Ken Page, the celebrated Broadway actor known for his powerful baritone voice, passed away on Monday at his home in St. Louis at the age of 70.
His extensive career included notable roles in productions like “The Wiz” and “Cats,” but he gained widespread recognition as the voice of Oogie Boogie in the beloved animated film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
His death was confirmed by his longtime friend Dorian Hannaway, who did not disclose the cause. Page had recently been preparing for upcoming appearances as Oogie Boogie, a role he cherished and frequently revisited during Halloween celebrations and in video games.
Born on January 20, 1954, in St. Louis, Page first made his mark on the New York theater scene in 1975 as the Lion in “The Wiz.” He quickly garnered acclaim for his standout performance of “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the revival of “Guys and Dolls.” Beyond theater, he co-starred with Beyoncé in “Dreamgirls” and appeared in films like “Torch Song Trilogy” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” Over his lifetime, he received numerous accolades, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from various organizations.
Page began his career at the St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre, known as The Muny, where he served as “The Voice of The Muny,” welcoming audiences before performances. His impact on the arts community was profound, and he is remembered as one of the most talented and kind-hearted individuals in the industry.
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