Mary Ann McClintock, the long time manager of Micky’s in West Hollywood, died this morning.
McClintock, who had worked at the popular gay bar for 25 years, was known as “was the woman behind all the men.”
Aaron Bradshaw, Micky’s general manager, said the bar’s staff is still reeling from the news, even though McClintock had been in ill health for some time. In November 2013 she was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for a brain aneurysm and her health continued to decline.
“You know it’s happening. You know it’s inevitable for several months,” Bradshaw said. “But when it happens it’s still a kick in the gut.”
McClintock was in her late sixties, “but as a woman of her time she would never disclose her age,” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw said that McClintock was a major advocate for gay rights and for the acceptance of gay men with HIV/AIDS. Various commenters on Facebook recalled their experiences with her today. “Not only was she an icon in the West Hollywood gay community, but she was a strong woman who will be greatly missed at Mickys Weho,” wrote Stefano Rosso, a promoter who works with Mickys, on Facebook. “While it is a sad day for all of us here, be sure to lift a drink for her tonight in celebration of a life well lived — her favorite phrase “drink Kiddo!”
DJ Felicia Villani also reminisced about her relationship with McClintock. “It was a privilege working with the strong, to-the-point, no-holds-barred, quick-witted woman that she was,” Villani wrote on Facebook. “She was always good to me, she knew her music, and she made me feel like family. I clearly remember our first ever phone conversation after I had dropped off a cassette tape of my mixes at the club door. Yes dating myself with the word ‘cassette.’ She said ‘we love your music and would like to bring you in for after hours.’ She took a chance on a ‘girl DJ’ at a time when there were very few of us even let into a booth spinning for the boys in WeHo clubs.”
McClintock
Bradshaw said there likely will be a memorial service or celebration of McClintock’s life but details have not been decided.
West Hollywood loses an iconic and loving figure with the passing of Mary Ann. I loved her dry wit and sharp observations regarding the foibles of the City and the never ending drama of Boys’ Town. She loved West Hollywood and hopefully she will be haunting Mickeys in the coming years; it is just too hard to think of the place without her. Our condolences to her sister Jane, Michael Niemeyer, Mickey’s staff and all her friends in West Hollywood.
Steve Martin
That was a great message Martin! They don’t make em like Mary anymore. She was a good friend and I will miss the friendship.
She made her mark – one of those great, strong women of West Hollywood who embody who we are. Last time we (my friends were very close to her) saw her at Micky’s, she was leaving after a long day but stopped to say hello as always. Her health was so obviously in decline, we felt guilty about keeping her, but she was undeterred, lingering on to chat. If we had closed our eyes, there would have been no indication of ill health. Not diminished in intellect, wit or spirit, she seemed oblivious and impervious to physical ailments… just as… Read more »
Kind, gentle, supportive, welcoming, always a hearty laugh and a big smile. Mary Ann was all off these and more–and a darn good business manager to boot. For many of the dancers and patrons whose own families were less-than-accepting, she was the mom they wish they could have had. And for others dealing with AIDS, addictions, other health problems (including my own)..or broken hearts, she dried many a tear and cheered with words and hugs. Now those tears are shed at her passing. So many lives are better for her kindness and understanding. Thank you, Mary Ann. Thank you.
Even when she was giving you a lecture you knew it was out of love! There was no grey area with her: things were white or black. She liked you or she didn’t like you & you knew it.
She was feisty and i will too miss her! =(
I love Mar! She was a sheer delight and I am heart broken to hear of her passing. She was a truly wonderful human being!
Rest in Peace sweet lady, a mom to so many, a friendly hello with an astute mind and warm spirit. A friend and good neighbor, partner, — encouraged me so many times to keep up the good fight. I’m going to miss hearing your encouragement.. makes me cry- You will always be missed and part of the good old days…..Thanks for you love..—-
We shared such history. I will miss our chats, reminiscing etc…. A huge hole in my heart!