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. Sunshine said he had to balance the weight of the wealthier litigants wallet to determine how much to give Townsley for her legal bills. He has received honorary doctorates from the University of Arizona, Emerson College, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago. He wound up entering a rehab facility in order to combat his addictions, and has since regained his spiritual balance. Friends with Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Ben Vereen and Andrea Townsley - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos list. Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, 2011. Tony Award-winning actor and legendary hoofer Ben Vereen (pictured) has decided to call his 36-year marriage a wrap, reports TMZ. 29,357, This story has been shared 13,411 times. 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 morning citing irreconcilable differences. Vereenis also allegedly asking the court not to pay his wife spousal support. The Community Mental Health Council awarded Ben with their 2004 Lifeline Celebration Achievement Award. Graduated from the New York's High School of the Performing Arts. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Records are more easily accessible this day and age. "She was a good mother. Bishop Andrea Vereen performs in a play that she and her sister ValdennaTownsley Belton wrote and produced in a Harlem theatre. Ben was featured in the movie, On The One - Preaching to the Choir directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. 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 addition, Ben has been coaching the singing sensation Usher both as an entertainer and an actor. All Right Reserved. However, after his own diligent search, Townsleys attorney found the finalized divorce decree that had been granted in 1974. That's part of our responsibility as entertainers. Ben met first wife Andrea Townsley when they were young and singing together at her father's Brooklyn church in the gospel choir. The marriage, which produced son Ben Jr., lasted only a few years. When they found the ring 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. Relationship Statistics Details More about Andrea Townsley Less about Andrea Townsley edit Dating History Grid List Table #1 Ben Vereen 40 Andrea Townsley and Ben Vereen are And the couple remained together even during Vereens self-destructive plunge that resulted in an obsessionwith liquor and cocaine that he just could not shake. "The theater was my first training ground. If you put out good things, then you'll get good things back. Estralitta Townsley: Defendant: Geico Indemnity Company: Case Number: 2:2012cv01909: Filed: October 29, 2012: Court: US District Court for the Western District of Andrea Levy in Washington. He played "Chicken" George Moore--between the ages of 18 in 1824 and 64 in 1870-- in, Performing at the Very Special Arts Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC [June 2004], Portraying the Wizard in Broadway's Wicked. Live stage is being made as you go along. The Eldest Of Five Died In August 2020. Official Sites, Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1985. In 1972, Ben filed for divorce before he moved to Los Angeles and believed the action had been finalized. Born Benjamin Augustus Middleton on 10th October, 1946 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, lists How old is Leslie Uggams now? 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. 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. 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. 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. | Source:pagesix.com, Ben Vereen must pay up in bizarre divorce mix-up, Julia Marsh, June 29, 2017. Help us build our profile of Ben Vereen and Andrea Townsley! What you need to know about same-sex divorce with child custody, 4 tips to help you stick to your shared parenting plan. Subscribe to Justia's Free Newsletters featuring summaries of federal and state court opinions. Terms of Use 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. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. Privacy Notice Vereen who won a best actor in a musical Tony in 1973 for Pippin and who was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Chicken George in the groundbreaking TV miniseries Roots (1977) earned $166,000 in 2015 and has significant liabilities, according to the ruling. View the profiles of people named Andrea Vereen. 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. Andrea Townsley. Ben met first wife Andrea Townsley when they were young and singing together at her father's Brooklyn church in the gospel choir. Check out our New "Top 10 Hollywood Seductresses", No known Affairs for this Relationship. In February of 2011, he released his CD Steppin' Out Live with Ben Vereen and staged a triumphant return to Broadway with his concert "BEN VEREEN ON BROADWAY AT TOWN HALL" . Andrea Townsley is divorced from Ben Vereen. Vereen and Andrea Townsley married in 1965 when they were both still teenagers. 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. | Ben recently starred in the world premier of Fetch Clay, Make Man directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theatre. But I was home during the day, and she worked, I potty-trained him, weaned him off the bott. Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. Ben was, Ben's Performing Arts High School classmates were. The presiding judge, after questioning how both parties could forget they had gone through a divorce all those years ago leading to such a costly second lawsuit, considered the income of both parties and ordered Vereento pay a sum of $10,000, giving an August 15 deadline. He appears in two soon to be released features, 21 and a Wake-Up starring Faye Dunaway andMama, I Want to Sing! -Variety"As Fetchit, Ben Vereen creates a man who comports himself with dignity in hopes of negating all that he did before. See 29,657, This story has been shared 29,357 times. Celebrity Biographies Ben Vereen is divorced from Andrea Townsley. news, in which Ben co-starred opposite Ciara and Patti LaBelle. We've received your submission. The following documents for this case are available for you to view or download: Use the links below to access additional information about this case on the US Court's PACER system. -New York Times"The dramatic center is Ben Vereen's role as Lincoln Perry,the vaudeville performer who made his fortune in silent films and Depression-era talkies playing screen persona Stepin Fetchit, the quintessential negative stereotype of the shuffling, smiling, work-shirking NegroTapping all the undiminished charisma and limber body language of a veteran song-and-dance man, Vereen effortlessly sells the now-reviled representation of the black flunky while slyly asserting the cultured, savvy negotiator beneath; it's a performance of enormous charm and intelligence." 