Tony Award Winner Ben Vereen Opens Up In Exclusive Interview On Austin’s Newest Local Talk Show

Austin, Texas -- /News Reported by LaGuardia Media and Public Relations/ -- Ben Vereen, (a Tony Award-winning actor and Theater Hall of Fame inductee), known for his iconic performances on stage, the big screen and television, sat down for a Zoom conversation on local television show “Austin Actually” with producer and host Daryl K. Jones.

“Austin Actually” is distributed by Austin Public, and airs on the cable providers Spectrum and Astound (channels 10, 11 and 16). The show also streams on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and the Austin Public /Austin Film Society’s website.

Austin Actually prides itself on highlighting “the people in Austin who actually make the city move and breathe”; interviewing the small business owners, creatives and/or musicians, charitable organizations, celebrities and prominent public figures that contribute to Austin in their own special ways.

The show’s producer Daryl K. Jones, is a journalist who has written for several publications, including Nevada Business Magazine, MyVegas Magazine, MyAustin Magazine, Chic Compass, Amplitude Magazine (a health journal), the A360 BizBlog and others. Jones is also the Director of Media Relations for LMPR, a public relations firm based out of Austin, Texas.

Ben Vereen on Service and Theater

During his interview with Daryl, Mr. Vereen discusses his core values of "Live, Life, Love, Serve", and his involvement with ‘Broadway in the Hood’; a program founded by Torrey Russell that brings Broadway theater to underserved communities (particularly in Las Vegas), by training young people to express themselves through the arts.

Arts Education for Underserved Communities

Ben continued by emphasizing the arts’ potential to transform lives and improve society. He shared his personal journey, highlighting how serving through entertainment has been his calling, and expressed frustration over the lack of arts education in public schools. Vereen also reflected on the importance of nurturing creativity and the divine potential within individuals, particularly young people, while emphasizing the need to bring light and positivity into the world.

Divine Recovery Through Community Support

Mr. Vereen shared a deeply personal story about a severe car accident in 1992 that resulted in multiple injuries, including a stroke, and his subsequent recovery with the support of his community and spiritual beliefs. He spoke about the “Divine, within” and how this philosophy helped him during his recovery. Ben emphasized the power of prayer and positive thinking, attributing his recovery to the collective prayers of his community and his own spiritual practices.

Overcoming Adversity on Stage

Ben shared how the accident left him with a broken femur, a stroke, and other injuries, and how he refused to let it stop him from performing in his upcoming show in Detroit. Despite being told by doctors that he might never walk again, he managed to dance on stage using a stool and continued his career. He attributed his resilience to his faith and the support of friends, family, and fans who sent him letters and offered prayers. Ben emphasized that his success in show business was never about personal glory but rather about the joy of his work and the respect he earned from his craft.

Journey in Entertainment and Resilience

Ben also reflected on his artistic choices, emphasizing that his focus was on the art and storytelling rather than being typecast. He shared a personal testimony about resilience and faith, drawing parallels to the story of “Footprints in the Sand”.

Challenging Racial Prejudice Through Art

Ben shared his experiences of facing racial prejudice in the entertainment industry and his journey of pushing boundaries through his art. He recounted a conversation with a stranger at a restaurant that inspired him to create a piece about Burt Williams, highlighting his struggle and impact on changing societal dynamics. Ben emphasized his commitment to telling stories that challenge societal prejudices, as well as his personal growth through these experiences.

Addressing Backlash and Social Issues

Ben Vereen discussed his experience creating a piece about blackface and the backlash he received, including being unable to get booked on several popular talk shows. He described teaming up with Dick Gregory and Tony Brown to tour and address social issues, including drug dealers in Shreveport and gang violence in San Francisco. The conversation concluded with a message about supporting youth organizations and making positive change through unity.

Youth Arts Vision for Communities

Mr. Vereen discussed his vision for Broadway in the Hood, aiming to provide a positive voice for youth through arts programs and community support, extending from Las Vegas to cities like Chicago, New York, and Denver. He emphasized the importance of adult involvement, including parents supporting schools and churches focusing on creating heaven on earth by contributing to community needs. Daryl inquired about Ben's process for preparing roles, who shared his method of studying the role, understanding choreography, seeking character permission, and trusting instincts.

Arts Advocacy and Support Strategies

Ben and Daryl discussed the importance of finding true believers and supporters in the arts, emphasizing the need to protect one's art and be cautious of those who may not have genuine intentions. They also talked about the role of arts organizations like Broadway and the Hood, and how regular people can help support the arts by redirecting their consumer spending towards community initiatives. Ben shared his personal experiences and beliefs, including his involvement in a Louis Armstrong biographical film, and expressed his views on current social issues such as mass deportation, advocating for compassion and understanding.

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To watch a clip from the interview, click here
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Press Contact: LaGuardia Media and Public Relations
Leslie LaGuardia
Daryl K. Jones
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leslie@laguardiapr.com
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