For years, Ernest J, Paylor has been a friendly face to many a Broadway fan. Working as a stage doorman at the Broadhurst Theatre, which currently houses Jagged Little Pill, Mr. Paylor not only protects the cast and crew but also make sure that stage door meet and greets are fun, safe, and accessible.

Fans of Jagged Little Pill and its previous show Anastasia, have spoken highly of their interactions with Mr. Paylor saying that they feel he cares for them just as much as the performers.

So when Mr. Paylor was hospitalized with a serious medical condition, those same fans didn’t hesitate to rally behind him.

In November, Mr. Paylor posted on social media that he was in the hospital and would be undergoing multiple medical procedures. Hi friend, Kristy Poteat, saw his post and wanted to help. Ms. Poteat is a fan of Jagged Little Pill and has seen it multiple times, which means she got to see Mr. Paylor quite often.

“He absolutely loves the cast of Jagged Little Pill,” she told me. “I always couldn’t wait to see his smiling face and give him a hug.”

So when she saw Mr. Paylor was in the hospital, she started reaching out to fellow Jagged Little Pill fans on social media and in Facebook groups. Within days, she had raised over $1,000 which she sent to Mr. Paylor.

“My friend Dr. Alisa Hurwitz suggested we move forward and start a GoFund Me account to reach more people,” she told me.

The fundraiser, which can be found here, was created with the goal of reaching $5,000. As of the time of writing this piece, it’s exceeded $5,500. Donations have poured in not only from fans of the shows housed at the Broadhurst but also from actors, crew, and producers of those shows as well.

“It has warmed my heart to see the outpouring of love the Broadway community has bestowed upon this wonderful man,” Ms. Poteat told me when asked about her reaction to the donations. “Hopefully this will bring some financial relief for his family, especially around the holiday and as they all adjust to his new normal.”

Mr. Paylor also posted his own message of thanks on social media as well.

“A message to you all...
Gratefulness & Gratitude:
How do you say thank you to people who taken their time to encourage you, support you, love you & open their wallets & pocketbooks to help you? I have been blown away by the generosity of my friends, Broadway families "Anastasia The Musical", "Freestyle Love Supreme " & " Jagged Little Pill" & most of all the fans of these shows. Broadway is shutdown and times are hard for everyone yet they have the finances to help me out. How do you thank these incredible people? How do you thank fans who may or may not have seen me at the stage door for their donations during this pandemic?
My heart is so filled with love for all of you. If you think I am strong going through this ordeal, you don't realize where my strength comes from.....YOU!!
You all make me strong when I am weak, give me hope when I feel hopeless & encourage me when I want to quit and just lay in this hospital bed & cry "why me, Lord"?
I was never born a rich man but God blessed me to have people like you in my life so I am vastly wealthy in friends..
I so love all of you & I am so grateful for each & everyone of you for your support. Your love & positivity sustains me and I will be forever humbled by your graciousness & love.
Love Always,
Ernie
Broadway's Best Stagedoor Man”

Our best wishes go out to Mr. Paylor.

If you would like to donate, click here to be directed to the GoFundMe account. OnStage Blog will be making a donation of $200 as well.

Fan community rallies for Broadway stage doorman

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