Ben Vereen

Ben Vereen
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Name	Ben Vereen
Birth date	10 October 1946
Birth place	Gifford, Florida, United States
Occupation	Actor, singer, dancer
Years active	1966–present
Spouse	(m. 1974; div. 1990)

Ben Vereen Ben Vereen (born October 10, 1946) is an American actor, singer, and dancer notable for his work in musical theatre, television, and film. He gained prominence through performances in Broadway productions, television specials, and roles that bridged vaudeville-inspired dance, jazz phrasing, and dramatic acting. Vereen's career intersects with prominent figures and institutions across American Theatre Wing, Kennedy Center, and major networks.

Early life and education

Vereen was born in Gifford, Florida and raised in the Bronx, New York City after early relocation. He studied at Juilliard School-associated programs and trained with teachers from institutions such as Dance Theatre of Harlem and instructors linked to Alvin Ailey. Vereen's formative influences included tap and vaudeville performers who traced lineages to artists represented by agencies like William Morris Agency and mentors associated with Yale School of Drama and conservatory circuits.

Career

Vereen's professional breakthrough came in the late 1960s and 1970s with a blend of stage, television, and concert work across venues including the Gershwin Theatre, Shubert Theatre, and touring circuits managed by producers from Nederlander Organization and Jujamcyn Theaters. He collaborated with directors and choreographers connected to Bob Fosse, George F. Walker, and Garth Fagan, and appeared on programs produced by NBC, ABC, and CBS. Vereen's recordings and concert appearances were promoted by labels and agents that worked with artists such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

Stage and dance work

Vereen is best known for starring in Broadway productions, most prominently the 1970s revival and original works that placed him alongside casts from shows like Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, and other contemporary musicals. He won recognition for performances that fused tap traditions associated with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Gene Kelly, and the lineage of Nicholas Brothers choreography. Vereen appeared in productions staged by companies related to Lincoln Center Theater and festivals such as the New York Shakespeare Festival and touring seasons organized by Carnegie Hall presenters. His dance style drew from techniques taught at studios linked to Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan-influenced schools, and modern dance innovators.

Film and television

Vereen's television credits include guest and recurring roles on series produced by studios connected to Paramount Television, Warner Bros. Television, and the BBC. He performed in televised specials for hosts and producers associated with Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, and Nat King Cole-era variety programming, and appeared in dramatic roles alongside actors from ensembles tied to The Actors Studio and film projects released by Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures. Vereen's film appearances connected him with directors who had worked with stars from Hollywood's New Wave and studio-era talents represented by agencies such as CAA and ICM Partners.

Personal life and relationships

Vereen's personal relationships included marriages and partnerships with individuals connected to the performing arts community and institutions like Actors' Equity Association and unions such as AFTRA. His friendships and professional associations included peers who worked with organizations like NAACP, SAG-AFTRA, and collaborators from ensembles tied to Apollo Theater productions and charity galas at Kennedy Center.

Philanthropy and activism

Vereen has been involved in philanthropic and activist efforts tied to arts education, benefit concerts, and public awareness campaigns associated with organizations such as UNICEF, National Endowment for the Arts, and civil rights groups like National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He participated in fundraising events and public service programming organized by foundations and civic institutions including Ford Foundation-supported initiatives and cultural outreach coordinated with Smithsonian Institution affiliates.

Category:American actors Category:American dancers Category:1946 births