Ben Vereen splits with wife of 36 years

LOS ANGELES -- Tony Award-winning actor Ben Vereen has filed for divorce from his wife of 36 years.

Court records in Los Angeles show Vereen filed the petition on Thursday, citing irreconcilable differences. The actor-dancer married wife Nancy Bruner Vereen in July 1976, although his filing states the pair separated in March.

The 65-year-old won a best actor in a musical Tony Award in 1973 for his role in "Pippin" and he appeared in numerous films and television series. His acting credits vary from a role in the miniseries "Roots" and a guest stint on "How I Met Your Mother," as well as a Golden Globe nominated performance in the film "Funny Lady."

Vereen is asking a court to terminate his estranged wife's ability to collect spousal support.