Born October 10, 1946, Ben has given us decades of memorable performances as an actor, singer, and dancer.
From Chicken George in Roots to his Tony-winning role as the Leading Player in Pippin, he became a familiar face on stage and television. Many of us also remember him as Mayor Ben on Zoobilee Zoo and as Will’s father, Lou, in that unforgettable episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
He also joined Kermit and the gang as a guest star during the first season of The Muppet Show, performing “Mr. Cellophane” and “Pure Imagination.”
Disney fans may remember Ben hosting Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade alongside Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin in 1985 and 1986.
Thanks for all the memories, Ben. Wishing you a wonderful 80th birthday!
