Betty White And Arthur Duncan

When Betty White passed away on New Year’s Eve, 2021, she was one of the most universally beloved Americans. Her popularity stretched across every conceivable demographic. People of every age, every race, and every sexual identification seemed to love Betty. She lived her life with positivity and joy that inspired many. Today, I’d like to share a little-known story about a time when Betty White stood for justice.

In 1954, Arthur Duncan, a talented African-American tap dancer and singer, was booked to perform on “The Betty White Show,” a local Los Angeles television program. Betty White loved his talent and charismatic presentation. The studio audience heartily agreed, and Betty White quickly booked Mr. Duncan for a repeat appearance. Click here to watch him perform on the Betty White Show.

At the time, strict racial segregation policies were in place, and many television producers hesitated to feature African-American performers on their shows. White said that Southern stations threatened not to air the show if Duncan appeared. The network producers ordered her not to have Duncan on again. White refused to remove him, and she said, “I’m sorry, but he stays. Live with it.”

In the 2018 documentary “Betty White: First Lady of Television,” White said she was “frightfully surprised” by the reaction to Duncan’s appearance on her show. “I thought it was the most natural thing in the world,” she said. “I never even thought about it.”

When Betty White, all of 31 years old,  stood up to the network, the matter was dropped, and Duncan was welcomed back without incident. He appeared on the show again, but it was soon canceled. Duncan went on to have a successful career in show business, and he credited White with helping him get started.

If the story ended there, we all agreed that Betty White had acted courageously. But there’s more to the story that tells us the depth of Betty White’s kindness and compassion.

It turns out that although Betty White had put her career on the line to stand up for Arthur Duncan and, by extension, for the rights of African Americans in show business, she never told Mr. Duncan what she had done. He didn’t find out for decades!

In a 2012 interview, he said he was “flabbergasted” when he found out. He said that White was “a true pioneer” and that she “had a lot of courage” to do what she did.

In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Betty White confirmed that she had not informed Duncan about the situation. She said she did not want to make him feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about his race and wanted to give him a chance to showcase his talents on the show.

White also said that she believed that Duncan’s talent spoke for itself and that his performance on the show was proof of his abilities as an entertainer. She did not want to make a big deal out of the situation or draw attention to the racial barriers that he had faced.

Betty White’s courage had a ripple effect that created opportunities for other African-American performers. Arthur Duncan’s performances on the Betty White show in the 1950s helped to launch his career and open doors for him in the entertainment industry. After appearing on the show, he received offers to perform on other programs, including The Lawrence Welk Show.

In fact, Duncan became a regular on The Lawrence Welk Show in the 1960s and 1970s, where he was known for his energetic tap dancing and charismatic stage presence. He was the show’s only African American performer and became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “Mr. Show Business” from Welk himself!

Duncan’s success on The Lawrence Welk Show helped to break down racial barriers in the entertainment industry. It paved the way for other African American performers to gain greater visibility and recognition. His contributions to tap dancing and his impact on popular culture continue to be celebrated today.

There are many reasons why Betty White was so beloved. Her talent, charm, wit, and sunny personality endeared her to many people. She went out of her way to be kind to others both publicly and behind the scenes. In addition to her support of Arthur Duncan, White was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and worked closely with organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). She also spoke out against ageism and worked to combat negative stereotypes about older adults.

The fact that Betty White never informed Duncan about the situation speaks to her humility and her focus on the bigger picture. She wasn’t looking for recognition or praise for her actions; she wanted to do what was right and provide a platform for a talented performer who had faced discrimination in his career. While she may not have been overtly political, Betty White’s actions and advocacy demonstrate a clear commitment to social justice and equality. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of activists and advocates.