Ken Page, the beloved Broadway veteran known for his iconic roles in *Cats* and *Ain’t Misbehavin’*, and for voicing Oogie Boogie in *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, has passed away at the age of 70.
His passing on September 30 was confirmed by a representative, with his close friend, producer Dorian Hannaway, breaking the news on social media, expressing her heartbreak.
Danny Elfman, composer of *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, paid tribute, calling Page “one of the best, most generous souls,” whose joy and talent left an indelible mark.
Born in St. Louis on January 20, 1954, Page’s love for the arts began early. He attended Fontbonne College on a theater scholarship and landed his first professional gig with the St. Louis Municipal Opera. His Broadway debut came in 1976 with an all-Black revival of *Guys and Dolls*, followed by a standout performance as the Cowardly Lion in *The Wiz*.
Page’s Broadway career soared with his roles in *Ain’t Misbehavin’*, for which he won a Drama Desk Award, and in *Cats*, where he originated the role of Old Deuteronomy.
His work extended to film and TV, most memorably as the voice of Oogie Boogie in the cult classic *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, a role that endeared him to generations of fans.
In his later years, Page toured with his cabaret show *Page by Page* and returned to The Muny for *Les Miserables* and *Waitress* in 2024. His legacy of joy, talent, and generosity will be fondly remembered by fans and peers alike.