Current:Home > MarketsKen Page, Voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dead at 70 -TradeStation
Ken Page, Voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dead at 70
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:51:16
The theater world is mourning the loss of an iconic star.
Ken Page, a Broadway actor who also voiced the villain Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, has “passed away very peacefully at his home,” in St. Louis, a rep for the performer confirmed to USA Today Oct. 1. He was 70.
“He sat down in his chair and went to sleep and that was it,” the rep told the publication. “He was a beautiful, talented man who was larger than life. Ken was loved and adored by so many and will be missed so much.”
In addition to his on-stage roles in Broadway productions like Cats, The Wiz and the 1976 all-Black revival of Guys and Dolls, Page’s most recognizable role is his voice in the iconic Burton Halloween film. Since its 1993 release, Page continued to voice Oogie Boogie in various franchises for The Nightmare Before Christmas, including for a video game franchise as Disney parks.
His friend, Dorian Hannaway, told the New York Times that he’d even been preparing for more appearances as Oogie Boogie leading up to his death. She emphasized that her late friend “loved” playing the villainous bag of bugs.
Despite his recognizable voice acting gig, Page’s performance as Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway production of Cats cemented his legacy in the theater world. In addition to his role in Burton’s film, Page appeared alongside Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, as well as voicing King Gator in All Dogs Go To Heaven.
Page was extremely dedicated to his on-stage career, and even took his last $500 of savings to move to New York from St. Louis to pursue his Broadway dreams, he told The New York Times in 1984. Throughout his tenure, he received accolades such as Lifetime Achievement Awards from the St. Louis Art Center and the NYC Manhattan Association of Cabarets.
Early in his career, he listed Tina Turner and Lionel Richie as some of his musical inspirations, for the former’s “excitement” and the latter’s polished energy.
As he told the New York Times of his own performance, “Where I want to go is somewhere between the two."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (44854)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Joe Alwyn Shares Insight Into Bond With Sweet, Funny, Brilliant Emma Stone
- Nelly and Ashanti secretly married 6 months ago
- Spain vs. Italy highlights: Spain wins Euro 2024 showdown with own goal, score
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Kelly Ripa Shares TMI Pee Confession
- Kevin Costner Confirms His Yellowstone Future After Shocking Exit
- AP Week in Pictures: Global
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Spain vs. Italy highlights: Spain wins Euro 2024 showdown with own goal, score
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- New coffee center in Northern California aims to give a jolt to research and education
- American arrested in Turks and Caicos over ammo in carry-on bag gets suspended sentence of 13 weeks
- Malik Monk remaining in Sacramento, agrees to $78 million deal with Kings, per reports
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Kate Middleton Celebrates Prince William's Birthday With New Family Photo
- Canada says it’s ‘deeply disturbed’ after Bombito gets targeted on social media with racist messages
- Hawaii residents fined $20K after Hawaiian monk seal pup mauled by unleashed dogs
Recommendation
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Regan Smith crushes 200 fly at Olympic trials. 17-year-old set to join her on team
Illuminate Your Look With Kim Kardashian's New Lip Glosses and Highlighters
Biden campaign targets Latino voters with 'media blitz' around Copa America 2024
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
Ex-CEO of Nevada-based health care company Ontrak convicted of $12.5 million insider trading scheme
Program allows women to donate half their eggs, freeze the rest for free amid rising costs
Family of taekwondo instructors saves Texas woman from sexual assault, sheriff says