Ken Page dies at age 70, friends and fans pay tribute to Broadway icon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ken Page, the distinguished Broadway actor, known for his performances in iconic musicals like 'Cats' and 'The Wiz', has died at the age of 70.

The news of his death was confirmed on Tuesday, October 1, and his agent Lance Kirkland stated the actor died in his sleep, according to TMZ.

Inside Ken Page's career of accolades and achievements

Born and raised in St Louis, Ken Page's career on Broadway began in 1975 when he joined the cast of 'The Wiz', taking on the role of the Lion. 

This performance which marked his Broadway debut, also set the stage for a career that spanned over two decades.

The 70-year-old went on to star in numerous productions, including 'Guys and Dolls, Ain't Misbehavin', 'It Ain't Nothing But the Blues', and 'Cats'.

In 1978, Page won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his performance in 'Ain't Misbehavin'.

Throughout his career, Page's larger-than-life presence and remarkable voice made him a Broadway icon, with his portrayal of Old Deuteronomy in 'Cats' remaining one of his most remarkable roles.

He also reprised the character in the 1998 film adaptation of 'Cats', directed by David Mallet.

Ken Page's transition from stage to screen

In addition to his theatrical career, Page who is also known for his cabaret singing made his transition to the film and television industry.

The actor became popular as the voice of Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', a role he would return to multiple times in video games and live performances.

Page’s other film roles included parts in the cult classic 'Showgirls' (2006), 'Torch Song Trilogy' (1988), and 'All Dogs Go to Heaven' (1989).

Friends pay tribute to Ken Page

Following the announcement of Ken Page's death, tributes from colleagues and fans have poured in.

Danny Elfman, the composer and musician behind 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter). "I’m still stunned by last night’s terrible news. Ken Page died suddenly," he wrote.

"He was the one and only Oogie Boogie Man. He was simply one of the best, most generous souls I know. Full of life and overflowing with joy. Talented and then some. Ken, my friend, you will be deeply missed," added Elfman, who collaborated closely with Page in the beloved film.

Actress Shari Belafonte took to Facebook to pay tribute to Page as she described him as “one of the sweetest, most talented guys on the planet.”

“It feels like it’s coming just a bit too fast and a tad too furiously now,” she said, adding, “And, I couldn't believe it... but it's true. It feels like it's coming just a bit too fast and a tad too furiously now...”

Fans lament Ken Page's death

Paying heartfelt tribute to the beloved performer, fans took to social media to remember Ken Page's remarkable career.

One fan on X wrote, "This one hurts the most the most to me. He actually inspired me to be a singer," and another tweeted, "No really, damn it that sucks, he’s one of my favourite voice actors and I really enjoyed his Oogie Boogie song when I was a kid."

"Underappreciated talent Ken Page had in singing, acting, and just a way of performing, he'll be missed dearly," a netizen commented, while someone else remarked, "This just hits different. I dont think any of them knew how much of an impact they had on us! Literally what made me fall in love with animated movies."

"Rest in peace my favorite voice of oogie boogie," a fan penned, and another wrote, "This is one of the first celebrities that actually sorta hurts. Rest in peace Ken."

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