Ken Page, Legendary Broadway Star, Passes Away at 70
Ken Page, a celebrated Broadway star known for roles in ‘The Wiz’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin”, and ‘Cats’, has sadly passed away at 70. His death coincides with the loss of another Broadway talent, Gavin Creel, amplifying the sorrow in the theatre community. Friends have shared their heartbreak, with many reflecting on Page’s impactful career and vibrant personality.
Ken Page, a giant in the world of Broadway starring in hits like ‘The Wiz’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin”, and ‘Cats’, has taken his final bow at the age of 70. News of his departure was shared by close friends, including Dorian Hannaway, who heartbreakingly noted, “Ken Page has passed onto the next show. My heart is broken.” Fortunately, he shuffled off this mortal coil quietly in the comfort of his own home, perhaps ready to steal the spotlight in a heavenly production. The Broadway stage won’t be the same after this, especially since, on the very same day, talents like Gavin Creel, the Tony winner of ‘Hello, Dolly!’, left us as well. It’s like a sudden trend of curtain calls in the great beyond, and the audience down here is left gasping. Shari Belafonte mirrored the sentiments perfectly, highlighting just how speedy all these farewells seem to be on this particular grim day. Page made his Broadway debut in 1975 as the iconic Lion in ‘The Wiz’, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also charmed audiences as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in ‘Guys and Dolls’. He strutted his stuff in ‘Ain’t Misbehavin” and dazzled as Old Deuteronomy in ‘Cats’. Beyond the main stage, he was a cabaret star and a director, proving that this was one actor who truly knew how to multitask. Ken’s talents didn’t stop at theatre; he graced the silver screen in titles like ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ and let his voice soar as King Gator and the quirky Oogie Boogie in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. If there was a party for reinventing roles, Ken was always at the front with a shiny bow tie and a bright smile.
Ken Page was a multi-talented performer whose roots in St. Louis blossomed into a vibrant career on Broadway, defined by remarkable roles in some of theatre’s most beloved shows. His contributions have not only left a mark on Broadway but also resonated in regional theatres and cabaret. Ken was also a voice actor, adding charm to animated classics, proving he could be funny, heartwarming, and unforgettable. His extensive career spanned across decades, showcasing his adaptability in both live performances and on-screen roles, making him a beloved figure among fans and peers alike.
The news of Ken Page’s passing has sent a shockwave through the theatre community, reminding us of the bittersweet nature of life—a series of standing ovations and final bows. He leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, music, and the sheer joy of theatrical performance. While Ken may have left the stage, the echoes of his talent will linger long, like the final notes of a show-stopping number. Now surely, he’s up there in the heavens, probably changing the world’s stage one performance at a time.
Original Source: extratv.com
