Versatile Television Actor, Stand-Up Comedian, Writer & Stage Performer; Known for One-Man Production of "Power on Earth"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Darryl Van Leer Biography

Darryl Van Leer is an American actor, writer and solo performer best known for his acclaimed one-man stage production, "Power on Earth." Written, directed and performed by Van Leer, the show has earned praise from critics and audiences for its emotional intensity and historical depth. Daily Variety described it as “emotionally riveting,” highlighting Van Leer’s vivid portrayals of some of the most influential African American figures in U.S. history.

In "Power on Earth," Van Leer embodies leaders and cultural icons including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Malcolm X, as well as Nat Turner, Marcus Garvey and Frederick Douglass. The production also pays tribute to blues legends Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, demonstrating Van Leer’s wide dramatic and musical range. An earlier version of the work, titled "The Gallows to the Gavel," earned him a nomination for a 1996 NAACP Theatre Award, further establishing his reputation as a compelling interpreter of historical voices.

Van Leer began his television career with regular work on "Bobby Jones Gospel" on Black Entertainment Television, where he served as a background vocalist, writer and staff photographer. He went on to build a varied career in film and television, appearing in projects such as the Nickelodeon movie "First Time," co-starring John Amos; the Fox movie "Steel Chariots"; and the HBO film "The Second Civil War," alongside James Earl Jones and Beau Bridges. In 2012, he starred in the independent feature "Deadline," based on the true story of the murder of an African American youth in rural Alabama.

His additional screen credits include the NBC movie "Witness to an Execution," the HBO film "Up Against the Wall," and the feature "A League of Their Own," starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks. A versatile stage performer, Van Leer has also appeared in numerous local theater productions and worked the stand-up comedy circuit, performing at well-known New York venues including The Comic Strip and Catch a Rising Star.

BOOK Darryl Van Leer

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/04/2026.

Darryl Van Leer Videos

Elton John (Cover by Darryl Van Leer & The DVL Band)

Elton John (Cover by Darryl Van Leer & The DVL Band)

Darryl Van Leer & the DVL Band reintroduce you to the hit single Bennie & the Jets by Elton John! A live studio recording.

Darryl Van Leer, playing characters from Little Richard

Darryl Van Leer, playing characters from Little Richard

A look at the versatility of actor musician and writer Darryl Van Leer. "Van Leer is one of the more versatile performers in America.

Hit the Road Jack Cover by Darryl Van Leer

Hit the Road Jack Cover by Darryl Van Leer

Darryl Van Leer and the DVL Band performing a cover of the Ray Charles song "Hit the Road Jack".

  • How do I book Darryl Van Leer to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Darryl Van Leer for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Darryl Van Leer, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Darryl Van Leer or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Darryl Van Leer

    Speaking fees for Darryl Van Leer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Darryl Van Leer are under $10,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Darryl Van Leer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Darryl Van Leer speak about?

    Darryl Van Leer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Black Heritage, Celebrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Music, Performing Arts
  • Where does Darryl Van Leer travel from?

    Darryl Van Leer generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Darryl Van Leer’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Darryl Van Leer for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Darryl Van Leer for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Darryl Van Leer or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Darryl Van Leer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Darryl Van Leer for your event is available upon request. Darryl Van Leer generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Eric Boles, Daymond John, Jelly Roll and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Darryl Van Leer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.
Please Select Event Budget
Please enter your message
Please Enter Your Name
Please Enter Your Email
  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP