“The theater was my first training ground. It taught me discipline, dedication and appreciation of hard work and values that will stay with me a lifetime. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things.”
Emmy and Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen is loved by millions around the globe. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. From Broadway`s Chicago to television`s Roots (in which he created the unforgettable Chicken George) to his triumphant return to the stage in the hit musicals Jelly`s Last Jam and A Christmas Carol, he has proven himself one of the world`s most talented and versatile performers. Vereen is also known for training and mentoring such performers as Outkast, Big Boi, and Usher.
Although he has had many film and television roles, it is on stage that Vereen has made his biggest impact as a performer. His live theater credits include Wicked, Fosse, I’m Not Rappaport, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Grind, Jelly’s Last Jam and A Christmas Carol. His role in Pippin garnered him both the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.” Clive Barnes of the New York Post stated, “Ben Vereen – unquestionably one of the finest performances seen on Broadway.” Ben headlined with Chita Rivera in Chicago, the first Broadway production to play Las Vegas.
For over 35 years, Ben has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing countless one-man shows not only in the United States, but also Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Ben and his band are currently touring his one man shows, “Ben Sings a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. featuring the music of Sammy Davis Jr.” and “Brooklyn to Broadway” at top performing arts centres.
Ben’s television guest appearances include How I Met Your Mother, Grey’s Anatomy, for which he won the Prism Award, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, The Jamie Fox Show, and many more. His own network television shows are Ben Vereen: His Roots (Seven Emmy Awards), Tenspeed and Brownshoe and You Write the Songs.
Ben was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his performance in the Hallmark movie An Accidental Friendship. He appears in two soon to be released features, 21 and Wake-Up and Mama, I Want to Sing! While filming Idlewild with the award winning group Outkast, Ben also served as the acting coach for both Andre 3000 and Big Boy. In addition, Ben has been coaching the singing sensation Usher both as an entertainer and an actor.
In February of 2010, Ben starred in the world premiere of Fetch Clay, Make Man directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theatre. In the New Year, Ben will have a major guest starring role on House M.D. as well as release his live CD Steppin’ Out Live with Ben Vereen.
The lecture circuit has become an integral part of Ben’s career, as he has become one of the Nations’ most requested speakers among audiences of all ages. His strong sense of social consciousness has enabled him to reach out to his audiences and convey to them a deep feeling of understanding. His topics range from overcoming adversity, arts in education, Black history, motivational topics, recovery through physical and occupational therapy and the importance of continuing education – to name a few.
