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Ken Page, Broadway star who voiced Oogie Boogie in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas,’ dies at 70

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Ken Page, Broadway star who voiced Oogie Boogie in 'Nightmare Before Christmas,' dies at 70

As a lifelong theater enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Broadway, I must say that Ken Page’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who admired his talent and charisma. From his iconic roles as Old Deuteronomy in “Cats” to the menacing yet lovable Oogie Boogie in “The Nightmare Before Christmas“, his contributions to the stage and screen have been nothing short of extraordinary.

On Monday, Ken Page, a cherished baritone known for his roles in Broadway productions such as “Cats” and “The Wiz,” and the voice behind Oogie Boogie in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” movie, passed away at the age of 70.

As a movie enthusiast, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and esteemed producer, Dorian Hannaway, confirmed by talent agent Todd M. Eskin to The Times this week. At present, the reason behind his untimely demise remains undisclosed.

Initially, Hannaway declared Page’s passing on Monday via Facebook, stating that the seasoned Broadway actor “moved on to the next performance.” Another representative of Page, Lance Kirkland, informed TMZ that he passed away “very serenely” on Monday at his residence in St. Louis. As of Tuesday, Kirkland had not responded to The Times’ requests for comment.

For many years, the actor found success acting on stage, with memorable performances as the Cowardly Lion in “The Wiz” during the 1970s and as Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway production of “Cats.” However, it was perhaps his distinctive voice that resonated most, best known as the Boogeyman from Henry Selick and Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” He frequently returned to the role of Oogie Boogie in both person and voice for Halloween and related events at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Born on January 20, 1954, in St. Louis, Page started his theatrical journey with the chorus of the Muny (St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre). Subsequently, he moved to New York City and made his Broadway debut as the Lion in the original production of “The Wiz” in 1975. In 1976, he starred in the initial Broadway revival of “Guys and Dolls,” portraying Nicely-Nicely alongside an all-Black cast. Two years later, he graced the Great White Way with his presence in “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a Tony Award-winning musical that celebrated Harlem during the 1920s and ’30s. He reprised this role in a 1989 production. Additionally, Page directed a local production of “Ain’t Misbehavin'” at the Cabrillo Music Theatre in Thousand Oaks.

He returned to Broadway for “Cats” in 1982 and in 1999 for “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues.”

On-screen, Page notably portrayed Max Washington, the nightclub owner, in the Academy Award-winning “Dreamgirls,” and made appearances as a guest star in various TV shows including “Sable,” “Family Matters,” “Charmed,” “Touched by an Angel,” and children’s programs where he lent his voice. Additionally, he voiced King Gator in Disney’s 1989 animated film “All Dogs Go to Heaven.

Over time, Page created and presented his cabaret-style stage performance titled “Page by Page,” and penned, staged, and appeared in numerous local and traveling theatrical shows.

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2024-10-01 19:31

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