BEN VEREEN

BEN VEREEN
National Celebrity Spokesperson

Introducing Ben Vereen

     If ever there is a dancer who presents an inspiring figure to emulate, it is Ben Vereen. Long reknowned for his talents as both a perfomer, actor and singer, he has also given evidence of a strong commitment to his fans as well as our society and an incredible fortitude to survive any and all obstacles in life. After being involved in a near-tragic accident in 1992, Vereen returned to Broadway one year later as 'The Chimney Man' in the musical "Jelly's Last Jam." His roles in "Sweet Charity," "Hair," and "Jesus Christ Superstar led to the lead performance in "Pippin for which he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award as well. Vereen also starred in the Broadway musical "Grind" and in the San Francisco production of "I'm Not Rappaport," Herb Gardner's poignant, Tony Award-winning comedy about aging in America, followed by his role as 'The Ghost of Christmas Present' in the Madison Square Garden production of "A Christmas Carol.

     His exhilarating one-man show earned him the highest honors awarded by the American Guild of Variety Artists: "Entertainer of the Year," "Rising Star," and "Song and Dance Star." In 1992, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his part in the CBS mini-series, "Intruders: They Are Among Us." Vereen also had a recurring role on the syndicated television series "Silk Stalkings," as well as his own television series, "Tenspeed and Brownshoe," created by Stephen J. Cannell, followed by recurring roles in countless other television network shows, including the unforgettable 'Chicken George' in the Emmy Award-winning mini-series "Roots." Vereen followed these achievements with his own network special, "Ben Vereen: His Roots," which won seven Emmy Awards and appeared in "The Jesse Owens Story," and the CBS mini-series, "Ellis Island," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. On film, Vereen portrayed the quintessential entertainer in "All That Jazz." and Funny Lady.

     An inspiring speaker, Vereen is widely sought after by the lecture circuit for corporate functions, universities and high schools, churches, conventions, and community gatherings. His topics range from overcoming adversity, arts and education, black history, motivation and the importance of continuing education. His humanitarian efforts have been recognized and honored with the Victory Award in 1990, the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award in 1983, Israel's Humanitarian Award in 1978, and in 1978 and 1979 the NAACP handed Vereen it's coveted Image Award. In 1991, Vereen 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. In accepting the role as National Celebrity Spokesperson for NDW 2002, Vereen once more steps to the front of the line to lead us ever forward in our presence in the American arts community.

For more information on Ben Vereen, go to:
http://www.benvereen.com

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