NEW YORK - Film and theater actor Ben Vereen says his son has died.

Benjamin Vereen Junior, who went by Benji, was a dancer and choreographer.

He had been missing since July 27.

His father found out Saturday he died. 

His father, who's best known for his portrayal of "The Leading Player" in the original Broadway cast of Pippin, released a statement saying, "I am sorry to announce my son Benjamin A Vereen Jr., affectionately known as "Benji" passed away.  Benji was a dancer and a choreographer with an extraordinary artistic talent and we will hold him in our hearts forever. Thank you to the public for loving my son. We would appreciate allowing our family to mourn this privately."

Vereen is no stranger to tragedy. 

His daughter died when she was 16, and Vereen himself was critically injured when he was hit by a car. 

Benji was 55.