Biography
Who is Elaine Paige?
Early life and real name
Elaine Jill Bickerstaff was born in Barnet, United Kingdom, on March 5, 1948. Her father Eric worked as an estate agent and her mother Irene was a milliner. Her mother had been a singer in her youth, and her father was an amateur drummer.
As a child, she listened to the film soundtrack of West Side Story, which sparked her interest in musical theatre. She attended the Aida Foster Theatre School after her father suggested she go to drama school. Following her time there, she made her first professional stage appearance in 1964.
Career highlights
Elaine Paige made her West End debut in the 1968 production of Hair. She later achieved wider public prominence when she was selected to play Eva Perón in the first stage production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita in 1978, winning a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance.
She went on to originate the role of Grizabella in Cats, scoring a Top 10 hit with the song "Memory". In 1985, she released the duet "I Know Him So Well" with Barbara Dickson from the musical Chess, which became a big commercial success. She also made her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard playing Norma Desmond.
Radio and other work
Elaine has released 22 solo albums throughout her recording career. Since 2004, she has hosted her own show on BBC Radio 2 called Elaine Paige on Sunday. In 2014, she celebrated 50 years in show business with a farewell concert tour and the release of an album titled The Ultimate Collection.
Outside of her work in musical theatre, she serves as a vice-president of The Children's Trust, a UK charity supporting children with brain injury.
Birthday and age
Elaine Paige was born on March 5, 1948, which makes Elaine 78 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Elaine shares the date with 48 other famous people.
Explore more
