Ben Vereen

Few entertainers today are as three-dimensional and versatile as Ben Vereen. His energy and soul transcends time; while his electrifying success is the result of rare talent, superb mastery and strong discipline. Of course, his first love and passion is and always will be the stage. "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." states Vereen.

On Broadway, Ben Vereen has appeared in Wicked, Fosse, the critically acclaimed, I'm Not Rappaport, Sweet Charity, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Grind, Jelly's Last Jam, A Christmas Carol, and Chicago. 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."

In 2002, he received the Black Theatre Award. In 2004, Vereen was nominated for a "Career Achievement Award" by the Le Prix International Film Star Awards Organization. In April of 2006, Ben Vereen finished his year long run in the Broadway smash hit Wicked followed by a role in the Vanessa Williams film, Who Needs ‘Em?

The lecture circuit has become an integral part of Vereen'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 just a few.

Vereen's gift of time has benefited many organizations. He serves on Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, The American Red Cross and The American Diabetes Association. In addition, he has served as chairman of several renowned organizations including The American Heart Association and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. In 1989, he spearheaded his own organization Celebrities for a Drug Free America; which raised more than $300,000 for drug rehabilitation centers, educational programs and inner city community-based projects. The Community Mental Health Council awarded Ben with their 2004 Lifeline Celebration Achievement Award.

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, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago. In 2001, Medgar Evers College created the Ben Vereen Scholarship for the Performing Arts and in 2004 he received an Achievement in Excellence Award from his almamater, the High School of the Performing Arts. He serves, or has served, on the boards of Ballet Florida, American Red Cross, American Heart Association and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. In 1989, his Celebrities for a Drug Free America raised more than $300,000 for drug rehabilitation centers, education centers, and community based programs and projects.