Paige, Elaine (1948–)

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Paige, Elaine (1948–)

English actress and singer. Born Elaine Bickerstaff, Mar 5, 1948, in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England; attended Aida Foster Drama School.

First lady of British musical theater, made professional debut in The Roar of the Greasepaint, followed by Roar Like a Dove at Alexandra Theater and Rock Carmen at The Roundhouse; made West End debut in Hair (1969); created role of Evita Peron in original production of Evita (1978), winning Society of West End Theater Award for Best Actress; performed extensively in West End theaters in such shows as Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and Billy; starred as Grizabella in original production of Cats (1981) and had hit recording of "Memory"; starred as Carabosse in Abbacadabra (1983) and in original production of Chess (1986), from which she recorded the hit single "I Know Him So Well" with Barbara Dickson; starred in and co-produced Anything Goes (1989); received critical acclaim for performance as Edith Piaf in musical play Piaf by Pam Gems (1993); made Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1996); appeared as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd at New York City Opera to great reviews (2004); hosted weekly BBC radio show "Elaine Paige on Sunday," BBC-TV specials and starred in several BBC tv films, most notably in "A View of Harry Clark" and "Unexplained Laughter"; had 8 consecutive gold and 4 multi-platinum albums. Received Order of the British Empire (OBE, 1995).