Ken Page, the voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, dies at age 70

Born in 1954, Page had a successful theater career that began with a role in the chorus at the Muny Outdoor Theater in St. Louis.

He made his Broadway debut in “The Wiz” before appearing in productions of “Guys and Dolls,” “Ain't Misbehavin',” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Les Misérables,” ” Little Shop of Horrors” and especially in “Cats”. in which he played Old Deuteronomy.

On screen, Page has had roles in Torch Song Trilogy, All Dogs Go to Heaven, I'll Do Anything, Shortcut to Happiness and Dreamgirls, while most notably playing Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas” embodied. He then voiced the role on further occasions in the video game series Kingdom Hearts.

Among those who have paid tribute to Page since news of his death was actress Shari Belafonte, who posted on Facebook: “Ken Page. One of the sweetest and most talented guys on the planet. Dorian Hannaway just posted that he left us. And I.” I couldn't believe it… but it's true.

“It feels like it's coming a little too fast and a little too hard now… James Earl, Dame Maggie, Kris, Pete Rose, Dikembe, Officer Taggert/John Ashton, Drake H… and now Ken. RIP ALL” from you. Heaven is bursting with brilliant talent leaving this first class charter…”

Fans also remembered the popular actor, with one writing. I had the honor of meeting him earlier this year and I am forever grateful for those moments, Ken Page.