When Jonathan Frid passed away last month, the Dark Shadows world said goodbye to its greatest star and the show's community of actors lost a dear friend. We asked Jonathan's colleagues to share their memories of a remarkable man at work and beyond...
Kathleen Cody Hallie Stokes
I was only 15-16 years-old and frankly, a bit in awe of Jonathan
for the entire time I was a cast member on Dark Shadows. But I will forever be so thankful and honoured that I
was given the privilege to know and work with him. I, along
with everyone else who loves Dark Shadows and Jonathan’s unforgettable
portrayal of Barnabas Collins, will miss him so very much.
I am looking forward to going to see Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's new Dark Shadows film. What the new Dark
Shadows film does bring home to my heart in a new way now, is joy that Jonathan got to live his final days knowing that, as one who loved
his craft, he will forever be remembered as the actor who created a role
that captivates and enthralls audiences the world over. To this day, continued attempts are made to recapture, improve
upon, or even perhaps give a completely different spin to the telling of
the story of Barnabas Collins.
Jerry Lacy Reverend Trask
As I look back now, I remember days at the studio when I marveled at the way Jonathan was able to bring so much sympathy to his character – to the point that Barnabas could be forgiven for anything. The success of Dark Shadows was totally due to his ability to portray the vulnerability of his Barnabas – to show us the inner feelings, the unspoken sadness, the terrible longings. Without that depth, the character would never have found its way into the hearts of so many. His talents were broad, and his kindness, his warmth, his friendship will be missed by all.
Lara Parker Angelique
Jonathan and I
played countless scenes together as passionate lovers and as blood-lust
enemies, and he was always surprising, deeply mysterious, and dedicated to his
craft – even though he sometimes couldn’t remember his lines. There were often
times when I had to help him out a little in the middle of a scene. Still his
performance always amazed us. With
his classical actor’s expertise, he could be mesmerizing on the screen.
After the show
went off the air and Jonathan stopped coming to the festivals, years went
by before I saw him again. The
occasion was a television special in 1994, 50 Years of Soaps, that featured
famous couples – or adversaries – from all the daytime series. Jonathan arrived looking dashing as
usual and sporting, to my surprise, a sexy little goatee. Although we had only
one line apiece once, he insisted, characteristically, on
rehearsing and rehearsing, just like the old days. Even after years
of performing on camera, somehow these mini-appearances can be the most
terrifying, and I was shaking in my shoes while we waited backstage to go on.
