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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. She made sure to strengthen causes that needed backing, those that required people to break the mold and upset the masses. White . In a time where segregation was at the forefront of American issues, Betty Whiterejected attempts to keep a Black dancer off 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. I rehearsed with a choral group thats going to do Christmas carols this Christmas., Oh, wonderful, White said. Privacy Policy 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. Rest well, Betty. 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. -----#####Reelblack's mission is to educate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. TIL that, in 1954, Betty White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan In 2020, the American Tap Dance Foundation inducted Duncan into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. In 2010, the Forest Service made Betty White an honorary forest ranger. And it was never a question at all," he recalled. aid: '769722', The dancer, Arthur Duncan, was featured onThe Betty White Showthataired in the 1950s. Live with it." She then gave Duncan even more airtime. Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies After learning about Arthur Duncan, read about how Hattie McDaniel became the first Black Oscar winner. Age isnt an excuse to be horrible to other people. (Video: Reuters). Arthur Duncan was invited onto The Betty White Show as a recurring performer for its one-season run in 1954. Jan 1, 2022. I did something a little different, Duncan told her. Betty White's Comic Reversals | The New Yorker When Duncan told White, "I hope we have a chance to visit after this is over," she replied, "Oh, I hope so. 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. 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.