Ken Page, Voice in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dead at 70

Ken Page, Voice in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dead at 70

As a devoted fan, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Page, a Broadway legend and the voice behind one of my childhood favorites, Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas. His life was a testament to passion, dedication, and the power of following one’s dreams, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.


The theater world is mourning the loss of an iconic star. 

Ken Page, known for acting on Broadway and voicing the character Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, tragically passed away at his home in St. Louis. A representative confirmed this news to USA Today on October 1st. He was 70 years old.

The representative informed the press, “He settled into his chair, drifted off to sleep, and that marked the end.” They added, “Ken was an extraordinary, gifted individual whose presence filled the room. He was cherished and appreciated by countless others, and he will leave a void that can’t be filled.

Apart from his performances on Broadway stages in productions like Cats, The Wiz, and the 1976 all-Black adaptation of Guys and Dolls, Page is best known for lending his voice to the memorable character Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s famous Halloween film. After its debut in 1993, Page has continued to voice this character across various Nightmare Before Christmas franchises, including video games within Disney parks.

Dorian Hannaway, his friend, mentioned to the New York Times that he had been readying himself for additional performances as Oogie Boogie, right before his passing. He underscored that his dearly departed friend truly cherished embodying the malevolent character of the bug-filled sack.

Regardless of his notable voice acting career, it was his portrayal of Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway production of Cats that truly solidified his status in the world of theater. Furthermore, Page shared the screen with Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, directed by Burton, and lent his voice to King Gator in All Dogs Go To Heaven.

In 1984, Page made a bold decision to relocate from St. Louis to New York City with only $500 in savings, fully committed to his passion for the stage and his ambition to make it on Broadway. This determination was reflected in the numerous awards he received over the years, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the St. Louis Art Center and the NYC Manhattan Association of Cabarets.

Ken Page, Voice in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dead at 70

At the start of his professional journey, he often cited Tina Turner and Lionel Richie among his influential musicians, admiring Turner’s electrifying spirit and Richie’s refined vitality.

In a chat with the New York Times, I shared my aspirations, stating, “I aim to strike a balance, to find a place that lies between the two extremes.

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2024-10-02 16:29