Arthur Duncan was drafted into a dance team with two friends while in school. Betty White Made History With Arthur Duncan, He Did It Twice More Some of these older people were so prejudiced.. Live with it.. He did not begin dancing until he was in the eighth grade, when friends persuaded him to perform with them at a junior high school event. subcat: '', Hes won the top investigative reporting prize from the L.A. Press Club and print Journalist of the Year from the L.A. Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Lum Junior Duncan 1931 - 1989. "[27] Unfortunately, this confined him and his dance moves, not allowing him to experiment, which is a key element of tap dancing. Duncans daring edge-to-edge slides clearly made the pianist nervous. It was, according to the Library of Congress, a unique and risky position. This page is not available in other languages. env: 'prod', If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. Forty years later, she wants a judge to drop the case against him. He started his venture in show business at 13 by dancing in a quartet atMcKinley Junior High School. His personal year number in 2023 is 5. He was the first African-American regular on a variety television show. And he always focused on the next gig. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', Duncan appeared alongside seven others of "TVs greatest entertainers" in a "salute to the 'golden days of television.'" In February 1955, the show became the shortest run program to ever receive an Emmy nomination for Best Daytime Program. "[11] Many African American performers often felt as though they needed to smile wide for white audiences, and it is clear that Duncan, no matter his popularity, was not exempt from that. Arthur Duncan, who kept tap dancing visible and relevant across the country on television when most had relegated it to the past and who also broke ground as a Black entertainer, has died at 97. }); EVENTS This, along with his earlier inclusion (despite objections) on The Betty White Show in 1954 and with the help of White herself, made him the first African-American regular on a variety television program. Duncans skilled footwork delighted many viewers, but some were rankled by his inclusion in the shows cast. Duncan's unique position as the only African-American performer on the show created (to the modern 21st Century eye), somewhat awkward moments. Amid the overt racism,The Betty White Show may have also been quietly sabotaged by brands who chose to stay away from the controversy. On May 13, 1982, he appeared with the Hoofers Club on the show "Two on the Town. Thats how it works.. }); window.tude = window.tude || { cmd: [] }; He was really not just a mentor but an idol for us in the tap community.. He was the first African-American regular on a variety television show. Arthur Seymour Duncan was born c. 1894, and died at age 23 years old on April 9, 1918. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS Mr. Duncan performed in the 1989 film Tap with Mr. Hines, Mr. Davis, Harold Nicholas and Howard (Sandman) Sims, and in the short film Tap Heat (2004), a story told in dance steps, without words, in which Mr. Duncan, then in his late 70s, and the young tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith challenge each other. Life Path Number 5 are travelers and seekers of a higher truth, whatever that means for them. James Duncan later worked for a local oil company, Duncan recalled, and the family became part of a tightknit Black community in the Pasadena area that valued hard work, thrift and education. As per the report, Arthur Duncan lives in Pasadena, California, United States. In an era when blacks and whites did not hold hands or even kiss each other on television shows (the first interracial kiss took place in Star Trek in the late 1960s, creating a firestorm of controversy), the large, all cast production numbers which often showed various white male and female performers holding hands and dancing, Arthur Duncan is often seen standing in the background, trying very hard to not look like he is "with" any of the women. ]); [18], Duncan also kicked off the opening of the new Richmond office of Home Savings and Loan Association on May 3, 1979, in California. Arthur Duncan, who is currently 87 years old, is an African-American tap dancer and entertainer. [2], In 2006, Duncan was honored for his contributions to tap dance at the 15th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival. page_type: 'article', Arthur Duncan. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? The Lawrence Welk Show (1964-1982)as Himself / Featured Dancer / Himself - Dancer / Him, Dream Girl of '67 (1967)as Himself - Bachelor Judge, Lawrence Welk's TV Treasures (2007)as Thanks, Your email address will not be published. For a while he was the only one keeping tap in the public eye, said the dancer Gregory Hines. Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. [34] Lastly, he was inducted in the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame in 2020.[35]. Along the way, Duncan ultimately became an important bridge to generations of tappers, including through master classes, after it had looked as though serious tap might cease to exist, said respected Chicago-based tapper and teacher Reggio The Hoofer McLaughlin. Information about His net worth in 2023 is being updated as soon as possible by infofamouspeople.com, You can also click edit to tell us what the Net Worth of the Arthur Duncan is, Arthur Duncan was born on September 25, 1933 (age 89) in Pasadena, California, United States He is a celebrity dancer He joined movies and tvshows named Tap (1989), The Lawrence Welk Show (1955 1982), Diagnosis Murder (1992) and Alpha Male (2006) His education: Pasadena City College His spouse is Donna Duncan Arthur Duncan has 3 siblings in His family: Mike Duncan, John David Duncan, Sal Duncan Gordon, Reference: Wikipedia, FaceBook, Youtube, Twitter, Spotify, Instagram, Tiktok, IMDb. "[13], In 2018, Duncan had the opportunity to reunite with White on Steve Harveys show Little Big Shots: Forever Young where he revealed he was not aware of the controversy at the time of its occurrence. According to numerology, Arthur Duncan's Life Path Number is 5. Black Men XCEL Public Member Trees. cat: 'entertainment', But when the shows reach was extended beyond LA, Duncans inclusion as part of the cast made waves across the Jim Crow South. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous dancer. kw: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', [34] Some years later, the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Like many famous people and celebrities, Arthur Duncan keeps his personal life private. Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content Learn more about contributing Edit page More from this person Discover what happened on this day. By the post-war years, tap dancing had become a fixture of both the large and small screen, with stars like Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire championing the artform. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 4 daughters. Partipilo, Vic. He was one of the smartest men Ive ever met. Erika DuBose, Betty White Insisted on Black Dancer for her 1950s Show,, Mitchell, Yvonne D. "The Cosmopolitan Review.". Arthur Seymour Duncan (1894 - 1918) - Biography and Family Tree } We will update Arthur Duncan's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. This page is dedicated to living legend Arthur Duncan, the King of Tap. [21], The 1989 film Tap featured Duncan in a cameo appearance with other famous tap dancers. Details. Duncan decided to take a six-month sabbatical to see what this show business was all about.He never returned to school. You wouldnt call it dancing, he said of his early efforts. I know that. On most episodes, Duncan also teamed up with fellow dancers Bobby Burgess . [30], 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. Speaking to the Oklahoma News Report in 2016, Duncan acknowledged that despite taps resurgence in recent decades, todays dancers have fewer opportunities to develop their craft than he had during the early years of his career. The number danced was choreographed by Jason Samuels Smith and received an Emmy Award. Duncan was Blackand at a time when racial segregation was institutionalized in the United States, he shared the stage with white performers. [12], In 1954, Duncan first appeared on The Betty White Show and quickly became a regular performer. The gentleman seated centrally in the family group photo (the author's great-great-grandfather) was born 13 May 1847, baptised and named George Arthur Duncan before two witnesses - Alexander Milne and John Robertson.. "[20] In 1988, he was featured in "An Evening of Tap" at Lincoln Centers Avery Fisher Hall. He enrolled in Pasadena City College after serving in World War II, but the stage continued to call to him. She first appeared as a healer wife of an influential man, a procurator fiscal by occupation, Arthur Duncan. In 2018, he surprised Sheryl Underwood on "The Talk," who had called him her inspiration to take up tap dancing. "Hoofers Club Appears on Popular TV show.". (Courtesy of Carole Carbone-Duncan / Sean Carbone). Arthur Duncan- (September 25, 1925 - January 4, 2023). Tap dancer Arthur Duncan early in his career. There were more renowned tap dancers during his long career Bill Robinson, Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines among them but only Mr. Duncan had a regular national television showcase like the one he had on Saturday nights on the popular if square Welk show, from 1964 to 1982. Maria