Fans ‘heartbroken’ following the passing of ‘beautiful and talented’ actress Janis Paige at 101

Fans of popular Hollywood and Broadway actress Janis Paige have been left “stunned” and “heartbroken” after learning of her passing at the age of 101.

Paige, who famously danced with Fred Astaire and toured with Bob Hope, died of natural causes in her Los Angeles home on Sunday, June 2, according to her longtime friend Stuart Lampert.

Born on September 16, 1922, Paige began her remarkable journey in the spotlight during wartime, captivating servicemen with her operatic talents at the Hollywood Canteen. MGM quickly recognised her star potential, casting her the very next day in Bathing Beauty.

Transitioning from the studio system’s decline, Paige found her true calling on Broadway. From her memorable role in Remains to Be Seen to her standout performance in the original production of The Pajama Game, Paige left a lasting mark.

Throughout her career, Paige exuded elegance and talent, whether on Broadway in Mame or sharing the stage with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dinah Shore in clubs worldwide. Her triumphant return to the world of entertainment in May 2003 with The Third Act at San Francisco’s Plush Room showcased her captivating stories about Hollywood legends like Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra, paired with beloved tunes from her illustrious career.

As fans and colleagues learnt of Paige’s passing many took to social media to pay tribute and honour her legacy in the entertainment world.

Janis Paige starred in Pajama Game on Broadway fifty years before I did the revival. Thanks to the Tonys, I got the chance to tell her she was my first crush. RIP to a great star. pic.twitter.com/Ljid2PopnU

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 4, 2024

Very sad to see that the beautiful and talented Janis Paige has died at the age of 101. Her films include Silk Stockings, Romance on the High Seas, Please Don’t eat the Daisies, and Of Human Bondage.

Lovely screen presence and a SCENE STEALER, all caps. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/YKVgyD7Afd

— Hollywood Yesterday✨ (@HollywoodYeste1) June 3, 2024

R.I.P. to the legendary Janis Paige. Her duet with Fred Astaire in SILK STOCKINGS (1957) where they make fun of Hollywood gimmicks is an all-time classic. pic.twitter.com/cIjmHagzhA

— Vincent Alexander (@NonsenseIsland) June 3, 2024

RIP to beautiful Janis Paige, 101. She was in her 1st film 80 years ago, worked w/Doris Day (who later took her Broadway role in “The Pajama Game” when it became a film), had her own ’50s sitcom, worked 1944-2001, and penned a #MeToo story at 95. https://t.co/VuyT5fSKUY pic.twitter.com/LQgO4YuoXt

— Matthew Rettenmund (@mattrett) June 3, 2024

I am so very saddened to hear of Janis Paige’s passing. I think it says a lot about how gracious she was with her fans that she was still taking time out to answer fan mail even last week – she had just kindly signed this Silk Stockings still for me. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/U5zgkKDgwC

— Elena Parker ☕️ (@elenacparker) June 4, 2024

One of the few remaining golden age of Hollywood actors has left us.

Janis Paige is somebody I thought would live forever. 101 years young. pic.twitter.com/kRHS6k1z9O

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) June 3, 2024

I’m stunned and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Janis Paige. I’ve adored tons of her films from ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS to TWO GUYS FROM MILWAUKEE. Far more than an actress, Janis was a brave soul who wasn’t afraid to discuss the abuse she suffered. She’ll be so missed. pic.twitter.com/jqz4dWzltS

— Samantha Richardson 💕 (@classicfilmgeek) June 3, 2024

-with AP.