Arthur Duncan, pioneering Black tap dancer, dies at 97 Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. 15 Glorious Photos of Betty White When She Was Young - Prevention The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. she bluntly told those that brought the matter to her, reported PEOPLE. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. . 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. How Betty White Lost Her Show After Standing Up To Racist Bullies You never call. Live with it," and she gave Duncan even more airtime. In this day and age, this wouldn't be seen as any sort of big deal. Duncan credits White for starting his career. 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. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. "Her response: 'I'm sorry. # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show. 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. Arthur Duncan - Biography - IMDb targeting: { According to HITC, White's talk show was canceled in the mid-1950s because of his continued appearances on the show. As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. I am one bad ass bitch. White's team of talent included Black performer Arthur Duncan, who was about 21 at the time and looking for his big break. In fact, as per Arthur, Betty gave him more time on the air when they started receiving backlash. 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. You never call. "The Betty White Show" was short-lived, repeatedly rescheduled and eventually taken off air, per the Post. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Arthur said, "She . Betty White spent over seven decades in front and behind the camera. Betty White's Comic Reversals | The New Yorker Betty White Photos: See 48 Photos of Hollywood's Golden Girl Through Privacy Policy Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on, , or leave your comments below. Listen to Betty White. page_type: 'article', 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. 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!. Duncan later toured with Bob Hope and appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly two decades. Simply put, if people like her hadnt raised their voices and resisted hatred and ignorance, our world wouldnt have been the same. Randy Shropshire/Getty ImagesFrom left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of Tap World in Los Angeles, California, in 2015. Your Money, Your Life, LATEST LISTS The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. subcat: '', Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. The Betty White Show (TV Series 1954- ) - IMDb Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. 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.. url: 'betty,whites,controversial,hire,of,tap,dancer,arthur,duncan,made,history,in,more,ways,than,one', 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. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. 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. After the Pacific tour, Duncan spent several years performing at countless venues across Europe. When Bea Arthur left The Golden . ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. 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,. 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.". Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. - Wikipedia-----Video originally shared on archive.orgShared for historical purposes. When Steve Harvey asked Arthur what it was like to see his old friend, he joked, Im ready to go now. But before God could take him, Arthur wanted to catch up with Betty first. 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. 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. I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2017 thatWhitegave him his first job on TV during the premiere of Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young.. He went on to have a decades-long career as one of the first famous Black tap dancers in the US. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. 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. Betty White received criticism for having Duncan as a tap dancer in her own show The Betty White Show (1954). Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured on "The Betty White Show" that aired in the 1950s. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. } Be like Betty White. ]); The Betty White Show (1952 TV series) - Wikipedia aid: '769722', There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. It didnt take long for the programs eponymous host to offer Duncan a permanent place in the shows musical family.. 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. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. From left to right: Arthur Duncan, director Dean Hargrove, actor Norman LLoyd, and cinematographer Stephen Poster at a screening of, Arthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys, how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner, the first African-American photographers and their portraits. } After initially becoming a ratings success, a controversy surrounding Arthur Duncan and repeated scheduling changes resulted in The Betty White Shows quiet cancellation by NBC who did not renew the show for more episodes according to WFMU. Throughout her life, she lent her support to myriad animal rights organizations, including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, The Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation, and Actors and Others for Animals. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan - iFunny Her show was canceled soon after. When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. Her response: "I'm sorry. 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. 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. 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. 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. FLASHBACK: Lawrence Welk star Arthur Duncan credits Betty White for his In 1954, Betty White rejected pressure to stop featuring tap dancer *Arthur Duncan was born on this date in 1933. 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. Duncan, who is black, was on the show when it went national and southern states started complaining about his inclusion in the show. Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. After just one appearance, Duncan was asked to remain onThe Lawrence Welk Show, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Shaoni Das is a writer based out of Alberta, Canada. 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 The 98-year-old actress is loved by almost all and has had an unbelievably successful career spanning more than eight decades. But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. . Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. 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? 1956) . 1937) Elwood . Little Big Shots: Forever Young airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. When she's not writing or scouring the internet for ideas, you can find her playing Genshin Impact or eating Biriyani. At 99 Years Old Betty White Lives In A Luxurious California Mansion Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. Betty White rejected attempts to keep Black dancer Arthur Duncan off her show in the 1950s. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. He is a Black Tap Dancer. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. Betty White obituary | US television | The Guardian 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. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. Entrepreneurs Summit By the 1960s, White had made many appearances on television game shows. env: 'prod', The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. Wikimedia CommonsArthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety 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. 0. 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. The producers wanted to remove him from the show, but White said "He stays. In 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. 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. In a 2018 documentary honoring Bettys illustrious career, Arthur said, I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television. Betty herself wasnt blind to the outrage, but she wouldnt let the commotion, or as she said, the ruckus sway her in the least. The show. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. You never ask me out." 65 Backyard . The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. "I'm ready to go now," he said. 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. Arthur Duncan, 97, tap dancer (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Betty White Show) (b. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . Nick Castle Jr. had become a director and asked Duncan to dance his 1989 film Tap, starring Sammy Davis Jr. Duncan obliged, but his accolades didnt end there. aid: '769722', I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. Betty White was facing pressure from stations in the South but used Duncan even more until the show was canceled in 1954. Now she wants restitution. Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. She had also featured in a sitcom and even co-hosted a Los Angeles daytime talk show. Its because of people like her we were able to push the needle forward in terms of racial and gender equality. 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. Betty White dead: 'SNL,' Robert Redford, Anderson Cooper mourn - USA TODAY Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. (Video: Reuters). White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. subcat: '', aid: '769722', 4. 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. Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world. And he got his start in no small part thanks to Betty White. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. "Well, Betty wrote back and said, 'Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could.'" She set the standard, and we will forever be grateful. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. "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.". 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.
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