Ken Page, a beloved character actor known for his work on Broadway and as the voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, passed away on Monday, September 30, at the age of 70.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
From St. Louis to Broadway
- Born: January 20, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri
- Education: Full scholarship in musical theater at Fontbonne College, Missouri
- First Steps: Started in the chorus at St. Louis’ Muny Theater
Ken Page knew from a young age that he wanted to be on stage. After receiving a scholarship in musical theater, he quickly began his career in the local theater scene.
Broadway Success
Major Roles on Broadway
Ken Page made his Broadway debut in 1977, joining the cast of Cats as the Lion in a replacement role. However, his breakthrough came in the 1976 Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, where he played Nicely-Nicely.
- Key Roles:
- Guys and Dolls (1976) – Nicely-Nicely
- Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978)
- Cats (1982) – Old Deuteronomy (signature role)
His portrayal of Old Deuteronomy in Cats became iconic, cementing him as a key figure in Broadway history. He also appeared in a revival of Ain’t Misbehavin’ in 1988, and in 1999, he performed in It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues.
Film and TV Contributions
Memorable Film and TV Roles
Ken Page extended his talent beyond Broadway, with appearances in movies and TV shows, earning recognition for his comedic and dramatic range.
- Film Appearances:
- Torch Song Trilogy (1988) – as Murray, the drag queen
- Dreamgirls (2006) – as Max Washington
- Cats (1998) – reprised Old Deuteronomy in a direct-to-video version
- TV Shows:
- Gimme a Break!
- Family Matters
- Touched By An Angel
- Charmed (2004)
Page was also a well-known voice actor, famous for his role as King Gator in All Dogs Go to Heaven and as a character in Duckman.
The Voice of Oogie Boogie
A Legacy in Animation
Ken Page’s deep, resonant voice made him perfect for the role of Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), directed by Henry Selick.
- Oogie Boogie’s Song: One of the most memorable moments in the film, where Page’s voice brought the villainous character to life.
- He reprised this role in video games and live performances, including the 30th anniversary concert of Nightmare at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023.
Composer Danny Elfman, who worked closely with Page, expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Ken Page died suddenly. He was the one and only Oogie Boogie Man. Full of life and overflowing with joy.”
Ken Page Behind
Ken Page leaves behind a rich legacy in theater, film, and voice acting. His contributions, especially his unforgettable role as Oogie Boogie, will live on in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
References:
- Elfman, D. X Post
- IMDb Profile: Ken Page