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Jonathan Frid Obituary
Frid died of natural causes in hospital in his home town of Hamilton, Ontario this past Friday the 13th, said Jim Pierson, a spokesman for Dan Curtis Productions, the creator of "Dark Shadows."
Frid starred in the 1960s gothic-flavored soap opera. It was about odd, supernatural goings-on at a family estate in Maine. Frid's character was added in 1967.
Johnny Depp plays Barnabas Collins in a Tim Burton directed version of Dark Shadows due out next month. Frid has a cameo role in the new movie.
Frid is survived by a nephew, Donald Frid.
ROB GILLIES, Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1388 Entries
Crystle Ehrman
May 3, 2025
I love Dark shadows,I use to watch it everyday after school,it is my favorite show,and still is today,I love Jonathan frid,he is a excellent actor,I wish it was still on,but I still watch it,I have the complete set,thank you so much for the memories,he is the best.
Mary Rodriguez
January 15, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Diane LaPoint
December 22, 2024
I ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows when I was in grade school. I always felt sorry for Barnabus Collins. Jonathon rest in peace sir!!
D Carroll
November 16, 2024
What a true patriarch of the Collins family! I still watch DS daily! RIP Jonathan/Barnabas
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Pamela Malone
November 11, 2024
I grew up with the dark shadow show. I use to sing the theme song all day and night. I use to dream about the show
Love watching it right now. One of my favorite shows for Halloween night
August 3, 2024
Jonathan, u still my favorite vampire of all time.
LuJuan Harrill
July 1, 2024
I grew up watching Dark Shadows.. I couldn't wait to get home from school & turn on the TV.. & wait for Barnabus.. He was an amazing actor & I loved every second of watching him.. I'm currently watching the show from the beginning & I still love him.. Rest in Peace Jonathan Frid.. You are forever in our hearts..
Janet w.
June 1, 2024
I used to run home from school to catch the last 20 minutes of ds. I loved Barnabas. Jonathan Frid was a great actor.
Melissavoigt
April 29, 2024
Very sorry to see you have passed my mother watched dark shadows when she was younger and now I´m into it I love Barnabas
Gena Williams
April 26, 2024
I love this show. I remember as a kid watching it every day after school. And still rewarch it on TUBI. Barnabas was my favorite part of the show. Just loved him. RIP. My favorite Vampire always
Laurene Grimaldi
April 13, 2024
My sincere condolences go out to the family of beloved Jonathan Frid. It is 12 yrs ago today that he passed from this life. I loved watching him on Dark Shadows so many years ago. He was not only extremely handsome but extremely talented. I only wish I could have met him. I never had children, but if I would have had a son, I wanted his name to be Barnabas. I wish he were still alive today. Laurene Grimaldi of Weeki Wachee, FL.
Sheri Lewis
April 5, 2024
One of the most brilliant actors of our time! Thank you Jonathan for your contribution ❤❤❤. R.I.P.
Sarah Parsons
April 3, 2024
I never met him, but recognized a kindred spirit on the television screen. He was meant for the lights and I behind the lights enjoying his work.
Teresa Wilkinson
December 4, 2023
OK, Can anyone out there tell me if they have been to Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York? I have read that he was cremated and he was interred there. I would like to visit him and take him flowers, and pay my respect to him.
Hoan S.
October 21, 2023
Watched DS as a pre-teen with my best friend. Since my last name was Collins, he felt like family! RIP and thank you for my love of the supernatural!
Laurene Grimaldi
August 29, 2023
I watched Dark Shadows every day. I still watch the re-runs now, over 50 yrs later. I loved Jonathan Frid aka Barnabas Collins. Always had a secret crush on him. Wish I could have met him & known him as a good friend. I also love the name Barnabas. The world is a better place because of this wonderful man. Love you always. Hope we meet in Heaven someday. Laurene Ann Grimaldi of Weeki Wachee, FL.
Laureen Heron
June 3, 2023
Great Actor he is missed still watch Dark Shadows wish I got to know and meet him ❤
Toni Savidge
April 5, 2023
Thank you❤
September 2, 2022
Love the man
Evelyn Wancewicz
August 30, 2022
For a very talented actor and great man to his friends fans and especially his love for his family
Evelyn Wancewicz
August 30, 2022
I'm very sorry that I never had met him and seen him in his plays he did and his one man shows and his Shakesoeare plays. He was a entrue passionate actor who used his creative energies to become part of whom he was playing. From what I've seen and heard about him he was a very kind hearted man. I will always hold him dear in my heart.
