Ben Vereen Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Ben Vereen, born on October 10, 1946, in Dade County, Florida, was raised in Brooklyn, New York. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for drama and dance, performing in local variety shows. At 14, he enrolled at the High School of Performing Arts, studying under renowned choreographers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine. After graduating, he took on various jobs while pursuing his passion for the stage. Vereen's breakthrough came when he joined the cast of "Sweet Charity" in Las Vegas, directed by Bob Fosse. He later returned to New York to play Claude in the Broadway production of "Hair." His portrayal of Judas Iscariot in "Jesus Christ Superstar" earned him a Tony Award nomination in 1972. The following year, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as the Leading Player in "Pippin." In 2005, he took on the role of the Wizard of Oz in the Broadway musical "Wicked." On television, Vereen is perhaps best known for his role as 'Chicken' George Moore in the landmark miniseries "Roots," which earned him an Emmy nomination in 1977. He has made numerous guest appearances on shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." In 1981, he performed at President Ronald Reagan's inaugural celebration. Beyond his performances, Vereen is a dedicated advocate for the arts and education. He has served on the boards of organizations such as Ballet Florida and the American Red Cross. In 1989, he founded "Celebrities for a Drug Free America," raising significant funds for rehabilitation centers and community projects. His contributions have been recognized with awards including three NAACP Image Awards and the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award. Throughout his career, Ben Vereen has remained a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and commitment to social causes continue to inspire audiences and fellow artists alike.