GUY BARILE (1934-2026)
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Director, singer and actor Guy Barile passed away on November 29 at the age of 91. Guy performed in more than 250 shows, was a founder of the Joseph Jefferson Awards and, in 2019, received a special Jeff commendation for his work in establishing the awards. Earlier, he received a Jeff nomination for his leading role in MERT & PHIL at the St. Nicholas Theatre. Guy was a resident director at Drury Lane Theatre for many years, where he directed PLAZA SUITE, SQUABBLES, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER and many more. Notably, he directed the world premiere of GREASE that had an extended run at Kingston Mines Theatre in 1971.
Guy’s onstage credits include the world premiere of David Mamet’s THE WATER ENGINE (St. Nicholas Theatre); WOMAN OF THE YEAR (Drury Lane Theatre, Evergreen Park); FOLLIES, THE APPLE TREE, COME BLOW YOUR HORN, MACBIRD, and many others (Candlelight Dinner Playhouse). One of Guy’s favorite performances was playing Felix Unger opposite Hugh O'Brien as Oscar in THE ODD COUPLE. Guy also appeared on many stages around the area, such as Steppenwolf, The Forum, Shakespeare Repertory, Victory Gardens, Northlight, Briar Street and the Goodman. Guy acted in several movies, including BABE, THE UNTOUCHABLES and KWIK STOP. His TV credits include SOUTH SIDE, LADY BLUE, and CHICAGO STORY. He was active in the world of industrials, performing all over the United States. He worked as a performer for McDonald's for more than 12 years. Born on April 21,1934 to Guy and Rose (Reynolds) Barile, Guy grew up in the Toledo, Ohio area. As a very young man, after completing his service in the United States Army, he moved to Chicago and attended the Goodman Drama School. He was a member of Equity and SAG/AFTRA, and was proud to be a professional actor for more than 60 years. Guy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Barile, and nephew Kevin O'Connor. He is survived by his former wife, Ruth Kussel; daughter, Melissa (Len) Vannelli; grandchildren, Katie, Laura, Adam and Ian; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Jim O'Connor; his nieces, Jackie (Len) Kaufmann, Michelle (Phil) Anstett, Rose (Allan) Hite, Laura (Dave) Pegorch; nephew, Sean (Megan) O'Connor; and many great nieces and nephews. |