ABOUT BEN VEREEN

AWARD WINNING STAR OF "ROOTS,” "PIPPIN," "WICKED," "CHICAGO" AND "FOSSE"

Emmy and Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen is loved by millions around the globe. 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 "Pippin'" and "Wicked," 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.

Perhaps his greatest victory, however, is his miraculous recovery from a truck accident that nearly took his life. Buoyed by the support of friends and family, and an outpouring of love from his fans around the world, Vereen simply refused to give up. Today, he is a smiling symbol of all that faith and will can accomplish in the face of overwhelming adversity.

At the lecture podium, Vereen’s one-of-a-kind charm, candor and presence are receiving raves and applause from audiences around the nation. Whether he is addressing his personal struggles and triumphs, or celebrating African-American history with a look at the on-going journey from slavery to contemporary race relations, he is a moving speaker, natural story-teller and consummate entertainer.

AT A GLANCE: Vereen has left his mark on the Broadway stage, the concert and lecture circuit, and in film and television. Vereen’s enduring success results from his unique ability to blend rare talent, artistic mastery and discipline with a strong sense of social consciousness. The winning combination has enabled him to take on impressive musical, comedic and dramatic roles with finesse and excellence. Many will recall Vereen’s unforgettable portrayal of Chicken George in the Emmy award-winning presentation of Alex Haley’s "Roots." Vereen also recently starred opposite Terrence Howard and Outkast in the feature film “Idlewild” produced by Universal and HBO pictures. His film work also includes roles in "All That Jazz," "Funny Lady" (Golden Globe nomination), "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" and "The Painting." Vereen's television credits include the Showtime feature "Feast of All Saints," "Touched By an Angel," "The Nanny," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Intruders: They Are Among Us," "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Promised Land," "Ellis Island," and "The Jesse Owens Story," as well as his own television series "Tenspeed" and "Brownshoe."

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 theatre credits include "Fosse," "Chicago," "A Christmas Carol," "I’m Not Rappaport," "Sweet Charity," "Hair," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Pippin." Vereen’s role in "Pippin" garnered for him both the Tony award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award. Live audiences remain Ben Vereen’s first love, and the magic he created on Broadway provided the perfect springboard for his concert tours. The American Guild of Variety Artists awarded Mr. Vereen three of its highest honors - Entertainer of the Year, Son and Dance Star and Rising Star - making him the first performer to win these three awards in one year. With his oneman show, he continues to headline with major symphonies and on showroom stages, in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and throughout the world. He currently resides in San Diego, California.