Ken Page, celebrated by Disney fans for bringing Oogie Boogie to life with his distinctive voice in Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, passed away on Monday at the age of 70.
Born on January 20, 1954, in St. Louis, Page’s remarkable career left an indelible mark on theater, film, and voice acting. His ability to transition between these mediums made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Page first captured the spotlight when he created the role of “Ken” in the original Broadway production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, a performance that showcased his immense talent. He went on to bring “Old Deuteronomy” to life in both the original Broadway run and filmed stage production of Cats. His return to Broadway in It Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues further highlighted his versatility and passion for storytelling.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Beyond his Broadway accolades, Page gained widespread recognition for voicing the villainous and unpredictable Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, a role that endeared him to audiences of all ages. His deep, rich voice brought Oogie Boogie to life, and the character became a cultural icon.
Page reprised this role in various Disney productions, including the HalloWishes fireworks display at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Halloween Screams at Disneyland. His portrayal also extended to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at Magic Kingdom.
In addition, Page lent his voice to several video games, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Pumpkin King, Oogie’s Revenge, and the Kingdom Hearts series.
Make an Entrance, Leave an Impression
Page’s Broadway career didn’t stop with Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Cats. He played the Lion in the original Broadway production of The Wiz and delivered a standout performance as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the first Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, further solidifying his status as a versatile performer.
In addition to his extensive work on Broadway, Page was active in off-Broadway and regional theater, especially at the Muny in St. Louis, where he often returned to his roots. His cabaret show, Page by Page, received critical acclaim, allowing him to further showcase his unique blend of talent and charisma.
Oogie Boogie Steals the Show: A Haunting Performance at the Hollywood Bowl
Page wowed audiences during The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. With energy and masterful execution, the performance became a standout moment of the evening.
The anniversary event highlighted the film’s enduring appeal well past its original 1993 theatrical run, its unforgettable characters like Oogie Boogie, and the expertly crafted music by Danny Elfman.