Legendary Broadway actor Ken Page of ‘The Wiz’ & ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ dies at 70
The Wiz in 1975, playing the Cowardly Lion. His performance showcased his unique charm, humor, and vocal talent. This role launched his career as one of Broadway’s most beloved character actors.Page’s star continued to rise when he originated the role of Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic Broadway show Cats, a role that became one of his most defining.Subscribe to Native Son’s newsletter for more news, information, and conversations about Black gay and queer everything.His revered baritone voice could be heard in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas as Oogie Boogie.
His life and legacy are being remembered in the theater community. The National Black Theatre posted a moving tribute. A post shared by National Black Theatre (@natblacktheatre)The tributes continued to pour in on Instagram, including this one from @broadway_memories.
A post shared by Broadway Memories (@broadway_memories)Page’s co-star in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, Stephanie Mills, took to Instagram to pay this moving tribute.
A post shared by Stephanie Mills (@iamstephaniemills)His memory will live on through his remarkable work and the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary career.
