Ben Vereen Biography

is a consummate entertainer who has left his mark on the Broadway stage, concert circuit, lecture circuit, and in film and television. Mr. Vereen's enduring success results from his unique ability to blend rare talent, artistic mastery, and discipline with a strong sense of social consciousness. The winning combination has enabled him to take on impressive musical, comedic, and dramatic roles with finesse and excellence. Many will recall Vereen's unforgettable portrayal of Chicken George in the Emmy Award-winning presentation of Alex Haley's "Roots." Other television credits include the recently completed Showtime feature "Feast of All Saints," "Touched by an Angel," "The Nanny," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Intruders: They Are Among Us," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Promised Land," "Ellis Island," and "The Jesse Owens Story," as well as his own television series, "Tenspeed and Brownshoe." His film work includes roles in All That Jazz, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love?, and his latest, The Painting. Although he has had many film and television roles, it is on stage that Mr. Vereen has made his biggest impact as a performer. His live theatre credits include Fosse, Chicago, Grind, A Christmas Carol, I'm Not Rappaport, Sweet Charity, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Pippin. Vereen's role in Pippin garnered for him both the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award. Live audiences remain Ben Vereen's first love, and the magic he created on Broadway provided the perfect springboard for his concert tours. The American Guild of Variety Artists awarded Mr. Vereen three of its highest honors - Entertainer of the Year, Song and Dance Star, and Rising Star - making him the first performer to win these three awards in one year. With his one-man show, he continues to headline with major symphonies and on showroom stages, in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and throughout the world.