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Ben Vereen          

Tony Award-Winning Entertainer

Ben Vereen has performed in some of the most notable Broadway productions, television series, dramas and variety shows of our time including "Roots," the most successful mini series to date. He is currently filming a recurring character in the Chuck Lorre series "B Positive, and earlier this spring wrapped multiple episodes of "The Good Fight," playing Frederick Douglass. He performed his concert act for the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas in August, and has upcoming dates in Chicago, the Carolinas, and Las Vegas.

During the pandemic, Vereen has remained incredibly busy, supporting multiple organizations, especially the arts and The Actor’s Fund. Last Spring, he finished a very successful 8-week virtual masterclass series presented by Bay Street Theatre. Vereen performed in Times Square for the Juneteenth celebration and was featured in Town and Country. He recently appeared in the “It’s Showtime in NYC” commercial for the reopening of Broadway. Vereen had a recurring role in Amazon’s "Sneaky Pete" and filmed an episode of "Magnum PI" followed by multiple episodes of "Star" on Fox. He completed a sold-out concert tour in LA and San Diego to rave reviews.

Vereen was featured in The Rocky Horror Picture Show for Twentieth Century Fox directed by Kenny Ortega and co-starred with Chris Rock in Paramount Studios’ feature film Top Five and with Richard Gere in the film Time Out Of Mind. He is developing his one man show for Broadway written by Joe Calarco with music composed by Stephen Schwartz, probably the greatest contemporary composer of our time.

A Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for his renowned performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin, Vereen’s Broadway credits include: Wicked, I’m Not Rappaport, Chicago, Hair, Fosse, Jelly’s Last Jam, Jesus Christ Superstar, and A Christmas Carol. In 2010, Vereen completed a successful run in the world premiere of Fetch Clay, Make Man, directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys at the McCarter Theatre.

Vereen continues to tour through the United States with his concert act Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen. The show ran a sold out run at New York City’s 54 Below. He has had endorsements for the pharmaceuticals Sanofi and Nova Nordisk for preventative and proactive measures for Diabetes. Ben is an active member of Americans for the Arts, the largest advocacy group of the Arts in America. He went to Washington DC and spoke before Congress defending the National Endowment for the Arts against the proposed budget cuts. He also attended the Democratic National Convention where he spoke to various senators, congressmen, governors on the arts and education and later sang “What the World Needs Now” on television in front of the approximately 50,000 delegates. Vereen was inducted as an honorary member into Phi Beta Sigma and continues to be an active member. Vereen speaks to his Fraternity Brother Victor Glover while on his space mission.

For his humanitarian contributions, he has received a number of awards including Israel’s Cultural and Humanitarian Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award and a Victory Award. He has received honorary doctorates from the University of Arizona, Emerson College, and Columbia College in Chicago. He received an Achievement in Excellence Award from his alma mater, the High School of the Performing Arts. Vereen has also been inducted into The Theatre Hall of Fame, the Dance Hall of Fame, and has received various Emmy and Golden globe nominations. In, New York City he received the BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award for Best Celebrity Male Vocalist. Vereen received the Career Achievement Award (Le Prix International Film Star Awards Organization). He is most proud of his ongoing work involving the Arts and Education, and providing the youth with arts programs across America. Last November, Vereen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Gold Coast International Film Festival. He was recently honored as a living legend by The American Black Film Institute.

Speech Topics


From Roots to Now

Ben Vereen, who played “Chicken George” in the iconic miniseries Roots, talks about history through the lens of shooting Roots as well as through the scope of where black history is today.

Holding On to Our Heritage

In schools today there is a lack of black history, claims Ben Vereen. Join him as he poses the question, “How do we hold on to our heritage?”

Black History in Youth

Vereen explores the past and the present, discussing the youth of the black history movement.

Learning to Live Again

Ben’s personal journey through recovering from a near fatal accident.

Additional Topics

  • Life Begins as a Senior Citizen

  • Substance Abuse

  • The Arts and Education

  • Diabetes: Taking Control & Living Your Life

  • Overcoming Adversity

  • Inspiring You to be All that You Are

  • The Art and Understanding of Physical and Occupational Therapy

  • A Journey to Broadway (with accompanist)

News


Ben Vereen lends his star power and voice to "We Sing for Ukraine"
One of Broadway's biggest stars is speaking out - and singing - to show support for Ukrainians. Ben Vereen told CBS2's Dave Carlin how he's helping. Vereen, the stage and screen star, is back in Midtown. He's just finished season two of the CBS sitcom "B Positive" which films in Los Angeles. Every chance he gets, he races here. "This is the heart, pulse of the nation right here," Vereen said.
Ben Vereen On His Decision To Promote Arts Education At The DNC
We need our creative thinking people in politics, in corporations to think on the up , rather than the down.”

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