Login News24 reported that on late Thursday, reporters from publications including the Washington Post, the New York Times Mashable and. Nancy and Ben Vereens daughter, Karon Vereen, co-founded Underground Museum with husband, Noah Davis. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in Cinematic Arts. Ben Vereens daughter, Karon is co-founded Underground Museum with her husband, Noah. Put Your Future In Good Legal Hands |Call 614-891-4230 Local Or 866-829-0717 Toll Free. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Notice Spokane Office 601 West 1st Avenue, Ste 1402 Spokane, WA 99201-3825 TEL (509) 570-7448 View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, The Best Actors from Entertainment to Movies & Television, Darryl Vereen All Rights Reserved. to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. Won Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Pippin." A subscription to PACER is required. Thanks for contacting us. In 1987 his daughter Naja was killed in a car accident at 16. He has served on Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, the American Red Cross and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. We've received your submission. That's part of our responsibility as entertainers. After many decades of searching, he finally traced his mother, Essie May Middleton (Pearson). So in September, he sued Townsley for divorce, again. Of modest beginnings, his father James was a factory worker and mother Pauline a maid and wardrobe mistress. -The Star-LedgerAdditionally, Ben has a recurring role on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother, playing Wayne Brady's father. He left four children. Twitter Inc. suspended the accounts of several prominent journalists alleging they were endangering the social networks billionaire owner Elon Musks family, This is according to reports in the media. You learn from the good, what's good, and you learn from the bad what not to do. 29,657, This story has been shared 29,357 times. He also performs with symphonies around the country.While performing worldwide, Ben's acting credits continue to give us memorable roles that stand the test of time such as the unforgettable Chicken George in Roots and Louis Armstrong in Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style.Ben's television guest appearances include How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy, for which he won the Prism Award, House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, OZ, Touched By An Angel, Second Noah, New York Undercover, The Nanny, Star Trek - The Next Generation, The Jamie Fox Show, The Promised Land, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as well as recurring roles on Silk Stalkings, Webster, J.J. Starbuck and Booker. In 1972, Ben filed for divorce before he moved to Los Angeles and believed the action had been finalized. We think its unfortunate that the judge didnt award more, but we think the judge was balancing the interests as he saw them, Mayerson said. "She was a good mother. Your Ad Choices "The theater was my first training ground. Ten months after his doom-and-gloom prediction, Vereen was back on Broadway and co-starring with the late Gregory Hines in the Broadway hit Jellys Last Jam., SEE ALSO: Soul Food Stymies Low-Salt Efforts. 27, Filing 79 years (May 25, 1943)Leslie Uggams / Age. He wound up entering a rehab facility in order to combat his addictions, and has since regained his spiritual balance. The Tony Award-winning Pippin actor married Andrea Townsley in 1965 when he was 19 and she was just 14 and pregnant with their son. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things," states Ben.On Broadway, Ben Vereen has appeared in Wicked, Fosse, I'm Not Rappaport, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin,Grind, Jelly's Last Jam and A Christmas Carol. Ben is leading an ongoing diabetes awareness campaign called "S.T.A.N.D." Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. Ben Vereen must pay up in bizarre divorce mix-up | Page Six How old is Leslie Uggams now? Nancy also supported Vereen, when in 1992, whilewalking along a dark road one morning near his Malibu home, he was struck by a large SUV and almost died: While the actor was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital, miraculously, his life was spared, although he was told that he would have to find another profession because he would never sing, much less walk or dance again. 56,366, This story has been shared 29,657 times. 26, Filing Andrea Townsley is currently available. He was the first simultaneous winner of the "Entertainer of the Year," "Rising Star," and "Song and Dance Star" awards from the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). Terms of Use 47, Filing In the early 90's, he released a number of well-received children's Sing-Along musical videos.Ben was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his performance in the Hallmark movie An Accidental Friendship. But in August 2015, Townsley contacted Vereen to tell him some shocking news when she applied for Social Security benefits she was told she was still married. Toll Free:866-829-0717Phone:614-891-4230 Fax:614-891-4301, 2023 Treneff Cozza Law, LLC All Rights Reserved, Disclaimer| Site Map| Privacy Policy |Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, Ben Vereen must pay up in bizarre divorce mix-up. Last year Ben entertained at the Friar's Club gala honouring CBS president Leslie Moonves. Andrea Townsley. Ben Vereen is currently filed for divorce from Nancy Bruner. Ben met first wife Andrea Townsley when they were young and singing together at her father's Brooklyn church in the gospel choir. See Andrea Townsley is divorced from Ben Vereen. The 69-year-old actor had already initiated the lawsuit against Townsley, 66 and she wanted nearly $63,000 from her ex to cover her legal fees. Was nominated the year before, in 1972, as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "Jesus Christ, Superstar.". Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights Ben Vereen Entertainment - Actor Why Famous: N/A Age: Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. In 2004, Ben was nominated for a "Career Achievement Award" by the Le Prix International Film Star Awards Organization.The lecture circuit has become an integral part of Ben's career, as he has become one of the Nations' most requested speakers among audiences of all ages. Ben met first wife Andrea Townsley when they were young and singing together at her father's Brooklyn church in the gospel choir. thecoopercompany, Other Works While applying for a passport when he was 21, he learned that he was adopted and that his birth name was Benjamin Augustus Middleton. In brief snippets from the routines that made Fetchit famous (and infamous), Mr. Vereen also reveals the glowing pride of an entertainer whose gifts sometimes managed to transcend the offensive uses to which they were put." In June of 1992, he suffered a stroke following a minor car accident in which he hit his head on the steering wheel earlier that day. What you need to know about same-sex divorce with child custody, 4 tips to help you stick to your shared parenting plan. In 1989, he spearheaded his own organization, "Celebrities for a Drug Free America," which raised more than $300,000 for drug rehabilitation centres, educational programs and inner city community-based projects. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Debt-ridden Roots star Ben Vereen will have to pay a woman he divorced more than 40 years ago $10,000 because he forgot hed already been divorced when he sued her once again last year to dissolve their marriage. Graduated from the New York's High School of the Performing Arts. It mystifies the court as to how these two parties, absent proof to the contrary, could forget that they had been divorced previously and then proceed to engage in significant litigation, he wrote in his ruling. Subscribe to Justia's Free Newsletters featuring summaries of federal and state court opinions. The marriage, which produced son Ben Jr., lasted only a few years. His first attorney, John DiMascio, did not respond to messages seeking comment. American actor Ben Vereen is one of the most accomplished and versatile entertainers. | While filming Idlewild with the award winning group Outkast, Ben also served as the acting coach for both Andre 3000 and Big Boy. The marriage, which produced son Ben Jr., lasted only a -Variety"As Fetchit, Ben Vereen creates a man who comports himself with dignity in hopes of negating all that he did before. If you put out good things, then you'll get good things back. Vereen thought he had filed for divorce in New York in 1972, shortly before moving to LA and marrying his second wife, Nancy Bruner, in 1976. Below are some of Ben's reviews from the show:"A seething resentment can be sensed underneath the wary cool with which Fetchit negotiates with Fox. Questions worth asking potential divorce mediators. Official Sites, Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1985. Source:pagesix.com, Ben Vereen must pay up in bizarre divorce mix-up, Julia Marsh, June 29, 2017. So, who can forget that they have been through that? At least one partner goes through the span of emotions, from denial and anger to, finally, acceptance. 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Vereen, who is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the character Chicken George in the 1977 epic saga Roots, reportedly filed a petition on Thursday videos, Ben recently starred in the world premier of Fetch Clay, Make Man directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theatre. 12 Times She Stole Our Hearts, Presidents Day: 5 Reasons Why Well Always Love President Barack Obama, Do It Right: Mothers Day Gifts With Soul. They had been Brooklyn teenagers in love, then parents far too young, and briefly, a married couple: Ben Vereen and Andrea Townsley Vereen. That was more than 50 years ago. Wed met in choir, Mr. Vereen, the actor, singer and dancer, said this week. She was really cute, and she could sing. ICYMI: MALTINA DELIVERED AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME AT THE JUST CONCLUDED I Got In A Lot Of Trouble, I Had To Leave Nigeria Nigerians Excited at Celebrating 61st Independence Anniversary with SuperTV Zero Data App NIGERIA @ 61: Basketmouth Features on Comedy Central EP in Celebration of Thierry Henry Set For Arsenal Coaching Role, GTBankMastersCup Season 6 Enters Quarter Finals Stage, Twitter Fans Applaud DBanj At Glo CAF Awards, Ambode To Receive The Famous FIFA Word Cup Trophy In Lagos On Saturday, Manchester United first EPL club to score 1,000 league goals, JCI Launches Social Enterprise Scheme for Youth Development. This December, Nigerian Breweries through its brands is set to bring all the fun and excitement at Wonderland Lagos. 55, Filing Let's stay updated! These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia. In most cases, ending a marriage is tough for an Ohio couple. While Nancy and Vereen reportedly met on the set of one of his plays and tied the knot in July 1976, according to court papers, he and his estranged wife, Nancy, have been living separately since March of this year. Name Meaning- Naja, Karon, Malaika, news, "For over 40 years, Ben has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing countless one-man shows not only in the United States, but also Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. In 2001, Medgar Evers College created the Ben Vereen Scholarship for the Performing Arts, and in 2004, he received an Achievement in Excellence Award from his alma mater, the High School of the Performing Arts.Ben celebrated Eartha Kitt's 80th birthday in concert at Carnegie Hall to multiple standing ovations and in front of the Armed Forces for those men and women who have served in Iraq, truly a major highlight of his career. Ben's second wife Nancy Bruner was a dancer in the London production of "Golden Boy". His topics range from overcoming adversity, arts in education, Black history, motivational topics, recovery through physical and occupational therapy and