Jonathan Frid, the best TV vampire, died

John Herbert Frid ... December 2, 1924 - April 14, 2012. Wikipedia lists his death as "natural causes".

Jonathan Frid played the compelling dignified vampire Barnabas Collins on the thrilling original gothic soap opera Dark Shadows that ran from 1966 to 1971, going from black and white to color video.

The entire show is now out on DVD. It's still wonderful to watch. All of its dated live TV limitations and occasional goofs add, not detract, from its charm. It was all done with the most earnest seriousness. The actors, sets, and stories are all very good.

Along with Lara Parker, David Selby and Kathryn Leigh Scott, who also starred in the show, Jonathan Frid spent 3 days at Pinewood Studios in England in June of 2011 filming a cameo appearance for the upcoming Tim Burton big screen version of Dark Shadows to be out May 11.

His role inspired Anne Rice and her modern type of reluctant remorseful vampire that has forever changed the vampire novel.

He looks a bit rough in this pic, LOL, he usually looks more dashing ...

Comments: 16

Debbie W. Apr 19, 2012, 9:41am UTC

Oh, my gosh, I didn't know he had passed! I remember hurrying home from school to watch Dark Shadows. I'm not sure my parents knew how "wild" that show was at the time! I agree that he was the prototype for the modern vampire. I've seen the previews for the new movie, and can't decide whether it will be good or not.

Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 19, 2012, 9:54am UTC

I just saw that he died today on Face Book at the Dark Shadows fan club. For some reason the family tried to keep it hushed for as long as they could, but it finally leaked out anyway.

The Tim Burton movie looks like it will have a lot of silliness. And Johnny Depp doesn't look dignified, but more cartoon "doll-like" ...

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Angela M. Apr 19, 2012, 10:01am UTC

I just could never get into that show, not violent enough for me back them.

Angela M. Apr 19, 2012, 10:01am UTC

He was an interesting character though

Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 19, 2012, 10:54am UTC

Oh my, there was such violence on it, for TV! LOL

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ann c. Apr 19, 2012, 10:07am UTC

Johhny Depp cannot compare to Jonathan Frid.

Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 19, 2012, 10:53am UTC

They are both playing the Barnabas parts at the same age, and still look so different.

Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 19, 2012, 10:54am UTC

(Johnny is so pop, Jonathan is so classical)

ann c. Apr 20, 2012, 12:09pm UTC

I like classic.

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Sandra H. Apr 19, 2012, 12:11pm UTC

I remember watching Dark Shadows and really liking it! Sad to hear of his passing.

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Angela A. Apr 19, 2012, 1:44pm UTC

I had not heard that he died. That's sad

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Janet "Jax" B. Apr 19, 2012, 2:27pm UTC

Oh how sad....especially since the new movie will be coming out this summer.

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Gloria G Apr 19, 2012, 2:33pm UTC

RIP - I remember watching that show as a child, everyday. Good and spooky.

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wendy st. john-devereaux Apr 20, 2012, 10:00am UTC

oh my ---i had not heard that he had passed!....i remember the show very well....my friends and i never missed it!....it was so unique at the time, and we all loved it!!

we have recently been seeing the previews for the new movie......ugh ugh ugh...it looks totally stupid.....we are not going to waste our money to see it!

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Tessa D. Apr 20, 2012, 5:24pm UTC

I used to rush home from school to watch Dark Shadows

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Ed Da Head Toker Apr 20, 2012, 9:09pm UTC

the Dark Shadows show I loved

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Jonathan Frid, the best TV vampire, died

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Comments: 16

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