Arthur Duncan, Trailblazing Dancer for Betty White, Lawrence Welk, Dies at 97

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. He was 97.

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. Arthur Duncan... is revered, celebrated and honored, not only for his amazing performances on the Lawrence Welk show, but for even more in his long and illustrious career."

She went on, "As a World War II veteran, Arthur will receive a military committal service at 1:15 PM on January 25 at Riverside Memorial Veterans Cemetery. His beloved wife, Carol, describes Arthur as a 'gentle soul' and that he was. Carol has plans in the future for a 'Celebration of Life'. Until we meet again, rest in peace, my precious friend."

Duncan, who was born September 25, 1925, in Pasadena, California, was a professional dancer from his teen years. After fighting for his country in WWII, Duncan danced all across Europe.

Following his TV debut on "The Jerry Colonna Show" in 1951, Duncan landed a job on "The Betty White Show" three years later. When censors in the South objected to a series with an African-American regular, White's legendary reply was: "He stays. Live with it."

Duncan was able to celebrate White in 2017 on Steve Harvey's "Little Big Shots: Forever Young" and at a 2018 taping of the special "Betty White: First Lady of Television."

Duncan's longest gig was appearing on over 200 episodes of "The Lawrence Welk Show," from 1962-1982, on which he was the only Black dancer.

He also appeared in the 1989 feature film "Tap" and on "Columbo" (1998). In 2018, he surprised Sheryl Underwood on "The Talk," who had called him her inspiration to take up tap dancing.

Duncan is survived by his wife, Carol.