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. 56,366, This story has been shared 29,657 times. 4 daughters (Kabara, Malaika, Naja, and Karon) with current wife. Mom". 55, Filing His zodiac sign is Libra. There's nothing like a live audience. 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. 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. 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. This December, Nigerian Breweries through its brands is set to bring all the fun and excitement at Wonderland Lagos. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia. A subscription to PACER is required. Additional credits include: Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints(Showtime), Intruders They Are Among Us (Emmy nomination), Zoobilee Zoo, Faerie Tale Theatre's Puss N' Bootswith Gregory Hines, The Jesse Owens Story, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Lost in London, and Salute to Liberty Special. His first love and passion is and always will be the stage. Publicity Listings Ben Vereen is a 76 year old American Actor. Life can be complicated, right? Mayerson joked when asked how his client failed to remember that her divorce had already been granted. At age 65, he is the youngest man performing today. 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.".." In one scene, after Fetchit has been forced to acknowledge what he'd been, Vereen blinks three times, and actually manages to make a statement with each blink: The first acknowledges the charge, the second shows his pain at being reminded, and the third hopes to push away the memory." Andrea Townsley's Put Your Future In Good Legal Hands |Call 614-891-4230 Local Or 866-829-0717 Toll Free. American actor Ben Vereen is one of the most accomplished and versatile entertainers. This is always a dangerous idea, because it risks alientating the audience who wants to hear the melody of a familiar tune, but Vereen not only pulled it off, he left the audience wanting him to do moreThe lasting impression was of a man who loves life, wants you to love life, and has mastered both his medium and his message. All Rights Reserved. Andrea Townsley is currently available. 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. and more from FamousFix.com. Thanks for contacting us. 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. Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights His strong sense of social consciousness has enabled him to reach out to his audiences and convey to them a deep feeling of understanding. Age: N/A . 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Empowering Clients To Make Informed, Intelligent Decisions, Personalized Attention, Experienced Counsel, On Behalf of Treneff Cozza Law, LLC | Jul 6, 2017 | Divorce. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Ben's second wife Nancy Bruner was a dancer in the London production of "Golden Boy". The people who knew her well say 24-year-old Andrea ``Randy'' Levine had one piece of jewelry she loved best: a gold ring set with an oval amethyst. He attached a document showing that hed brought the first New York action in 1972, but his attorney, John DiMascio, never searched for paperwork to see if the first divorce was finalized, the decision says. It seems long-time entertainerBen Vereen and his ex-wife both forgot they went through a divorce many years ago. An Ohio attorney can be of invaluable assistance should there be confusion pertaining to a persons legal history. Ecobank Initiated Fintech-focused Journalism Programme Produces Maiden Graduates, Nigerian Breweries Brands Brew a Fun-filled December at Wonderland in Lagos, Prosper Africa Plans to Invest $170 million to Boost African Exports and U.S Investment by $2 Billion, Access Bank Bolsters Child Education in South Africa with R2.6m Polo Day Donation, Free Gift International Film Presents Roaring Lion An Iconic Stage Play, Nigerian Breweries Roll Out Exciting Festive Calendar with an Exhilarating Mashup of Events, Gathering Innovation: Prosper Africa Connects Innovators and Investors Ahead of U.S Africa Leaders Summit, Elon Musk Suspends Celebrity Journalists Tweeter Accounts. 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. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. How do valuation issues affect mediation? In addition, he has served as chairman of several renowned organizations including the American Heart Association and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. -The Star-LedgerAdditionally, Ben has a recurring role on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother, playing Wayne Brady's father. Questions worth asking potential divorce mediators. Of modest beginnings, his father James was a factory worker and mother Pauline a maid and wardrobe mistress. Hennessey was unavailable to comment and Vereen did not return calls. Spokane Office 601 West 1st Avenue, Ste 1402 Spokane, WA 99201-3825 TEL (509) 570-7448 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. So in September, he sued Townsley for divorce, again. Townsleythen requested $63,000 from Vereento pay for the legal fees his second request cost her. Login Nigerian Breweries Roll Out Exciting Festive Calendar with an Exhilarating Mashup of How Brands Can Stop Product Fraudsters in Todays Counterfeit Economy. For his humanitarian contributions, he has received a number of awards including Israel's Cultural and Humanitarian Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award and a Victory Award. photos, So the judge ordered Vereen to pay Townsley $10,000 by Aug. 15. His own network television shows are Ben Vereen: His Roots (Seven Emmy Awards), Tenspeed and Brownshoe and You Write the Songs. Born Benjamin Augustus Middleton on 10th October, 1946 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, USA, he is famous for Funny Lady in a career that spans 1965present. SEE ALSO: The Root Honors 100 Black Achievers, Influencers. 