Reviews Write New Review
Location
Booking Fee
Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
Virtual Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
[email protected]
Ben Vereen is an award-winning entertainer renowned for his multifaceted career spanning Broadway, television, and film. With seminal roles in productions such as "Pippin," which earned him Tony and Drama Desk Awards for "Best Actor in a Musical," Vereen has significantly impacted the theater world. His Broadway engagements also include "Wicked," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Chicago," and "Hair," among others. On screen, he is recognized for his portrayal of Chicken George in the landmark miniseries "Roots" and has appeared in films like "Top Five" and "Time Out of Mind." Vereen's recent television work includes series regular roles in "B Positive" and multiple episodes of "The Good Fight" on CBS.
Vereen's ongoing commitment to the arts extends beyond performances, as he remains a vocal advocate for arts education and the importance of cultural institutions. His advocacy includes active membership in Americans for the Arts and support for the National Endowment for the Arts. During the pandemic, Vereen led a successful virtual masterclass series, supported various organizations, and performed in the Juneteenth celebration in Times Square. He continues to captivate audiences with his concert act, Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen, praised for its compelling blend of Broadway and classic song tributes. Additionally, Vereen starred in the recent limited series "THE GRAY HOUSE," produced by notable figures Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, and premiered at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.
Vereen's humanitarian efforts are equally notable, having been recognized with several awards including the Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Theatre Festival, the Juneteenth Legacy Award from The Broadway League, and the Hero Award from the First Responders Children's Foundation, all in 2022. His distinguished contributions have also earned him honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Arizona, Emerson College, and Columbia College in Chicago, and induction into both the Theatre and Dance Halls of Fame. Through his performances, masterclasses, and public speaking, Ben Vereen continues to inspire and educate, leveraging his platform to champion the transformative power of the arts.
Videos
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
Related Speakers View all
Hill Harper
Award-Winning Actor, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur
|
|
Issa Rae
Actress, Writer, Director & Producer Known for HBO's...
|
|
Rita Moreno
Award-Winning Actress, Dancer, Singer; Health Advoca...
|
|
Spike Lee
Academy Award-Winning Director, Film Producer, Author
|
|
Alfre Woodard
Acclaimed Actress, Political Activist, Emmy & Golden...
|
|
Angela Bassett
Award-Winning Actress & Co-Founder of Bassett/Vance ...
|
|
Ava DuVernay
Academy Award Nominee, Director of "Selma", Founder ...
|
|
F. Gary Gray
Director, Film Produce & Actor; Best Known for Dire...
|
|
Viola Davis
Academy Award-Winning Actress, Producer & New York T...
|
|
Montel Williams
Emmy Award-Winning Talk Show Host; Multiple Sclerosi...
|
|
Julie Dash
Director & Writer Known for "Daughters of the Dust";...
|
|
Amandla Stenberg
Actor, Social Activist, Musician
|
|
Common
Award-Winning Artist, Actor, Producer, Musician & Wr...
|
|
Barry Jenkins
Academy Awarding-Winning Writer, Director & Producer...
|
|
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Emmy Award-Winning Actress, Broadway Singer & Produc...
|
|
Gabrielle Union
Actress, Author, Advocate
|
|
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
Presidential Professor at CUNY Graduate Center, BET ...
|
|
Daymond John
"Shark Tank" Investor; Founder & CEO of FUBU; Presid...
|
|
Jennifer Holliday
Tony Award-winning Actress, Grammy-winning Singer, M...
|
|
Robin Givens
Actress, Director, Women's Rights Advocate
|