her vast body of work in entertainment and for being one of the first women to work both in front of and behind the camera. You never ask me out," per People. subcat: '', baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', 2. Goodbye to Betty White, popular cultures beloved (and saucy) great-grandma. Betty White: . You never call. Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. tude.cmd.push(function() { Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', A movie event planned prior to her death to . Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. 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. "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," said Duncan during an episode of 'Steve Harvey's Little Big Shots: Forever Young' in 2017. Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. 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. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. Management This was on The Lawrence Welk Show. "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" 4. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 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. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', 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.. But there was never a question at all., I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. 1. And it was never a question at all.. pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. } }); EVENTS So at age 18, he enrolled in Pasadena City College to study pharmacy. 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. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'. 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. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. Duncan appeared on the show at least three times. Her show was canceled soon after. We wouldnt have been the same. }); !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); While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. Betty White In Person (1987). 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. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. Betty didnt let her age hamper her ability to empathize with others, even if they were of a completely different background than her. From left, producer Steve Boettcher, Arthur Duncan, Georgia Engel and Gavin . (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . You never call. Little Big Shots: Forever Young airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured entertainment segments that are typical of variety shows. Of course, the social media world is full of distortions and fabrications. "I'm ready to go now," he said. Listen to Betty White. 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 soon led to the show's cancellation. Subscribe to Newsletter When so many of her peers were justifying their ignorance by claiming to be a product of their times, Betty stood 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 comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. 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. In 1957, he became the first Black performer to joinBob Hopes USO troop as they entertained U.S. troops in the Pacific for Christmas. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. It has since been updated. Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. 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. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. The daily talk/variety show on NBC allowed White to hire a female director (opens in new tab) as well as Arthur Duncan, . 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. 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. 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. Betty White was in "great spirits" and "looked amazing" while filming her final TV appearance which took place just 10 days before her death. 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. 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. The comedian had a natural affinity towards animals, particularly elephants and gorillas. He is a Black Tap Dancer. 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.. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. 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. I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Now she wants restitution. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. 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 rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. It was the first award in an entirely new category. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. 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!. White gave it to him, he recounted in the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television.. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. 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. 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! She set the standard, and we will forever be grateful. 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 started touring with The Jimmie Rodgers Show and performing on Betty White's 1954 . She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. The legendary dancer discussed how Betty White gave him his first job on. 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. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down. Sandy Duncan: Funny Face 1973 Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore: Bea Arthur: Maude Jean Stapleton: . Wikimedia CommonsBetty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. But this story is true. 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. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Live with it: Betty White defied racist demands in 1954. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . When Bea Arthur left The Golden . Im ready to go now, he morbidly joked as White approached. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. 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. 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. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. . Betty White: reglnyok: Bea Arthur: reglnyok: Phylicia Rashad: The Cosby Show Rue McClanahan: reglnyok: Shelley Long: Cheers: . 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. And that included the young tap dancer Arthur Duncan, who would become the only Black man on the program. On another episode, White interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment. 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. 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. She was part of the board at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and regularly campaigned to raise more funds for the association. Arthur Duncans early career was helped immensely by breakthrough performances on The Jimmie Rodgers Show and, of course, The Betty White Show. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. Are you going to go house to house?. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. She also told her critics to "live with it.". Her response: "I'm sorry. "I'm sorry. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" 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.