Ken Page, the beloved actor and singer from St. Louis, passed away on Monday at the age of 70, after a distinguished career in theater spanning over four decades. Known for his charismatic presence, Page was born in January 1954 and was a graduate of Fontbonne College. He moved to New York City to pursue his dreams and made his Broadway debut in the 1970s, taking on the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the revival of “Guys and Dolls” as well as stepping in as the Lion in “The Wiz.”
However, he gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Old Deuteronomy in the original 1982 Broadway production of “Cats.” In addition, he earned acclaim for playing God in two different productions and received a Drama Desk award for his performance in “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” showcasing the legacy of Fats Waller.
Page also made a mark in film, best known for lending his voice to Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s famed animated movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Additionally, he portrayed Murray in Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy,” a pivotal film that explored themes of gay romance and family within the LGBTQ community.
In a poignant reflection during a 2013 interview, Page emphasized the importance of self-acceptance for young LGBTQ individuals, underscoring that pride must originate from within rather than being dependent on external validation.
Returning to his roots, Page moved back to St. Louis in 2010, expressing his excitement about rediscovering the city after years away. He enjoyed exploring its vibrant restaurant scene and took on the role of the voice of the Muny, greeting theatergoers through a voiceover before performances. At the Muny, he participated in over 45 shows, reprising his role as Old Deuteronomy and playing pivotal characters such as Amonasro in “Aida.”
Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson shared a close friendship with Page, noting their shared vision for the theater and the sense of community it fosters. Page’s portrayal of Doc in “West Side Story” left a lasting impression, capturing the essence of his bond with the stage and the audience.
Throughout his career, Page also took to the cabaret stage, debuting a solo show titled “Old, New, Borrowed and Blue” that emphasized intimacy with the audience. He expanded his talents into directing, helming his original works “Cafe Chanson” and “Sublime Intimacy” at the Kranzberg Arts Center, focusing on the exploration of deep connections in relationships.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Page received a lifetime achievement award from the St. Louis Arts and Education Council in 2019. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged his good fortune and the impact he has made through his artistry.