Ken Page, Broadway Star of ‘The Wiz,’ ‘Ain’t Misbehavin” and ‘Cats,’ Dies at 70

Ken Page, whose Broadway resume included original roles in some of the most important productions in musical theater history, died Monday. He was 70.

Page’s death was announced by friends including Dorian Hannaway, who wrote on Facebook: “Ken Page has moved on to the next show. My heart is broken.” She went on to say that he “passed by his home quietly and peacefully.”

Actress Shari Belafonte wrote: “Ken Page One of the sweetest, most talented guys in the world… I couldn’t believe it… but it’s true. It feels like it’s coming just a little too fast and a little too intense. now … James Earl, Dame Maggie, Kris, Pete Rose, Dikembe, Agent Taggert/John Ashton, Drake H… and now Ken RIP you all packing the brilliant talent First Class Charter…”

Page’s death is sure to rock the Broadway community, coming on the same day as Tony winner Gavin Creel, whose death earlier in the day had sparked an outpouring of grief.

Born on January 20, 1954 in St. Louis, Page had one of the most promising Broadway debuts imaginable, playing the role of the Lion in the 1975 hit “The Wiz.” He also played Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the 1976 revival of “Guys and Dolls”, appeared in the sensational “Ain’t Misbehavin'” (1978 and 1988), played Old Deuteronomy in “Cats” (1982) and returned in 1999 for “It Ain’ t Nothin’ but the Blues.”

He also had an extensive career in off-Broadway and regional theater, working extensively for the Muny-St. Louis. He was a highly regarded cabaret act whose show “Page by Page” was well reviewed, and later in his career he turned to directing.

Film credits include “Torch Song Trilogy” (1988) and “Dreamgirls” (2006), and providing memorable voices for King Gator in “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989) and Oogie Boogie in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). ) .

On TV, he made his debut opposite his “Ain’t Misbehavin'” co-star Nell Carter in “Gimme a Break!” (1984), was a regular on the short-lived series “Sable” (1987–1988), and appeared on the series “Family Matters” (1990), “South Central” (1994) and “Touched by an Angel” (1995). From 1993 to 1994, he was the Walrus in the live-action series “Adventures in Wonderland.”

He is survived by many friends and admirers.