Ken Page, the stage and screen performer best known to many viewers as the voice of Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, died at 70. The Television Academy records his date of passing as September 30, 2024; the Associated Press reported his death the following day.
From St. Louis to Broadway
Born and raised in St. Louis, Page made his Broadway debut as the Cowardly Lion in The Wiz. The role began a musical-theater career that would put him in several landmark Broadway productions, as well as regional shows across the United States and in London. USITT’s October 1, 2024 memorial lists regional credits including Randy Newman’s Faust, Children of Eden, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables, My One and Only and Little Shop of Horrors.
The Broadway roles that established his musical-theater career
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Page was part of the original Broadway cast of Ain’t Misbehavin’, a revue built around the music of Fats Waller. He won a Drama Desk Award for the production and returned when it came back to Broadway in 1988, according to the Associated Press.
Cats
When Cats arrived on Broadway in 1982, Page originated the role of Old Deuteronomy. His songs included “Old Deuteronomy,” “The Moments of Happiness” and “The Ad-Dressing of Cats.” The production became another defining stage credit, distinct from the film role that later introduced him to a different generation of fans.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas with this new Jack Skellington articulated figure
- This frightful fellow is dressed in fabric clothing and stands 9” tall
- His fully articulated body has an attachable display stand to let you create a wide variety of delightfully expressive poses and comes with a pumpkin accessory
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED
- COLLECTOR FRIENDLY display packaging
Guys and Dolls and other Broadway work
Page also played Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the first Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, which featured an all-Black cast. His original Broadway casts included The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cats and It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, according to USITT.
Oogie Boogie and his screen work
For film audiences, Page’s signature role was Oogie Boogie, the villain in the 1993 animated musical The Nightmare Before Christmas. He later reprised the character in video games and at the film’s 30th-anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, AP reported.
Rank #2
- Features five sold-out figures in high demand
- Collect Pajama Jack, Santa Claus with an Elf and the Easter Bunny with Igor
- Multiple points of articulation
- Full-color window box
- Designed by Eamon O'Donogue
His other screen credits included voicing King Gator in All Dogs Go to Heaven and acting as Murray in Torch Song Trilogy and Max Washington in Dreamgirls. The Television Academy’s biographical listing also includes I’ll Do Anything and State of Mind.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Tributes after his death
Writer-producer Tim Burton, who worked with Page on The Nightmare Before Christmas, remembered him as “one of the best, most generous souls I know” and said he would be deeply missed, in a tribute reported by AP. The Associated Press reported Page’s death on October 1, 2024, citing talent agent Todd M. Eskin. That report said no cause-of-death details were immediately available.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7-inch scale figure
- Flipping head for dual expressions
- Includes multiple accessories and display stand
- Packaging with accessible front flap
Rank #4
- From Jada Toys
- GREAT GIFT IDEA: Purchase this figure set for your own collection or gift it to the Nightmare Before Christmas fan in your life!
- DISNEY NANO: Celebrate the season with this new Nightmare Before Christmas multi-pack by bringing home your favorite characters in Nano size!
- Characters Include: Pyjama Jack, Sally, Zero, Scary Teddy, Oogie Boogie, Jack Skellington, Santa Jack, Pumpkin King, Barrel, Shock, Lock, Dr; Finkelstein, Santa Claus, Behemo; th, Mr; Hyde, Mummy Boy, Wolfman and Duck Toy; Our high-end casting method allows us to capture the styling, poses and the unique quality of various Nightmare Before Christmas characters
Rank #3
- FLEXIBLE & POSEABLE: Step into the eerie magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Enjoy a wide range of articulation for dynamic poses. Flex it. Pose it. Collect it. FleXfigs make characters come to life in a whole new way!
- 4 CHARACTER PACK: Includes some of your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas characters. Includes Jack Skellington, Zero, Sally and Oogie boogie.
- THE CLASSIC 90’S BENDABLE TOY RETURNS with characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. These ultra-posable figures feature flexible arms and legs. Suitable for adults and kids ages 3 and up.
- HIGH-QUALITY DETAILING: Each FleXfigs figure is carefully crafted with detailed facial expressions, iconic costumes, and vibrant colors that highlight their unique personalities.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Built to withstand intense play, these figures are perfect for young fans. DYNAMIC PLAY & DISPLAY: Whether displayed on a shelf or posed in action, these figures shine with authenticity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