Tallchief, Zizi Jeanmaire, and Moira Shearer were also His acquaintances. He knew his public. "The History Guy" is a Registered Trademark. Duncan performed in night clubs and made his television debut on a variety show in 1951. He improved with tap lessons and danced on local street corners, picking up $13 or $14 a day to help his parents with the expense of raising 13 children. He toured with the Jimmy Rodgers Show, and had his own television variety show in Australia. Lawrence was not the hippest show around, Mr. Hines told The Daily News of New York in 1989, when he was headlining An Evening of Tap at Carnegie Hall with Mr. Duncan and other dancers, including Bunny Briggs, Brenda Bufalino and Savion Glover. Duncan's death was reported on social media by friends, including singer Ralna English, who wrote, "We have a lost yet another of our beloved musical family. He earned money selling newspapers at a street corner hed get extra change by doing a few steps. You never know whos out there that can help you., Mr. Duncan performed long enough to be part of a tap dance boomlet in the 1980s and 90s inspired in part by Mr. Hiness performances in the Broadway musicals Sophisticated Ladies and Jellys Last Jam, which also featured Mr. Glover, who later choreographed and starred in the Broadway dance musical Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk.. Arthur Duncan in an undated photo. Ruling Planet: Arthur Duncan has a ruling planet of Venus and has a ruling planet of Venus and by astrological associations Friday is ruled by Venus. Upon his death, it was revealed that Duncan was in fact born in 1925. tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { tag: 'mandc,celebrity,entertainment-industry,racism', He started his venture in show business at 13 by dancing in a quartet atMcKinley Junior High School. Children Show all. We have estimated But her decision to defy conventional norms and balk at Southern naysayers allowed Duncan to go one to make history at least twice more. We will continue to update information on Arthur Duncans parents. Born in Pasadena, California, one of thirteen children,[4] Duncan entered show business at age thirteen, when he was a member of a dance quartet that performed at McKinley Junior High School in Pasadena. Dancer, teacher and entertainer Skip Cunningham used to admire Duncan from afar on the weekly broadcasts. He preferred to marvel at his good fortune, credit all who helped him and emphasize tenacity and hard work. He first appeared on the show as a guest in 1964[17] and shortly after was offered a permanent spot as a member of Welk's "musical family. Underwood said Duncan was her inspiration for tap dancing. On most episodes, Duncan also teamed up with fellow dancers Bobby Burgess and Jack Imel to perform popular dance numbers. Arthur H. Duncan, 82, of Portersville died unexpectedly on Saturday at the Jameson Memorial Hospital, New Castle. Arthur Joe Duncan in Texas Births, 1926 - 1995. Arthur Duncan Net Worth Stats Stars descend on the desert for Coachella 2023! Get Started . In 2003, Duncan was featured on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, where he represented "the eldest of three generations of tap". Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday. Dancer. Levet B Duncan 1885 - 1933. Laura A. Duncan 1887 - 1978. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral . On film, Duncan kicked off the famous challenge scene in the Gregory Hines movie Tap (1989), in which the old greats showed their stuff. Arthur Duncan - Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges [33], Due to his long-lasting and outstanding tap dancing career, Duncan has earned many awards and much recognition. 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, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family | READ MORE. Tai Saint-Louis January 2, 2022 6619. They couldnt have picked a better person like that. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Venus is the planet of love, harmony, money and possessions. They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others. I said, Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she said. In 1954, a spirited tap dancer named Arthur Duncan appeared on several episodes of The Betty White Show, a daytime talk series hosted by the future Golden Girl. Sign up here for exclusive access to all your favorite celebrities He was safe for them and safe for us, said Cunningham, who also is Black and later became Duncans friend. LaMar, Lawrence F. "FAR WESTERN SOCIETY." Carol has plans in the future for a 'Celebration of Life'. Live with it.. PHD Bloo Mogganers - Family Tree - Google Sites Mr. Duncan in an undated photo. In terms of expression, he aimed to "please old-timers. Arthur Duncan's hobbies are Reading, photography, learning, traveling, internet . Duncan honed his skills as big bands which often hired tappers made way for rock bands, and jazz players who often made their rhythmic inventions alongside hoofers moved to smaller venues and more experimental musical forms for which tap dancers need not apply. In partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment. Betty White Reunited With Tap Dancer Whose Career She Launched - Yahoo He had ten siblings including John David Duncan and Sal Duncan Gordon. Arthur Duncan - Bio, Age, siblings, Wiki, Facts and Family - in4fp.com About the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame: Biographies, American Tap Dance Foundation, accessed April 27, 2022. The Chicago Defender (National edition) (19211967), Jul 22 1944, p. 8. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', In the later 1970s and early 1980s, when racial taboos had eased, Duncan did perform choral dance numbers with Mary Lou Metzger and Anacani. When is Arthur Duncans birthday? Born Aug. 5, 1924, in Castlewood, Lawrence County, he was the son of William L.. Generation. [34], In 2008, he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Performing Arts in American Dance degree also from Oklahoma City University. Go home and count the two dollars I had in my pocket, he recalled. Television, Movie. Im pulling out some of the toughest steps and moves and phrases, and hes throwing them back at me. Required fields are marked *. Anna Laura Duncan 1928 - 2011. But other dancers know hes great and for a while he was the only one keeping tap in the public eye., By the late 1980s, Mr. Duncan had been a professional dancer and singer for more than 40 years. [25], A year later, in 2004, he won the Flo-Bert Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York City Tap Extravaganza. A woman who ran a local nightclub gave him a chance. William Arthur Duncan 1908-1999 - Ancestry } Live with it'. [2] It especially helped that he was featured weekly as a regular. In the 2018 documentary Betty White: First Lady of Television, Mr. Duncan said, People in the South resented me being on the show, and they wanted me thrown out., Im sorry, but, you know, he stays, she recalled saying to NBC. Most biographies during his lifetime had used the birth year of 1933, a mistake which he never corrected, owing to the fact that "he never wanted to discuss anything personal," according to his wife. Introduced by Welk, the dancer was said to be "a credit to his race and to the entertainment profession. He teaches tap dancing and has two superior daughters. "[8] In fact, "his forearms tended to swing stiffly from the elbow."[9]. He married twice and had no children. Arthur Duncan and Betty White, reunited by Steve Harvey. Arthur Duncan family tree Family tree Explore more family trees. Kathie Walling, About Tap Dancer Arthur Duncan, Tap Dancing Resources, accessed May 2, 2022, http://www.tapdancingresources.com/dancers/arthur-duncan/. Women of Power Summit Arthur Duncan on The Betty White shows why Betty White is 'the First Sales Partnership Solutions "[26] In fact, Duncan was the first Black person to be a regular on a variety show. Arthur lived in 1935, at address, Texas. Arthur Duncan Obituary (1947 - 2021) - Florence, AZ - Butler Eagle You must have a passion for it, he said. Arthur Duncan is a Libra and his 90th birthday is in, The 89-year-old American was born in the Silent Generation and the Year of the Rooster. Arthur had 6 siblings: Bernice Hugh Duncan, Robert Leo Duncan and 4 other siblings. Ad Choices Entrepreneurs Summit When Arthur Duncan Parsons Sr was born on 18 November 1893, in St. John's, Newfoundland, his father, Jasper Parsons, was 45 and his mother, Clara M. Wheeler, was 38. Lawrence Welk--Band leader, director of the Lawrence Welk Show. Born in California in 1925, Duncan first learned to tap dance at the age of 13, when he joined a dance quartet that performed at a junior high school in Pasadena. Duncan disliked talking about how he overcame racism, his personal life and his age. His many heirs (he had 14 children) command several fortunes, from Hunt Oil and Petro-Hunt to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. All rights reserved. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. he is one of famous dancer with the age 87 years old group. Sign up here for exclusive access to all your favorite celebrities and breaking entertainment news! divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', They have imagination and don't like planning things in advance. In 2019, he married his longtime friend and companion Carole Carbone. Thats when the show was renamed after White, and she took over as both host and producer. page_type: 'article', Duncan's death was. Masthead, Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. 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.