Born in 1954, Page had a successful career in theater, beginning with a role in the choir at The Muny outdoor theater in St. Louis.

He made his Broadway debut in The Wiz before starring in productions of Guys and Dolls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables, Little Shop of Horrors and, most notably, Cats . in which he played Old Deuteronomy.

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

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

“It feels like it’s coming a little too fast and a little too intense now… James Earl, Dame Maggie, Kris, Pete Rose, Dikembe, Officer Taggert/John Ashton, Drake H… and now Ken. RIP ALL from you, Heaven is packing it in right now with brilliant talent getting off that First Class charter…’

Fans have also remembered the beloved actor, with one writing on and others. I had the honor of meeting him earlier this year and I am forever grateful, Ken Page.