Elaine Paige, the celebrated English singer and actress, has disclosed that she was addicted to sleeping pills for many years during her extensive theatre career. The 78-year-old performer shared in an interview with The Sunday Times magazine that she lived on the medication to cope with sleep difficulties.
Paige explained that after performances, she would remain energized until the early hours, making it challenging to rest. "For many years in the theatre I lived on sleeping pills, otherwise you’re wired until 2am after a show," she stated. She referred to this reliance as her "Judy Garland syndrome," acknowledging the detrimental nature of such addictions. However, Paige confirmed she has successfully discontinued the use of sleeping pills since the COVID-19 pandemic began and has no intention of resuming them.
"I say to myself that even if I don’t sleep well, I’ll be fine the next day. I’m not ready to take afternoon naps yet," she added, indicating a commitment to managing her sleep without medication.
Paige, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in June 2025 for her contributions to music and charity, has transitioned from extensive stage performances to presenting "Elaine Paige on Sunday" on BBC Radio 2 for the past 21 years. Her radio show continues to feature discussions on musical theatre, music, and interviews within the industry.
Her new album, "Miscellaneous Paige," was released in July. Paige noted that she had not performed live since the first COVID-19 lockdown and missed the collaborative and creative aspects of performing. She received a Special Award at the Olivier Awards recognizing her significant impact on theatre.
Paige rose to prominence in 1978 when she was cast as the original Eva Perón in the West End production of "Evita." This role propelled her from an experienced supporting actress to a major musical-theatre star. Her other notable roles include Grizabella in "Cats," Florence Vassy in "Chess," and Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard."
In past interviews, Paige has spoken about her insecurities regarding her height. Standing at 4 feet 11 inches, she has expressed feeling overlooked in the acting industry. She recalled a childhood incident where her headmistress discouraged her from pursuing tennis, stating she couldn't see over the net, which profoundly affected her aspirations. Paige found solace and validation in her role as Eva Perón, a character who was also of a shorter stature, believing the role helped overcome some of her insecurities.