A Conversation With Singer, Actor And Dancer Ben Vereen
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-10-23/conversation-singer-actor-and-dancer-ben-vereen
Ben Vereen
Photo courtesy Havas PR
Ben Vereen has had a decades-long career as an actor, singer and dancer. An early high note came when he played Chicken George in "Roots," one of the most-watched TV miniseries ever in the United States. He has starred in numerous Broadway musicals, winning a Tony award in 1973 for his role in "Pippin." Vereen's world came to a halt when, in one day, he had a car accident, a stroke and then was hit by a truck. After intensive rehab, he came back with force -- and new appreciation for life. While in D.C. to receive an award for his raising awareness about diabetes, a condition he was diagnosed with five years ago, he talks with Diane about his life and career.
Guests
Ben Vereen
Tony Award-winning actor, singer and dancer.
Comments
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One day, years ago, I had a feeling all day to pray for Ben Vereen. I couldn't figure out why in the world I felt I should pray for him, especially since I am not a very religious person. Later in that day I heard of his accident. Needless to say, I was shocked. I had the opportunity to tell him this in Pittsburgh a few years ago.
Lynn in Pittsburgh
I was in an accident a couple years before Ben's accident and I am now having to face many more surgeries in the coming months. His statement that "you must show up" had me crying in my car because these were the words I most needed to hear from someone who truly understands how hard it is to maintain your courage every day. Thank you Ben for sharing you courage and to Diane for bringing Ben back onto the radio.
I first saw Ben Veeen in Pippin and fell in love with musical theater.
One of his co stars-Irene Ryan sang a wonderful song which included the following lyrics:
"here is a secret I never have told
Maybe you will understand why
I blieve that if I refuse to grow old
I can stay young til I die."
It sounds as if Mr. Vereen is living by her axiom
(By the way, Ms Ryan had a stroke on stage, performing this number (in her late 80's ) and passed away. What a way to go!
I want to encourage those to show up like Mr. Vereen. I also had a serious car accident and had serious head and spine injuries. I lost my ability to talk, read and write. It affected my vision, hearing and central nervous system. I lost my home and my husband. My doctors told me that I would not get much better. I fought back. It took five years to re-wire by brain for spontaneous speech. I entered college not knowing how to read. The government provided assisted devices. Every semester I was on the Presidential honor roll. I graduated from college several years ago and I just took my first full time job. I am a copywriter now.
Show up - God will guide you and will put people in your life. It is very very hard. I just did not want to give up.
Mr. Vereen said "Wake up an get up, some people wake up and lie down". Thanks for the wake up call to those of us who are making our way through life's challenges. I respect your decision not to repeat the role of Chicken George, you were speaking from your truth.
My brother and I, who are Caucasian, were raised by a Hispanic father and Caucasian mother. We watched "Webster" as a child and it was so refreshing to find a character we could more closely relate to on TV. I remember when Mr. Vereen came on and my father was so proud to see him on the show. He said, "There is a man who defines talent." Your presence to my father was a defining moment in my childhood.
That show and your presence on it, has always been what I remembered. He was flawed, but so loving.
After years of struggling to have children, my husband and I were blessed to adopt our two African American foster sons.
We have made it a practice to show them Mr. Vereen, Mr. Davis, Mr. Hines, just to name a few. Their work, their talent, their heart, has made all the difference in my life, and now I can share that with my sons.
Thank you,
Kristina Prohaski
Fort Worth, Texas
I saw his show in the early 80's when he came to entertain us at the Centroplex Theatre In Baton Rouge. He gave us his all that night! I remember him saying that he knew what the rules were for taking photos but he believed that if the audience paid to see him they had every right to take as many pictures as they wanted. He danced to every seat, even walking on chair arms and running up to the balcony! He wanted to make sure every one had an enjoyable time. He went over time showing us that even though we were Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we deserved as good a show as New York, New York. What a wonderful entertainer--and better still, what a wonderful man!
Sorry, posted this in the wrong place. Please remove.
Someone sent me a link to this interview. I haven't even listened yet, but I can see that it will be very inspiring. My husband and I are going through a very, life-changing and challenging health crisis and I'm looking forward to hearing Ben's interview.
My great memory of Ben Vereen was getting a hug from him during a performance in Eugene, Oregon many years ago. He was strolling along the upper level. I got out of my seat, walked up to him and he hugged me and whispered "Hi, babe." he smelled really good. What a great guy. You could just tell.