By Michael Barbieri***Gaylin English was known by practically everyone in the NYC nightlife community. Whether she served you dinner at The 5 Oaks or Judy’s, or cocktails at The Colosseum, or even if you just hung out at Rose’s Turn or The Abbey Tavern, you knew Gaylin.
Gaylin English passed away from natural causes on May 6th of this year. She is survived by her brothers Steven and Walter English and her nephew John McWilliams. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Diane Mcwilliams and her brother in law John McWilliams Sr.
I feel it goes without saying, but besides her biological kin, Gaylin is also survived by countless members of her family from the bar and entertainment communities. And she will be sorely missed by all of them!
Born on May 30th, 1955, in Mobile, Alabama, Gaylin moved to NYC when she was 21, with hopes of being an actor. She and her late husband Jack Young performed together in a magic act of their own creation, appearing frequently at Mostly Magic on Carmine Street. She eventually went into the bar/restaurant/hospitality industry, working at The 5 Oaks, Judy’s, Judy’s Chelsea, The Colosseum, Helen’s and The Abbey Tavern, among others.
Her last stage appearance was as Rose Nylund in The Original Golden Girls Live Onstage—A Loving Parody, created by longtime friend D.j. Schaefer. She was also an avid photographer and was in talks to publish a book of her photographs.
I first met Gaylin around 1990 or ’91, when I began working as Technical Director at Judy’s Cabaret in its original location on West 44th Street. She and I hit it off instantly. We had many similar loves. We both loved piano bars, cabaret and musical comedy; her favorite was Maury Yeston’s Titanic. She loved dogs, as I do, and she had quite a few during the years I knew her.
And we both enjoyed “gettin’ our drank on,” so to speak! Her favorite cocktail was Stoli and soda with a splash of cranberry and three limes. She and I shared many tipsy nights, mostly at the legendary 5 Oaks. On one of those nights, she confessed to being “highly in-TOP-sicated!” I teased her mercilessly with that drunken faux pas for years! She, however, teased me right back by reminding me of one night when I was in my cups and became overly emotional about a film I had seen in which a dog died. I actually broke down in tears while telling her. I was SO drunk, and she never let me forget it!
She and I shared a love of Las Vegas—where she and Jack had lived and performed for a time. One of my best trips to Vegas was when Gaylin, by pure coincidence, was there at the same time as I. We shared a few meals together, drank Frrozen Hot Chocolates at Serendipity LV, and went to ghostbar, at the top of the Palms Casino Hotel, where we took in the fabulous view… and a few cocktails. We also met up with our friend Traci Reynolds, who lives out there. We all went to the Peppermill, a wonderfully cheesy restaurant that opened originally in 1972… the decor is the same to this day! Adjoining the restaurant is the Peppermill Fireside Lounge, replete with shag carpeting, blue and pink neon, mirrors, fake blossoming cherry trees and of course, cocktails as big as your head! We were in Vegas heaven!
Gaylin survived the World Trade Center bombing back in 1993 up close and personal; she told me how the force of the explosion lifted her off her feet and sent her flying back across the concourse hall. On a happier note, Gaylin loved The Wizard of Oz and was known to dress up occasionally as the Wicked Witch, a role she had also played onstage before we met. Gaylin and Jack were my producers on a very silly—but well made (if I say so myself)—Public Access Cable TV show called “Mary Virginia’s House of Coiffure, Cabaret and Calisthenics.” The show, shot live every week at the 5 Oaks and hosted by our friend Steven Miller, featured many of the best—and worst—cabaret and piano bar performers alongside some of the West Village’s local zanies. It was quite a time!
I last saw Gaylin in person while walking through the city, as is my habit these days. She was standing on East 26th Street outside The Abbey Tavern. I had recently lost a lot of weight and it was her first time seeing the new me. She was so impressed with what I had done and told me so emphatically. As with many old friends, we didn’t see each other all the time, but when we did, it was special—as if no time had passed.
Gaylin was a fiercely loyal friend and I’ll never forget her!
I’m honored and delighted to be able to write this remembrance of Gaylin. I didn’t want this to be a simple obituary. Gaylin deserved more than that. I wanted this to be a tribute—a celebration of her life in print. I think Gaylin would’ve loved to know she was being remembered in this way by her chosen NYC family. I have more stories about Gaylin English, as I’m sure many of you do. Maybe we can get together, raise a glass to Gaylin and share those stories in person. Till then, “Here’s to Gaylin!!”
A memorial will be held for Gaylin English on Saturday, May 21st at The Abbey Tavern (354 3rd Avenue at 26th Street). The remembrance will start at 3 PM. Everyone is welcome.
