Broadway Star Ken Page, Known for Roles in ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Cats,’ Dies at 70

Ken Page attends the Broadway opening night of "The Wiz" in New York City on April 17, 2024. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

New York theater mainstay Ken Page, renowned for his performance as Old Deuteronomy in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Cats,” has died at the age of 70.

The ATB Talent Agency, a bi-coastal entertainment firm representing the actor, confirmed Page’s death in a statement released on Instagram, expressing their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and ATB client, Ken Page,” the statement reads.

“A Broadway and TV/Film legend, Ken’s unforgettable talent and warm spirit touched so many lives. His roles in The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cats, and as Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas defined multiple generations.”

Born on Jan. 20, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, Page studied theater at Fontbonne University—then known as Fontbonne College—in his hometown before relocating to New York in 1974 to pursue a career on the stage, per The History Makers.

Two years later, the actor landed his debut role on Broadway, starring in the all-black revival of “Guys and Dolls.” In 1977, Page portrayed the Lion in the acclaimed musical “The Wiz,” based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Page went on to perform in the musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin,'” a tribute to the sounds of jazz musician Fats Waller, before playing the role of Old Deuteronomy in “Cats,” which opened in 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Page reprised his role in the 1998 “Cats” film adaptation, which was filmed at the Adelphi Theatre in London the previous year.

Page’s other film roles include voicing the character King Gator in the 1989 animated feature “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” He also provided the voice for the villainous Oogie Boogie in the 1993 stop-motion animated musical “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” In 2006, Page starred in the musical drama film “Dreamgirls,” alongside Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, and Danny Glover.

Page has also appeared in a variety of television shows throughout his career, including “Gimme A Break!” “Sable,” “Family Matters,” “South Central,” “Adventures in Wonderland,” “Charmed,” and “State of Mind.”

The announcement of Page’s death prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes online.

Film producer Dorian Hannaway issued a statement on Facebook, writing that the actor has “passed onto the next show.”

“My heart is broken,” she penned.

Danny Elfman, a film composer and former lead singer of the new wave band Oingo Boingo, took to X to convey his shock over the news.

“Ken Page died suddenly. He was the one and only Oggie Boogie Man. He was simply one of the best, most generous souls I know,” he wrote, adding that he was “full of life and overflowing with joy.”

“Talented and then some,” Elfman continued. “Ken, my friend, you will be deeply missed.”

Voiceover artist Joe Hernandez also expressed sadness over Page’s death, writing that he was “a kind and gentle soul, with immense talent.”

“R.I.P. to one of the absolute greatest,” wrote voice actor Alex Weitzman.

“Make it a personal goal to love what you do even one iota as much as Ken Page loved what he did,” Weitzman added. “I’ve certainly made it one of mine.”

Reflecting on her experience working with Page in the film adaptation of “Cats,” British actress Elaine Paige described him as being “a lovely, kind, talented man.”

“My wonderful Old Deuteronomy ... has gone to the heaviside layer. We certainly are having a sad September,” she wrote on X. “RIP Ken.”