the importance of continuing education - to name a few.Ben's gift of time has benefited many organizations. Add an Affair, Check out our New "Top 10 Newest Celebrity Moms", Go To Andrea Townsley's ProfileGo To Ben Vereen's Profile. However, after his own diligent search, Townsleys attorney found the finalized divorce decree that had been granted in 1974. Estralitta Townsley: Defendant: Geico Indemnity Company: Case Number: 2:2012cv01909: Filed: October 29, 2012: Court: US District Court for the Western District of He also earned a coveted spot in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame. Townsleycontacted him two years ago and told him they were still married, information disclosed by the Social Security Administration when she had applied for benefits. Vereen and Andrea Townsley married in 1965 when they were both still teenagers. He has received honorary doctorates from the University of Arizona, Emerson College, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago. Nigerian Breweries Roll Out Exciting Festive Calendar with an Exhilarating Mashup of How Brands Can Stop Product Fraudsters in Todays Counterfeit Economy. Songstress Brenda Russells name has been tossed around, but at press time, this has not been confirmed. Other film credits include Sweet Charity, All That Jazz, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love,And Then Came Love starring Vanessa Williams, the animated movie Once Upon a Forest, Christmas in Washingtonand The Painting which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Mom". You feel the energy. The Eldest Of Five Died In August 2020. Sign up for NewsOne's email newsletter! Vereen has stated that, at the time, he could not cope with his daughters death and wanted to take his own life, so he began dabbling with mind-numbing addictions that eventually took a dangerous toll on him. In addition, Ben has been coaching the singing sensation Usher both as an entertainer and an actor. There's nothing like a live audience. Andrea Townsley is currently available. Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Sunshine called the situation a head-scratcher. Andrea Levy, Washington (5 matches): Phone Number, Email, Address - Spokeo. His grandson Darryl is a linebacker for the University of Tennessee Volunteers Football team. Ben was, Ben's Performing Arts High School classmates were. Help us build our profile of Ben Vereen and Andrea Townsley! If we plant the right seeds, tomorrow will be better. It was Townsleys attorney, Harold Mayerson, who eventually tracked down the Aug. 21, 1974 judgement of divorce. While Vereen was married once to Andrea Townsley back in 1966, theres now talk that there could be someone else waiting in the wings for the veteran performer. View the profiles of people named Andrea Vereen. Andrea Townsley is divorced from Ben Vereen. Life can be complicated, right? Mayerson joked when asked how his client failed to remember that her divorce had already been granted. All Right Reserved. 11, US District Court for the Western District of Washington. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. - IMDb Mini Biography By: But Vereen was still on the hook. Peter Bienstock, whose partner Patricia Hennessey was Vereens second attorney, called the ruling well reasoned. He said that he did not think Vereen would appeal. Born Benjamin Augustus Middleton on 10th October, 1946 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, At age 65, he is the youngest man performing today. Ben's son by his first wife, Benjamin "Benji" Vereen, Jr., 55, a dancer and choreographer, was found dead on 8 August 2020 after being missing from his home for several weeks. 58, Filing African-American actress and former model. But I was home during the day, and she worked, I potty-trained him, weaned him off the bott. Friends with Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell. This Christmas Free Gift International Film and Theater Ministry will be staging an iconic stage play at the Muson Center, As we count down to the heart of the festive season, Nigerias premier brewing company, Nigerian Breweries, is going all About 250 entrepreneurs, investors, influencers, and government leaders took part in the investment-focused Innovators Gathering, honouring the influx of two-way 2020 - brandiq.com.ng. Everyone I've worked with has been good. Andrea Townsley's Andrea Levy in Washington. The Community Mental Health Council awarded Ben with their 2004 Lifeline Celebration Achievement Award. Together, he and Nancy have endured the death of his 16-year-old daughter, Naja, who was killed when the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck by a tractor-traileron a New Jersey highway ramp back in 1987. and more from FamousFix.com. He is famous for his legendary performances, which have transcended time and have become part Empowering Clients To Make Informed, Intelligent Decisions, Personalized Attention, Experienced Counsel, On Behalf of Treneff Cozza Law, LLC | Jul 6, 2017 | Divorce. In 2009, he performed at the Inaugural Ball and entertained at the reopening of the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., which was attended by President Obama. Ben and his band are currently touring his one man shows, "Ben Sings a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. featuring the music of Sammy Davis Jr." and "Brooklyn to Broadway" at top performing arts centres. When they found the ring Prosper Africa Plans to Invest $170 million to Boost African Exports and U.S Investment by Savannah Energy Announces Termination of SPA for PETRONAS Chad and Cameroon Portfolio, INEC Disagrees with APC Candidate Tinubu on BVAS Comment at Chatham House, More Winners to emerge in the Ongoing Polaris Bank Save & Win Promo. Why is Andrea Townsley and Ben Vereen are divorced. One review from Ben's show is featured below:"Ben Vereen's performance at The Town Hall on February 18th was a lesson in performance energy..a tour de force .Without a single synthesizer, with no voice tuner, with only an acoustic band, Vereen displayed shocking innovation.".."