79 years (May 25, 1943)Leslie Uggams / Age. 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. Like our content? Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), 50 best Valentine's Day gifts on Amazon in 2023: Apparel to tech, We tried 21 meal delivery kits here are the best of 2023, We tested 26 vitamin C serums and found the 17 best of 2023: Review, Gen Z is flipping out for flip phones: Where to buy one in 2023, The 60 best Valentines Day gifts to buy for all your loved ones in 2023, Cardi B says Kim Kardashian gave her plastic surgery recommendations, Met Gala 2023: Dress code, co-chairs announced for Karl Lagerfeld-themed event, Kim Kardashian uses Kylie Jenners products for bad makeup TikTok, The Fabelmans Flops on Jeopardy After All 3 Contestants Fail to Name Spielbergs Film, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, contacted Vereen to tell him some shocking news, Britney Spears acts 'manic' in restaurant as Sam Asghari 'storms out:' report, Lisa Marie Presley appeared unsteady at Golden Globes days before her death, Lisa Marie Presley dead at age 54 following cardiac arrest, Newly single Kendall Jenner wears sheer dress at Lori Harvey's birthday party, Kardashian despises Kanye's new 'wife': 'Kim hates pretty girls', Lisa Marie Presley's kids: Her 4 children and their fathers, 'Boy Meets World' star William Daniels had affair that left wife 'devastated', Listen to chilling 911 call ahead of Lisa Marie Presley's cardiac arrest, See first photos of new couple Selena Gomez and Drew Taggart on bowling date, Britney Spears pokes fun at 'manic' restaurant video: Best part 'was the pasta', I went to McDonalds drive-thru for lunch but left with bags of cash instead. He is famous for his legendary performances, which have transcended time and have become part Your Ad Choices Won Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Pippin." Andrea is now a pastor at her late father's church. 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. It was Townsleys attorney, Harold Mayerson, who eventually tracked down the Aug. 21, 1974 judgement of divorce. He left four children. 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. You learn from the good, what's good, and you learn from the bad what not to do. 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 1972, Ben filed for divorce before he moved to Los Angeles and believed the action had been In 1987 his daughter Naja was killed in a car accident at 16. If we plant the right seeds, tomorrow will be better. 27, Filing Find Andrea Levy's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading 11, US District Court for the Western District of Washington. 58, Filing Ben Vereens Daughter, Karon Is An Artist. African-American actress and former model. So, who can forget that they have been through that? 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 Ben Vereen Entertainment - Actor Why Famous: N/A Age: 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. Is my retirement account marital property? Why is - The Newark ExaminerBen remains the consummate actor, singer, and all around entertainer with a storied and legendary career. (grandchild). While filming Idlewild with the award winning group Outkast, Ben also served as the acting coach for both Andre 3000 and Big Boy. Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. Ben met first wife Andrea Townsley when they were young and singing together at her father's Brooklyn church in the gospel choir. The marriage, which produced son Ben Jr., lasted only a few years. Andrea is now a pastor at her late father's church. 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). He recovered and after extensive physical and occupational therapy, was able to dance again. News24 reported that on late Thursday, reporters from publications including the Washington Post, the New York Times Mashable and. His grandson Darryl is a linebacker for the University of Tennessee Volunteers Football team. For Nickelodeon, Ben provided voice-overs on the show Wonder Pets! He has served on Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, the American Red Cross and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. Andrea Levy, Washington (5 matches): Phone Number, Email, Address - Spokeo. The marriage, which produced son Ben Jr., lasted only a That number led to court files and the 1974 final judgment of divorce for Benjamin A. Vereen and Andrea Townsley Vereen. They had been divorced for 42 years. JUST IN: President Buhari To Present 2022 Budget To Nigeria@61: Kate Henshaw, Sijibomi, Tony Nwulu, Others Share Thoughts I CAN NEVER INSULT ASIWAJU, HE IS MY FATHER Brandcomfest, Brandcom Awards Hold at DPodium, Ikeja, Online Training: Sunshine Cinema Partners UCT to Develop Filmmakers, Grey Advertising Wins Most Loved Bread Brand Award. 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. Andrea Townsley and Ben Vereen are divorced. His role in Pippin garnered him both the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for "Best Actor in a Musical. Ben Vereen must pay up in bizarre divorce mix-up | Page Six 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. 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. 26, Filing 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. Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Sunshine called the situation a head-scratcher. in partnership with sanofi-aventis pharmaceuticals. Andrea Townsley is currently available. Name Meaning- Naja, Karon, Malaika, Andrea Townsley is divorced from Ben Vereen. I was like Mr. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, The Best Actors from Entertainment to Movies & Television, Darryl Vereen Add an Affair, Check out our New "Top 10 Newest Celebrity Moms", Go To Andrea Townsley's ProfileGo To Ben Vereen's Profile. After many decades of searching, he finally traced his mother, Essie May Middleton (Pearson). Everyone I've worked with has been good. Sign up for NewsOne's email newsletter! You feel the energy. "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. 47, Filing He flirted with off notes and inventive runs during classics such as "My Funny Valentine." 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. Ben Lost His Daughter, Naja In An Accident. Played the character of E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner in the unrelated television shows.

Pepperidge Farm Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe, Articles A