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Johnny Depp Remembers Jonathan Frid

The man who first breathed life into the iconic '60s vampire Barnabas has died

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Apr 20, 2012 2:04PM

With Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows" set to premiere on the big screen in May, the actor who played the original Barnabas Collins, Jonathan Frid, has passed. The 87-year-old star of the Gothic '60s soap opera died Friday, April 13, and Johnny Depp, who is both a fan and the new Barnabas, has spoken out.

 

Bing: More about Jonathan Frid | Johnny Depp | "Dark Shadows"


"Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch Dark Shadows,’” Depp said in a statement. "His elegance and grace was an inspiration then and will continue to remain one forever more.

 

"When I had the honor to finally meet him, as he so generously passed the torch of Barnabas to me, he was as elegant and magical as I had always imagined. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a true original."

 

Frid's "Dark Shadows" costar Kathryn Leigh Scott also spoke out about his passing. She and Frid make cameos in the upcoming big screen remake, sharing the screen with Depp when Barnabas hits a party. For soap fans everywhere, it seems like a fitting final appearance for Frid, who trained at Yale School of Drama and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and embraced his status as a campy cult icon.


Frid was remembered by family and friends on April 18, which happened to be the 45th Anniversary of his first appearance on "Dark Shadows."

 

As is often the case with popular soap opera heroes and villains, Barnabas was intended to be a short term character when he came onto the "Dark Shadows" scene, but quickly turned into a fan fave. The tortured and sympathetic vamp didn’t just become the central character, but his popularity also saved the series from cancellation.

 

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15Comments
Dark Shadows13
May 8, 2012 7:36PM
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I like Depp ran home every day to watch Dark Shadows. The neighbor kids weren't allowed to watch it at their house so every day we all gathered in front of the set to watch the newest episode. It was a true '60's ritual for almost every school aged kid I knew! I LOVED it and it would be great if TV Land would re-run the episodes leading up to the release of the movie. 
deriak
Apr 21, 2012 2:36PM
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It feels weird to know johnny depp ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows. It is one of my clearest memories of spending time with my deceased mother. I did have to run home from school to get there on time to watch the show with her. Frid was great. Loved that time!!
Stop the Insanity Now
Apr 21, 2012 10:44AM
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I am saddened by the passing of Barnabas. I remember when Dark Shadows first hit the airwaves. Who would have thought that in the mid '60's there would be an afternoon soap opera replete with vampires and werewolves? WOW! I must say, though, I've seen a few trailers for the new Tim Burton take on Dark Shadows and as much as I like Johnny Depp I don't think the movie is going to appeal to me and maybe not to other true Dark Shadows fans. It looks to be far too comedic. Not at all what we're used to when we think of Barnabas Collins. RIP Jonathan.
pt55
Apr 21, 2012 6:49AM
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RIP Jonathan Frid!  As when I was a kid, I still continue to watch Dark Shadows.  Only this time I don't have to run home from school.  No matter how many remakes or extensions are done, nothing compares to the original Vampire, Barnabas Collins.  He had style, he had charm, and really kept the plot alive.
Dewey Kerr
Apr 21, 2012 5:52AM
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The  "Un-Dead" Cannot Die.  I was a Barnabas Groupie. 
Amalthea_Celebras
Apr 21, 2012 5:37AM
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Actually, INFINITY999999, that would be Bela Lugosi...but Mr. Frid will definitely be missed.   (I didn't watch "Dark Shadows", but my older brother did.) Vampire bat
Sandi5456
Apr 20, 2012 10:52PM
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I also was one of the kids to run home to watch "Dark Shadows". RIPBroken heartMy condolences to family and friends and fans!
INFINITY999999
Apr 20, 2012 10:22PM
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Jonathan Frid, the TRUE "Original", who set the stage for everything "Vampire" that we see and hear about today. The movies, hot and steamy television shows, you name it.....he was behind it all.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew and respected him for his craft, and as far as I am concerned, perfect portrayal of the Vampire with a "heart".

He was a major part of my childhood and an influence that will always affect me through the rest of my own life. There will never be another like him.

Goodbye my friend.....until we meet again.

 

The irony of his passing on Friday the 13th.......everythin​g DOES happen for a reason.

Lady Cat164
Apr 20, 2012 9:39PM
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There was a Dark Shadows lp where Mr Frid recited Shakespeare in several tracks. He had an unforgettable voice.

sammy117
Apr 20, 2012 8:28PM
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I remember watching this series with my mom & auntie every time it came on TV. I remember getting a magazine & also putting a model of him together, how I loved how Mr. Frid brought such class to his character on the show & the fight scene between him & a younger vampire was great! Now, I'm going to get all the DVD's!
jayjay53
Apr 20, 2012 8:10PM
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I watched it everyday. Sometimes I had to fight with my younger brother 'cuz he didn't want to. I've since, started watching it on Netflix. Back then Angelique was my favorite female and I was so In LoVe with Quentin. When I watch it now I tell my husband (I noticed and really appreciate it now more) Jonathan Frid  had 2 VERY distinctive looks.  The really sexy-devilish look and smile which he gives to the girls, and that dead on I'm gonna take care of you look for the fellas. I just really enjoyed those looks. How fitting it was that his last appearance was on the new show.
JungleGirl
Apr 20, 2012 6:51PM
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I could hardly wait for school to be over so I could get home to watch Dark Shadows. My Dad (RIP) watched it with me. He really liked they way Mr. Frid portrayed Barnabas Collins. One day while I was engrossed in watching Barnabas get ready to "bite" my Dad went out of the room and I didn't notice. he had taken out his front partial plate and when he did he looked like he had "vampire  fangs". He came sneaking up beside me and yelled" I'm Barnabas Collins, I'm going to get you. I liked to died, I was so into Dark Shadows, I screamed like a banshee. We had such a funny memory and many laughs over the years from my vampire scare.  Thanks to Dark Shadows, Barnabas and the entire cast for some of my best teen days. Mr. Frid was one-of-a kind.Red rose He will be missed and always be the original. I am excited to see him in the new Depp film. 
DONAH CIOMPERLIK (beenther)
Apr 20, 2012 6:40PM
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I have great memories of Dark Shadows.  It was my favorite soap because of its differencess, its gothic story lines and vampire star.  Mr. Frid truly came in and saved the show from being cancelled, as it was on its last leg.  I will be first in line for the Tim Burton -Johnny Depp remake.
wileysmom
Apr 20, 2012 5:59PM
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I was one of those kids who ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows.  Barnabas was my favorite character.  I almost have the entire Dark Shadows video collection. RIP Mr. Frid and thank you for all of the wonderful memories I have of you and my childhood.  You will not be forgotten.
HeavenlyPce
Apr 20, 2012 4:58PM
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I remember hurriedly leaving school to watch Dark Shadows. Jonathan Frid  scared the heck out of us every weekday on ABC. He was in my opinion the best portrayal of a vampire to date. I'm glad he has a cameo in the new film. I'll be looking forward to seeing it. R.I.P. Mr. Frid.
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