Sandy Blue
August 30, 2022
I love Jonathon. He was my love every day at 330
Linda Frid
August 29, 2022
Loved you.
RANDOLPH GARCIA
August 29, 2022
THE LATE MR. FRID MADE A GREAT SCARY IMPRESSION ON ME AS A YOUNG SCHOOL STUDENT MANY MOONS AGO. I NEVER KNEW NOR MET HIM, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY HERE, WHEN HE PASSED ON IN 2012, MY CHILDHOOD DIED W/HIM. I FELT A GREAT SENSE OF SADNESS UPON HEARING THE NEWS OF HIS PASSING. YET HIS BODY OF WORK ON DVD & THE INTERNET & IN BOOKS, WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME. (RIP) MR. FRID & THANKS FOR THE SCARY MEMORIES OF LONG AGO. YOU ARE & WERE A UNIQUE PART OF THE THESPIAN WORLD.
JoLynn Thompson
August 29, 2022
We miss you Jonathan! Dark Shadows was, and still is, my all time favorite soap/series. I was one of those who ran home from school to watch you every day, and today, I still watch and love it just as much as I did years ago. You were a wonderful man and a great actor and are so missed by everyone. I will never forget you and will love you forever! ❤ RIP Jonathan Frid!
Russell Pitts
August 29, 2022
I loved his character and his acting
Karen Laviolette
August 19, 2022
I watched dark shadows with my grandmother we enjoyed him and dark shadows I live in Houston Texas and it plays at 4am Monday through fridays
Valerie M Augustine
June 12, 2022
I still come over here now and then to post a sympathy statement to Jonathan Frid. We miss you Jonathan and wish you were still with us.
Mary Jackson
May 23, 2022
I will love and admire you forever!
Mary L
February 28, 2022
I vaguely remember watching DS with my teenage aunt. I was too young to understand what it was all about back then. Now, all these later I'm discovering DS on IMDb and I love Barnabas. Can't wait to watch all the episodes.
Deborah Lueke
January 17, 2022
Awesome actor. Loved the soap opera.
Regina Overbee
December 9, 2021
I loved Dark Shadows watched it as a little girl with my mom then as a teen now as a grandma I just loved Jonathan frid
Gloria Klingborg
July 17, 2021
I remember watching dark shadows.Barnabas was my favorite.silly but I was madly in love with .a lot of fans all over the world will miss him .I cried and cried when I heard he had died.gone but not forgotten.rest in peace .I hope the angels know what they have in heaven .I still carry Barnabas in my heart ♥ love you ,glo from beautiful Northern California.
Ann Beard
July 16, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ann Beard
July 16, 2021
A wonderful and beloved actor. May he rest in peace! Love you Mr frid
Linda Frid Kuzmin
June 22, 2021
I wish I could have met you in person. I found out we were related at a young age. I never missed a show. Would love for you to have seen our family tree. I managed to go back to the 1500s.
Your cousin,
Linda Frid Kuzmin. RiP
Paul Lundy
May 21, 2021
Thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
Rosemarie Scott-Griffiths
May 20, 2021
Mr. Frid, you made my childhood special. I have such happy memories of watching DS with my siblings, fake screaming throughout. Thank you.
May 16, 2021
Loved you as Barnabas! RIP
Charles Badgley
April 26, 2021
I loved Jonathan Frid. There's no way, I could tell you what he meant to me.
Kim Maxwell
April 16, 2021
You were one of the best parts of my childhood. Rest In Peace
April 16, 2021
Wonderful man and actor he's sadly missed RIP
Beverly Wolford
April 14, 2021
I wish I could have met you Mr.Frid.. I absolutely loved you and DS when I was a kid..RIP Sir
audrey Burba
March 27, 2021
Rest in peace John,loved you on Dark Shadows.
Denise Stanko
February 24, 2021
I named my first son after you and I never missed a show. Rest In Peace, Jonathan
you will be missed. ( I am watching reruns again) I will never forget you.
Edna M Freeman
February 22, 2021
Thank you for doing Cult Show " Dark Shadows" and you will be missed, Not forgotten. Rest in Peace, Jonathan Frid.
