Janis Paige, a beloved Hollywood and Broadway actress, has passed away at the age of 101. Her longtime friend Stuart Lampert confirmed that Paige died of natural causes at her Los Angeles home. Throughout her career, Paige had the opportunity to work with legendary performers such as Fred Astaire and Bob Hope, and she continued to entertain audiences well into her 90s.
One of Paige’s notable contributions to Broadway was her role in the mystery-comedy “Remains to be Seen” alongside Jackie Cooper. She also starred in the hit musical “The Pajama Game” with John Raitt. Her talent and versatility shone through in her various film appearances, including the comedy “Bachelor in Paradise” with Bob Hope and the Doris Day comedy “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies.”
In addition to her successful acting career, Paige made headlines in 2018 when she joined the #MeToo movement. She bravely shared her own experience of assault at the hands of Alfred Bloomingdale, a department-store heir who passed away in 1982. Paige’s account shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault and brought attention to the importance of speaking out against such misconduct.
Paige’s journey in the entertainment industry began during wartime when she sang for servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen. This led to a contract with MGM and a role in the film “Bathing Beauty,” starring Esther Williams and Red Skelton. Although her contract with MGM eventually expired, Paige’s career continued to thrive on Broadway. She starred in productions such as “Remains to Be Seen” and the original production of “The Pajama Game” alongside John Raitt.
One of Paige’s most memorable moments on the big screen was her role in “Silk Stockings” opposite Fred Astaire. The film showcased her comedic talents as she and Astaire parodied new movie gimmicks in the Cole Porter number “Stereophonic Sound.” Despite not being a trained dancer, Paige’s dedication and resilience allowed her to overcome any obstacles she faced in the industry.
After a hiatus from performing, Paige made a comeback in 2003 with her show “The Third Act” in San Francisco. She delighted audiences with stories about her experiences working with icons like Frank Sinatra and Astaire, as well as singing songs from her films and stage musicals. Critics praised her vitality and spirit, highlighting that she exuded more energy than performers half her age.
Paige’s personal life faced its own challenges. She grew up in Tacoma, Washington, with her mother working tirelessly to support the family. Despite her difficult upbringing, Paige always aspired to be successful and make her mother proud. She went on to have two brief marriages before marrying songwriter Ray Gilbert in 1962. Gilbert won an Oscar for the song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da” from Disney’s “Song of the South.” After Gilbert’s passing in 1976, Paige took over the management of his music company.
In 2020, Paige released her autobiography titled “Reading Between the Lines: A Memoir.” The book recounted her experiences and connections with iconic figures such as Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, and Lucille Ball. It provided readers with a deeper understanding of Paige’s life and the impact she had on the entertainment industry.
Janis Paige’s talent, resilience, and contributions to both Hollywood and Broadway will continue to be remembered and celebrated. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring performers and a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice. Despite the challenges she faced throughout her life, Paige’s passion for her craft never wavered, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
