Gay NYC Public Access TV Host 'Barry Z' Dies at 67

Stars of New York City's downtown scene are mourning the passing of former cable access show host Barry Z, who passed away this week. The man who was referred to locals as a "gay Joe Franklin" was 67.

A real estate broker and former comedy club owner who worked under the name "Barry Z," Barry Zabusky was best-known as the host of "The Barry Z Show," which ran on public access cable in New York City from 1994 to 2006.

Taking to Facebook, nightlife columnist Michael Musto wrote:

"Whenever Barry Z called, I was there! I loved the nebbishy little public access host, who was sort of the original Jiminy Glick. (I used to joke that he'd be the type to ask Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'So, why did you call the show Cats?') In the last few years, I joined Barry for nutty YouTube chats as well as in-theater appearances. Barry was daffier than ever (due to his illness), but always game for a stimulating gossip showdown."

Actress and performance artist Penny Arcade wrote:

"So very very sad to hear from Michael Musto that Barry Z has passed on to the great Green Room in the sky. Barry was ebullient, always enthusiastic and interested in my work.Such a kindly genial man!!"

Obie Award-winning actor and playwright David Drake wrote:

"Such a sweet, happy, generous man. Very saddened by this news. Rest in peace, Barry."

Charles Busch said:

"I'm truly sorry to hear this."

Time Out New York's theater critic Adam Feldman remembered Barry Z as a "ubiquitous enthusiast, zany champion of the local arts."