February 20, 2021
I loved the show. I was on maternity leave when it first came on, and watched it every day. I had to miss all but the first season because I did return to work in 1967 so there were five years that I missed. During this pandemic I watched all 1245 episodes. I just loved me some Barnabas (and Bramwell). He was just an incredible actor! There is absolutely nobody else who could have played that part as he did (Johnny Depp was good but just too contemporary.) RIP Jonathan Frid.
Angie Birdsall
January 31, 2021
My favorite Shakespearean actor. God bless
Allen Steffey
December 31, 2020
Have been a fan since the first broadcast
Phillip Sarrazine
December 30, 2020
God bless Jonathan Frid.
Kimberly Westley
December 30, 2020
Seeing you play the role of Barnabas in Dark Shadows has changed my life. It truly saved my life. We are dealing with a lot right now in this world and escaping to Dark Shadows and Barnabas Collin’s has become my daily routine. I can’t thank you enough for all you gave to us with your talent! I’ll be forever grateful. RIP Jon
December 30, 2020
Rest in peace
Teresa Padgett
December 28, 2020
Rest in peace, Jonathan. I would run home everyday after school so I wouldn't miss Dark Shadows and my favorite vampire.
Susan White
December 28, 2020
Would run home every day after school to watch Dark Shadows - oh how I loved you - I even got my hair cut like yours and had the black onyx ring. You brought much happiness into my life. Rest In Peace❤
Debbie Carbon
December 28, 2020
I loved you then and love you more now
Shani Cossins
December 28, 2020
I am a newcomer to Dark Shadows and consider myself privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy Jonathan Frid’s incredible talent. I wish I could have met him but thank goodness for film and television where he lives forever.
Brenda Hamblin
December 28, 2020
He was an excellent actor and a delight to watch. RIP
Mike Monahan
December 27, 2020
The Best Vampire Ever !!! Long Live The Legacy of Jonathan Frid !!!
Patricia Cole
December 27, 2020
I will never forget you
December 27, 2020
Some of best childhood memories running home to watch Barnabas on DS. Thank you Jonathan Frid your memory will never die ❤
Rae Purvis
December 27, 2020
Such a great actor, loved by many for his roll as Barnabas Collins, and other rolls. Rest dear one.
December 27, 2020
Nothing like him. A true actor!
FRANK TURCHIANO
December 27, 2020
One of the best actors ever in his role as Barnabas Collins. RIP
Scott Freitag
December 27, 2020
Loved watching him work. The Consummate actor.
Rosemarie Scott-Griffiths
December 27, 2020
Mr. Grid, thank you.
Renee Mckinney
December 27, 2020
I loved Jonathan Frid he is and will always be my forever love
Valerie Augustine
December 27, 2020
I never knew you Jonathan. But, I feel I did as I am an avid fan and have read much about you. You made Dark Shadows a house hold name. You were born for the role you played. I saw a video where you said you had wanted to become a minister. Now, you are with the many who are in heaven. We still miss you after the 9 years since you left us. We still love you.
Forever Fan
December 20, 2020
I'm still watching Dark Shadows today thanks to Pluto TV. I wasn't allowed to watch when I was a child. It takes me away from the reality of today for a much needed break. Thank you for that. You will always live on in our collective memory. R.I.P.
CYNTHIA LOWRY
December 9, 2020
I am 48 years old and am a very avid fan of Dark Shadows with Jonathan Frid.
R I P Mr. Frid.
Margaret
December 8, 2020
Jonathan you were the best and my favorite vampire ever. Rest In Peace my friend. Always loved, never forgotten and sexy forever.
T Michael
December 4, 2020
Rest in peace, dear, sweet, Jonathan.
Anna Carter
November 23, 2020
RIP my favorite since childhood and even today
Linda
October 16, 2020
Adored dark shadows as a child in the 60’s, still do. Jonathan Frid was captivating. I even named my dachshund Gabriella Josette on her AKC registration .
Janice Clark
September 22, 2020
I was madly in love with him,I'd hurry home from school just to watch Dark Shadows. I have the soundtrack from the original show. Rest in heavenly peace Johnathan. You will be forever loved and missed. I was truly saddened by your passing,I wish I could have met you in person.
