Ben Vereen

Ben Vereen

79 · Born: Oct 10, 1946

Personal Details

BornOct 10, 1946 Dade County, Florida, USA
Spouse
  • Nancy Karen Bruner

    ( Jul 15, 1976 to Jul 1, 2013 )
  • Andrea Townsley

    ( Feb 10, 1965 to Aug 21, 1974 )
Parents
  • James Vereen
  • Pauline Vereen
Relatives
  • Darryl Vereen (Grandchild)
  • James Middleton (Sibling)
  • Shane Vereen (Cousin)

Biography

Ben Vereen is a renowned American entertainer, with a career spanning over 40 years. He has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with his versatility and creativity being showcased in various roles and performances.

On Broadway, Ben has appeared in numerous productions, including "Wicked," "Fosse," "I'm Not Rappaport," "Hair," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Pippin," "Grind," "Jelly's Last Jam," and "A Christmas Carol." His role in "Pippin" earned him the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for "Best Actor in a Musical."

Ben has also showcased his talent in various one-man shows, touring both domestically and internationally. He has been recognized for his work, winning the "Entertainer of the Year," "Rising Star," and "Song and Dance Star" awards from the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). He has also been inducted into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame.

In addition to his stage work, Ben has had a successful television career, with memorable roles in shows such as "Roots," "Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style," "How I Met Your Mother," "Grey's Anatomy," "House of Payne," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "OZ," "Touched By An Angel," and "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He has also had recurring roles on "Silk Stalkings," "Webster," "J.J. Starbuck," and "Booker."

Ben has also had a successful film career, with notable roles in "Sweet Charity," "All That Jazz," "Funny Lady," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "And Then Came Love," "Once Upon a Forest," "Christmas in Washington," and "The Painting." He has also been recognized for his work, earning a Golden Globe nomination and an Emmy nomination.

Ben is also an accomplished speaker, with a strong sense of social consciousness. He has spoken on various topics, including overcoming adversity, arts in education, Black history, motivational topics, recovery through physical and occupational therapy, and the importance of continuing education.

Ben has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, the American Red Cross, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. He has also served as chairman of several organizations, including the American Heart Association and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association.

Throughout his career, Ben has received numerous awards and nominations, including three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, and a Victory Award. He has also received honorary doctorates from several institutions, including the University of Arizona, Emerson College, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago.

Ben continues to be an active and respected figure in the entertainment industry, with a storied and legendary career that has spanned over 40 years.

Career

2021
B Positive
B Positive as Peter
The Good Fight
The Good Fight as Frederick Douglass
2018
Star
Star as Calvin
Sneaky Pete
Sneaky Pete as Porter
2014
Top Five
Top Five as Carl Allen
2013
Khumba
Khumba as Mkhulu (voice)
2011
Mama I Want to Sing
Mama I Want to Sing as Horace Payne
2009
Tapioca
Tapioca as Nuts
2007
And Then Came Love
And Then Came Love as Chuck Cooper
2006
Idlewild
Idlewild as Percy Senior
2001
The Painting
The Painting as Whistlin' Willie Weston
The Feast of All Saints
The Feast of All Saints as Rudolphe Lermontant
1999
1998
Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Why Do Fools Fall in Love as Richard Barrett
1997
1993
Once Upon a Forest
Once Upon a Forest as Phineas (voice)
1992
Intruders
Intruders as Gene Randall
1991
Silk Stalkings
Silk Stalkings as Ben Hutchinson
Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme
Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme as Itsy-Bitsy Spider
1989
Buy & Cell
Buy & Cell as Shaka
1987
CBS Summer Playhouse
CBS Summer Playhouse as Pianist in Bar
J.J. Starbuck
J.J. Starbuck as Tenspeed Turner
1986
Zoobilee Zoo
Zoobilee Zoo as Mayor Ben
1985
Lost in London
Lost in London as Paul Williams
Faerie Tale Theatre
Faerie Tale Theatre as Puss in Boots
The Zoo Gang
The Zoo Gang as The Winch
A.D.
A.D. as Ethiopian
Ellis Island
Ellis Island as Roscoe Haines
1983
The Charmkins
The Charmkins as Dragonweed (voice)
1981
1979
All That Jazz
All That Jazz as O'Connor Flood
1977
Roots
Roots as Chicken George Moore
1976
Mary's Incredible Dream
Mary's Incredible Dream as Devil / Noah / Man
1975
Funny Lady
Funny Lady as Bert Robbins
1969