The Nightmare Before Christmas star Ken Page dies aged 70

He had a long career on Broadway

The actor who is best known for his role voicing Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas had a long and successful career on Broadway.

His friend, television producer Dorian Hannaway announced his death in a heartbreaking social media post.

She wrote: “Ken Page has passed onto the next show. My heart is broken.”

Page, who was born in 1954 in St Louis, Missouri worked on Broadway for decades, playing major roles in the original productions of hit musicals Cats and The Wiz.

But it was in 1990 when Page won over a new generation for his role as Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s animated film.

He fell in love with the arts thanks to Barbara Streisand and the novel To Sir, With Love and began writing and directing musicals in middle school.

He studied theatre in college on a full scholarship before moving to New Ypork City in 1970.

Page made his Broadway debut two years later before starring in the revival of Guys and Dolls in 1976.

He starred as the Cowardly Lion in The Wiz, a show he spoke highly of. However, the rigorous choreography and heavy costume went on to cause him health problems.

His sweat was trapped in by the costume and began seeping toxically back into his body. Page also developed knee problems from crawling around on stage. 

He left the show due to his mounting health problems but still spoke fondly of the show and went to watch a revival of it earlier this year.

Fans paid tribute to him online with one saying: “I’m at a loss for words about this…Not only that we lost another wonderful and talented person, but who also played apart of mine and others childhoods. I had the honor of meeting him earlier this year, and I’m forever grateful for those moments. Please Rest in Peace Ken Page.”

Another said: “My heart hurts from all this loss. Ken Page was a force every time he got on a stage. I got to see him play Oogie Boogie live three times at the Hollywood Bowl and every occasion, he dropped a wickedly entertaining performance. Nightmare won’t be the same without him. RIP.”

More to follow.