Elaine Paige Biography: Dame Elaine Jill Paige born Elaine Jill Bickerstaff on March 5, 1948 is a renowned English singer and actress, widely recognized for her influential work in musical theatre. Raised in Barnet, Hertfordshire, she trained at the Aida Foster Theatre School and made her professional stage debut in 1964 at just 16 years old.
Her West End debut came in 1968 with the musical Hair. Paige rose to prominence in 1978 when she was cast as Eva Perón in the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, earning her the Laurence Olivier Award for Performance of the Year in a Musical. She originated the role of Grizabella in Cats, achieving a Top 10 hit with the show’s iconic song “Memory.”
Elaine Paige Biography
Elaine Paige has earned her place as a defining figure in the evolution of the modern musical, with a multifaceted career as an actress, recording artist, producer, and broadcaster. Her exceptional contributions to the world of entertainment have rightly earned her the title, “The First Lady of Musical Theatre.
Elaine Paige Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Elaine Jill Bickerstaff |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 March 1948 Barnet, Hertfordshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Elaine Paige
Dame Elaine Jill Paige is an English singer and actress, best known for her work in musical theatre. Raised in Barnet, Hertfordshire, Paige attended the Aida Foster Theatre School, making her first professional appearance on stage in 1964, at the age of 16.
Elaine Paige Achievements
” She gained national and international acclaim with her award-winning portrayal of Eva Perón in Evita, a breakthrough role that catapulted her to stardom. She followed this with another iconic performance as Grizabella in the original production of Cats, introducing the timeless hit “Memory,” one of her many chart-topping songs. Her impressive stage credits include key roles in productions such as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Billy, Chess (featuring her No. 1 duet “I Know Him So Well” with Barbara Dickson), Anything Goes, Piaf, and Sunset Boulevard, which she performed both in London and on Broadway.
Elaine Paige Wiki
- Born: 5 March 1948 (age 77 years), London Borough of Barnet, United Kingdom
- Height: 1.51 m
- Siblings: Marion Billings
- Parents: Eric Bickerstaff, Irene Bickerstaff
Early Life
Elaine Paige was born and raised in Barnet, Hertfordshire. Her father, Eric, worked as an estate agent, and her mother, Irene, was a former singer and milliner. Paige’s musical interests were supported by her school music teacher, Ann Hill, who cast her in early school performances, including The Marriage of Figaro and Handel’s Messiah. Initially aspiring to become a tennis player, her short stature (just under 5 feet or 1.5 m) led her headmistress to joke she’d never be seen over the net. Nonetheless, she continued to enjoy tennis as a lifelong passion.
At age 14, after hearing the West Side Story film soundtrack, she was inspired to pursue musical theatre. She attended Southaw Girls’ School and later trained at the Aida Foster Theatre School. Although she struggled with confidence early on, her father’s encouragement helped her persevere and ultimately embrace her calling in performance.
Personal Details
- Full Name: Elaine Jill Bickerstaff (professionally known as Elaine Paige)
- Date of Birth: March 5, 1948
- Birthplace: Barnet, Hertfordshire, England
- Nationality: British
- Education: Aida Foster Theatre School
- Children: None
- Net Worth: Estimated at $40 million
Career Beginnings & Breakthrough
Paige’s stage debut came in 1964 at age 16. Her West End debut followed in 1968 in Hair. Over the next decade, she took on various roles in musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease. Her major breakthrough arrived in 1978 when she starred as Eva Perón in Evita, earning a Laurence Olivier Award and widespread acclaim. She further cemented her status in 1981 when she originated the role of Grizabella in Cats, performing the enduring hit “Memory.”
Career Highlights
Elaine Paige’s distinguished career includes starring roles in:
- Chess (1986) – Featuring the chart-topping duet “I Know Him So Well” with Barbara Dickson
- Anything Goes (1989)
- Sunset Boulevard (1996 Broadway debut as Norma Desmond)
- The King and I (2000–2001)
- The Drowsy Chaperone (2007)
She has released 22 solo albums, with eight certified gold and four multi-platinum, and recorded seven cast albums. Her global concert performances span iconic venues from the White House to the Sydney Opera House.
Current Activities
Since 2004, Paige has hosted Elaine Paige on Sunday on BBC Radio 2, where she shares musical theatre classics and showbiz stories. She remains active in concerts and television appearances, continuing to engage audiences with her artistry.
Awards & Recognition
- Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Musical
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), awarded in 1995
- Variety Club and British Academy honors for lifetime achievements
Her 1986 duet “I Know Him So Well” remains the highest-selling UK single by a female duo.
Personal Life
Elaine Paige has had a few notable relationships, including a long-term romance with Tim Rice. Since 2010, she has been with Justin Mallinson. Though she has not married or had children, Paige has expressed contentment with the life and legacy she’s built.
Legacy & Philanthropy
A passionate advocate for children, Paige serves as a vice-president for The Children’s Trust, supporting young people with brain injuries. Her legacy as a trailblazer in musical theatre continues to influence aspiring performers and elevate the art form.
Looking Ahead
Elaine Paige remains an enduring force in entertainment. With future concerts and potential projects ahead, her influence on musical theatre and popular culture is secure—and still growing.
Elaine Paige Net Worth 2025
With an estimated net worth of $40 million, Paige’s wealth reflects her successful work across stage, music, and broadcasting. Her earnings come from decades of top-tier performances, recordings, and touring.
FAQs
What is Elaine Paige’s personal life?
Paige has neither married nor had children, although she had an 11-year relationship with the lyricist Tim Rice throughout the 1980s. She has said that she wanted to have children, but “it’s a wonderful life I have, so I’m very fulfilled in other ways”.
How many records has Elaine Paige sold?
ELAINE PAIGE sold over 2,070,000 albums, including 2,040,000 in the United Kingdom. The best-selling album by ELAINE PAIGE is STAGES, which sold over 622,500 copies .
Who did Elaine Paige sing with?
At the end of Elaine Paige’s 1985 tour, Barbara Dickson is a surprise guest at the Royal Albert Hall for a duet of their chart-topping duet, ‘I Know Him So Well’.
What is the Elaine Paige OBE scholarship?
In 2020, Elaine established the Elaine Paige Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre at Mountview, a scholarship which supports a BA Musical Theatre student with their tuition fees for their entire 3-year course. 2025 Olivier Award nominee, Chumisa Dornford-May, was the first recipient of this scholarship.
Is Elaine Page still on Radio 2?
Elaine continues to be one of the star presenters on BBC Radio 2 with her own lunchtime show, Elaine Paige On Sunday, which is now in its 20th year and regularly attracts over 2.3 million listeners each week.