It was the first award in an entirely new category. 1954) February 11 Howard Bragman, 66, public relations executive (b. The show was a daytime talk show that also featured ente. Betty White was in 'great spirits' while filming final TV appearance. Betty White dead updates - Cause of death for Hollywood legend revealed 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.. She just stood up for her beliefs, said Duncan. 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. And there was Duncan. 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. "In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show," The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center tweeted after her death. Betty White died on December 31, 2021, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. You never ask me out." Duncan's . } Management She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. The entertainer, in her early 30s at the time, was center stage, speaking to the young Black tap dancer seated on her right. subcat: '', Wikimedia Commons Arthur Duncan became the first Black regular on a televised American variety show. So at age 18, he enrolled in Pasadena City College to study pharmacy. tude.cmd.push(function() { 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. On moral courage and sacrificing privilege: When Betty White stood for Ignoring the racist calls, she interviewed a Black child during the childrens segment as well, reported The Washington Post. The Betty White Show (TV Series 1954- ) - IMDb He entertained thousands of viewers each week with his performances and dazzled thousands more with his live performances. You never ask me out," per People. aid: '769722', 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. Then, learn about the first African-American photographers and their portraits. In 1961, the then 39-year-old actress met the man . (Video: Reuters). 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 . Arthur even became the first African-American regular on a variety show when he appeared on The Lawrence Welk Show for almost 20 years. 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. How Betty White Lost Her Show After Standing Up To Racist Bullies The entertainment world is mourning beloved actress Betty White, "our national treasure." The "Golden Girls" and "Mary Tyler Moore" star died Dec. 31. "I'm sorry. Betty White, veteran actress who starred in The Golden Girls, dies In 1954, she became the host of her own daily variety show, The Betty White Show. . divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', "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. This means that White had already made history by making Duncan the first Black series regular on a talk show. When NBC gave her a national 30-minute variety show in 1954, she . 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. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Primetime Emmy-dj a legjobb ni fszereplnek (vgjtksorozat) Email: agilbert@usatoday.com. The comedian passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday. Duncan looked at White and joked that his life was now complete. When she was encouraged to take him off because of the color of his skin, she politely declined. Arthur Duncan performed wherever he could. Among White's decisions as host and producer were to hire a female director and make Arthur Duncan, who is Black, a series regular. White died on Friday, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday, news that prompted a look back on a career that included advocacy on many fronts. Wish Day | The Betty White Show (1954) Ft. Arthur Duncan But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. 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.. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', ]); Duncan even tapped a routine in front of Betty White in a throwback to their time on her show from the 50s. With substantial clout, she developed her own variety show in 1954 and wasted no time giving talented performers a shot. Betty White Shaped the Rise of Television. It's a Legacy That - TODAY There was never a question at all, said Arthur regarding Bettys insistence. aid: '769722', Jan 1, 2022. 1937) Casey Hayden, 85, civil rights activist (b. The cancellation of her variety and talk show came after a huge backlash surrounding the appearance of Arthur Duncan. 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. You never call. Theres a reason why shes widely celebrated as a trailblazer of her generation: she didnt offer any excuses or apologies. Watch clips and full episodes of Little Big Shots for free on Yahoo View. Now she wants restitution. 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, Duncan told Steve Harvey in 2018 ahead of a surprise TV reunion with White. }); EVENTS Getty Images. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. The world is still mourning the immense loss of Betty White. . "Los Angeles was more accessible." cat: 'entertainment', -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. Arthur Duncan - "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) - YouTube 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. Arthur Duncan. A long and successful career followed, including several film and TV appearances. 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. According to IMDb, Duncan appeared on three episodes of White's show in 1954. 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. 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 White dies at 99: Here are some of her greatest career moments. Screening event for Betty White's 100th birthday will go on White hired a female director and Arthur Duncan, an African American actor, . "I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business. Sales Partnership Solutions 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. Although NBC eventually canceled Whites show, Duncan had become a star. 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. I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven. Betty Marion White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was an American actress and comedian. 'He stays': Betty White refused to remove Black dancer from her show in "Well, Betty wrote back and said: 'needless to say, we used Arthur Duncan every opportunity we could,'" he said. Betty White, known for her role as Rose Nylund on 'Golden Girls,' dies. Copywriter by day, true crime enthusiast by night - she has a passion for uncovering perspectives that capture the full spectrum of human nature. Some facts about Betty White . Arthur Duncan on The Betty White shows why Betty White is 'the First SistersInc. Duncan credits White for starting his career. 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. Duncan, who credits White with launching his career, continued to break boundaries after The Betty White Show. 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 Betty White Show gave tap dancing star Arthur Duncan his big break but his appearance on the show wasnt universally popular at all. After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. 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. Even at the risk of cancelation, White insisted that Arthur Duncan stay on and thus helped launch a successful career for him. pic.twitter.com/toipvY9cyQ. 15 Glorious Photos of Betty White When She Was Young - Prevention 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. With newfound creative control, White created a sitcom that earned her a Best Actress Emmy nomination. But one heartwarming story about her principled stand in supporting a Black colleagues career despite opposition highlighted another facet of her life. Betty White defied racist demands with her 1954 variety show - The page_type: 'article', page_type: 'article', Case in point: when she rallied to have a Black tap dancer perform on her show despite the audience pushing for his expulsion. pos: 'right_rail_3', Live with it, according to USA Today and ended up giving Arthur Duncan more airtime as a result. # ThankYouForBeingAFriend 11:37 AM - 31 Dec 2021 10,874 Retweets 54,906 Likes Tap dancer & Singer Arthur Duncan performing "Sing You Sinners,Sing" (1954) aid: '769722', Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. In 1954, Betty White was criticized after having Arthur Duncan - iFunny 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. targeting: { Her show was canceled soon after. 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. 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. White, who died Friday, would have turned 100 on Jan. 17. You never call, responded White. 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. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; TIL that, in 1954, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Arthur, did you have a nice weekend? Betty White asked Arthur Duncan. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', The Betty White Show is a television series that aired on KTLA in 1952 and 1953, and on NBC in 1954. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. She extended his airtime instead, and responded to racists with "I'm sorry. A 1963 Klan bombing killed her sister and blinded her. In fact, as per Arthur, Betty gave him more time on the air when they started receiving backlash. 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. She hired a Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, for "The Betty White Show" in 1954, a full three years before the first federal civil-rights legislation since Reconstruction was passed,. As in, the year the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision banning segregated schools. 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. . Betty White was weeks away from her 100th birthday and planned a big celebration. So on her nationally televised The Betty White Show, she sang, interviewed guests, performed in skits and read the commercials live. This was in 1954. Betty White pushed back against pressure for her to stop featuring a Black tap dancer on her show in 1954, The Washington Post reported. I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, he said. 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. Three years later, one of the Los Angeles-area shows co-hosts, Eddie Albert was given his own eponymous spin-off. Life With Elizabeth ran until 1955; during 1954, White simultaneously presented her own variety show, her second Betty White show. White's death, at the age of 99, was announced on Friday. The Inspiring Story Of Arthur Duncan, The First Black Regular On An American Variety Show. 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. 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. But even in California, Duncans regular presence on the show drew criticism. 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. Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. Betty White (1954), (Bettmann/contributor/Getty images) . If there is content shared on this platform that you feel infringes on your intellectual property, please email me at Reelblack@mail.com and info@reelblack.com with details and it will be promptly removed. R.I.P. Betty White: Hollywood Pays Tribute to the TV Icon - W Magazine Sometimes this involved putting her own reputation on the line, and still, she didnt back down.
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