Donna Rau
July 14, 2020
Always enjoyed watching him on Dark Shadows & in the Dark Shadows movies!! RIP!!
Bs Kaufman
July 13, 2020
One of the most popular dark shadow speakers, got to see him in person at many
Dark shadows conventions over the years in nyc. Also remember seeing him in los
Angeles calif anniversary convention many years ago.
B s Kaufman, moved from Brooklyn,to South Carolina.
Lu D
July 3, 2020
Talented & a most amazing individual. A gentle man in every aspect!! Yes I loved you on DS, beyond extrodinary.
June 13, 2020
You were the best vampire ever!
Josette
Deb
May 30, 2020
The character of Barnabas truly came to life via the talent of Jonathan Frid.
Kathleen Groux
May 26, 2020
The reason I love Dark Shadows. I love listening to you read Edgar Allen Poe's Tell Tale Heart. Your Shakespeare was intense.... Fly free sir, and sing with the angels.
Brandi Heilman
May 15, 2020
Thank you for bringing style and grace to both the screen and stage. You are one of the few who was able to persue your dreams and still maintain your routes. Your are an honorable man and one that young generations can look up to and follow your example !!! Fund peace and joy in your next life and the adventures it brings !!!!
Katrina Wray
May 14, 2020
I have been watching Dark Shadows over again. Just wanted to say l love Jonathan Fried he was the best.
Vicki Davis
March 23, 2020
I'm watching Dark Shadows now,, I loved Barnabas Collins!! Mr. Frid you were the best!!
March 19, 2020
I ran home from school every day to watch Dark Shadows
Daniel Webster
March 12, 2020
Truly a great actor. Jonathan Frid did such an excellent job as Barnabas Collins, the vampire. This show is still a classic and always will be. I grew up watching Dark Shadows in the early 1980-1982. I read that Jonathan was a Shakespearean actor and a very good one indeed. Jonathan, you will be missed.
KaZ Cruse Akers
February 18, 2020
I was a child when I first watched Dark Shadows. It was my mother's favorite series. I would watch it with her when I got home from elementary school. I wasn't afraid, only intrigued. To this day I can't forget it. I especially cannot forget Jonathan as Barnabas. I couldn't wait to see what he would do every episode. A friend of mine actually worked for Jonathan near the end of his life. I always considered him the luckiest man on the planet.
Diane DeLessio
January 29, 2020
Loved this Man,wonderful
Sandra Glogowski
December 21, 2019
He will forever remain the best vampire ever portrayed. People tend to forget that he was also a highly regarded Shakespearean actor - he was the best, no question about it, /What I wouldn't give to have a photo.....
Patricia Gillespie
October 12, 2019
I was lucky enough to meet you and get your autograph. Thanks for fueling my love of the mysterious and macabre. I will remain a horror fan till my time comes!
Louise Kline
August 6, 2019
Dear Mr.Frid,Thank you for growing up with me and my friends! Thank you for the great memories! You were kind and sweet,not gruff or scarey! I hope you find happiness on angels wings in heaven!You were a wonderful actor and truly appreciate your talent!God Bless and RIP!
July 24, 2019
Jonathan Frid will be missed
Richard West
July 19, 2019
The one and only Barnabas. You will never be forgotten
edward edwards
July 17, 2019
A great actor, mostly known as Barnabas... he also was a great role actor........I remember running home from grade school to turn on Dark Shadows at 4 pm on WABC NEW YORK ..channel 7 ........its fun to go on you tube and watch the old episode's ....RIP Jonathan Frid
Doris Anguzza
July 17, 2019
I wish we had met.
Angela Brancati
July 16, 2019
Rip Jonathan. I was one of those kids that ran home from school every day to watch Dark Shadows. My favorite show.
I never missed an episode
❤❤❤
Marilyn Schultz
July 16, 2019
You were a great actor, and gave me such enjoyment watching you perform. RIP
Debbie Hunt
July 16, 2019
You were a most amazing man. Loved your acting and manors May you family and friends hold you memories close to their hearts forever. God bless
Linda Rhodes-Piazza
July 16, 2019
Thank you for making my childhood a happy one with your portrayal of Barnabas. I have many happy memories of you in Dark Shadows. I am very thankful to have met you on that awesome day in 1969. I will always miss you.
Gigi Hall
July 16, 2019
A fan from the start
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