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Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Losing Joe York
Fame: For almost two decades, he was among the only Austin stage actors who could sell a show based on his name above the title. Early Tuesday, Joe York, who recently returned from New York City to star in a Zachary Scott Theatre revival of “The Rocky Horror Show,” died of complications from liver cancer in his Brooklyn home.
“I can hardly believe that great spirit is not walking the earth,” said former Zachary Scott managing director Ann Ciccolella. “Anyone who ever met Joe York or experienced his enormous talent on stage will never forget him. For those of us who love musical theater, his special quality is simply irreplaceable.”
Born July 4, 1957 in Japan into an Air Force family, York grew up in Italy, California, Alabama, Virginia and elsewhere. In 1975, he moved from Alabama to attend St. Edward’s University; later his parents purchased a home in Rollingwood. He leaves behind his mother and three brothers, Pat, Mike and Tim, along with partner Graham Murray.
Blessed with a rich baritone and dashing looks, which he sometimes spiked with a dash of campiness, York played leads in Austin productions of “Carousel,” “Camelot,” “Nine,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Falsettos,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” “Sweeney Todd,” “The Fantasticks,” “Final Touches,” “Oklahoma,” “Forever Plaid,” and “Annie,” among many others. He worked often for Zachary Scott, Live Oak Theatre, Austin Musical Theatre and the Zilker Summer Musical.
He moved to New York City in 2000 to pursue non-theatrical dreams and ran a Web page design company. He also directed and designed stage productions.
“Joe possessed the best sense of timing on stage I have ever experienced,” said Zachary Scott artistic director Dave Steakley. “He could have you rolling in the aisle with hysterical laughter, command the stage with extraordinary power and bravado, and break your heart with the tenderness of his warm baritone. He had such a huge impact on Austin audiences because he was as funny, loving and dear offstage as he was onstage. Perhaps he understood best how to leave them wanting more. ”
Memorial services are pending. If you knew Joe, or just admired him onstage, please please leave memories in this Guest Book.
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