Who Was Ken Page? All About Him As Voice Behind Nightmare Before Christmas’ Oogie Boogie Dies At 70

As an ardent admirer of the enchanting world of Broadway and its illustrious artists, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Page, a man whose talent and charm graced not only the stage but also our screens for decades. Having grown up in the vibrant city of St. Louis, Ken’s journey from humble beginnings to the grandeur of Broadway is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance.


Kenneth Page, famed for his roles as a Broadway lead and the distinctive voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, has sadly passed away at 70 years old. Known for his contributions to stage productions such as Cats and The Wiz, he will be fondly remembered.

On Tuesday, October 1st, it was reported by People magazine that the actor had passed away. During the course of his career, Page was active not only in front of the camera but also on stage as a theater performer and behind the scenes as a voiceover artist.

Growing up in St. Louis, Page made his Broadway debut in 1975 with a part in The Wiz musical, paving the way for more opportunities in stage and theater performances. Between 1975 and 1999, he took on roles in numerous productions including Guys and Dolls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cats, and many others.

Apart from earning appreciation from both spectators and experts, Page was also honored with several recognitions for his acting skills. One of the notable awards he received was the Drama Desk Award, which he won for his performance in Ain’t Misbehavin’ in 1978.

Other notable titles in which the actor performed include It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues.

Additionally, Page gained notoriety for repeatedly portraying the character Oogie Boogie across multiple video game adaptations and serials, a part he originally gave voice to in The Nightmare Before Christmas back in 1993. This role was even acknowledged during the Super Bowl that very year.

As a committed admirer, I found myself immersed in various film projects throughout the years, including the provocative “Showgirls” of 1995, the poignant “Torch Song Trilogy” from 1988, and the animated classic “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” which graced our screens in 1989.

Shortly following the sad news, various celebrities in the industry expressed their condolences towards the actor. Danny Elfman, a renowned music composer, posted on his social media platform, “I’m still in shock from last night’s tragic news. Ken Page passed away unexpectedly.

He further stated, “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.”

As per Broadway and Playbill reports, the actor graced a cabaret-themed production named “Page By Page”. His exceptional acting skills in theatrical musicals earned him global acclaim as he toured various locations around the world.

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2024-10-01 20:38