Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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. That solved everything at the time.. The comedian was a legend through and through: when faced with the overwhelming pressure to give in to hate, she resisted and won. . Women of Power Summit 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. Betty Whites show was canceled the same year she invited Duncan on as a guest three times. Live. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Arthur Duncans tap-dancing skills were undeniable. 4. 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. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Duncan appeared in three episodes of The Betty White Show according to IMDb and it was these episodes, in particular, that drew criticism. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. She just prioritized building earnest relationships with people, and if progress came as a result, no problem. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-1', When Betty White was in her early 30s she landed her very own self-titled variety show. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. 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. 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. But by the early 1980s, when The Lawrence Welk Show finally went off the air, that era was over. She even had a regular childrens segment. cat: 'entertainment', kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Duncan reserved high praise for White during an appearance in a 2018 documentary about her titled 'Betty White: First Lady of Television.' 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. Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. White made a career playing sweet characters with hidden and hilarious grit, and that quality goes all the way back to her first televised variety show, where, as the host and producer, she defied racist demands to get rid of Duncan because he was Black. 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. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We bring people together, change perceptions, and inspire actions that impact culture for good. 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. 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. 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. The Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over., Oh, I hope so. Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. In 1954, Betty White created and hosted her own daily variety and talk show, The Betty White Show. It has since been updated. 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. NBCArthur Duncan (left) and Betty White (seated) at their reunion on Steve Harveys Little Big Shots: Forever Young in 2017. on her eponymous talk show in 1954 . 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. One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. Racial justice wasnt the only focus of her activism, either. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By sethuraman s . . White . tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. . The show was Duncan's first big break in the business and helped launch his career. 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! pic.twitter.com/tVL7NUw2TT. It was also the year segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. R.I.P. Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', ': Betty White's quips and quotes through the years. In the early 1950s, White faced criticism for featuring Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer and singer, on a few episodes of her variety talk show The Betty White Show.. 1. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. Deal with it and gave Duncan more airtime. Duncan recalled the furor and the actor backing him during those testing times. CNN . 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. When she was encouraged to take him offbecause of the color of his skin,she politely declined. There was the time she ignored criticism about having Arthur Duncan, . 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. . page_type: 'article', "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. A Look at All of Betty White's Homes. However, Betty White wasnt always such a universally loved figure as the cancellation of The Betty White Show in 1954 goes to show. } Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. SistersInc. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. 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. You never call. Betty White, to put it simply, is a national treasure in the US. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. subcat: '', In other news, One Piece episode 1054 delayed, new release date confirmed. Later on, Arthur was discovered by Sam Lutz, Lawrence Welks personal manager and was invited to perform as part of Welks musical family.. People in the South, some of them resented me being on the show and wanted me thrown out. 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. 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. Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 3, 2022. 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. "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 1954, Ms. White was pressured to replace Mr. Duncan, a dancer who went on to receive . Well, Betty wrote back and said, Needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could. We wouldnt have been the same. as well as other partner offers and accept our. She is older than Mickey Mouse. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. He was a 13-year-old student when he joined the dance quartet at McKinley Junior High School and began studying under renowned choreographer Nick Castle. 1937) Elwood . Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. INFORMATION Cindy Ord/Getty Betty White rejected. 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.. 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 . You dont need to be young or rich or particularly well-educated to treat someone with respect or compassion. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Duncan performed on The Lawrence Welk Show for nearly 20 years, making him the first Black regular on a variety show. pos: 'right_rail_3', What really defines Betty Whites legacy is her sheer willingness to go against the grain and subvert expectations. 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. Tell us what you think! div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, on her show. 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 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. 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. "She never wanted to leave her home in Carmel, but was forced to for at-home care," a source told The Post. Among her favorite guests was Arthur Duncan, an African-American musician from Pasadena, California, who briefly studied medicine before returning to his musical roots. ]); 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 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. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. 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. 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. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. Duncan was featured on the show at least three times. 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. So it was a minor coup when Betty White got her own show in 1954 with full creative control. 65 Backyard . Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. She knew exactly what was right and what was wrong, and didnt let the status quo defer her from taking a stand. Arthur admits that Betty helped get him the kind of exposure that really launched his career. And by his 21st birthday, hed caught the eye of TV pioneer Betty White. Television was a relatively new medium, but White was a veteran from stage and radio. You never call. The entertainment world is mourning beloved actress Betty White, "our national treasure." The "Golden Girls" and "Mary Tyler Moore" star died Dec. 31. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. 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. As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. While the world mourns the death of actor and activist Betty White, many are learning about her advocacy on behalf of African-Americans. 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. "I'm sorry, but he staysLive with it!" ', Betty White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. "I'm sorry, but, you know, he stays," White said,according to a PBS biography. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. Some facts about Betty White . 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. As the host and producer, White hired young Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan to perform. 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. 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!. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. pos: 'right_rail_2', She treated Arthur like a friend and fought tooth and nail to have him on her show. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. 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. Betty White holds the record for "longest television career of any female or male entertainer." She is older than sliced bread. 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. And all through the South, there was this whole ruckus, White remembered in the doc. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { 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. GOOD aligns unparalleled expertise in social science, social media, and social change. pos: 'right_rail_1', 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. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. 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. 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! It was a big opportunity for Arthur, who turned it into a career in show business that has lasted more than 60 years. He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. Betty White In Person (1987). Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. 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. She also starred in and produced The Betty. A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. 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. So the next time you blame someones bigotry on their times, remember Betty White. Subscribe to Newsletter 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. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. Steve Harvey also had Betty White come on to the show to reunite them. "I'm sorry. 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. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. She continued to serve as producer on the show, pushing boundaries by hiring a female director and showcasing.