John Karlen played Willie Loomis on the cult favorite TV daytime gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows.” Loomis was the James Dean type that breaks into the Collins family mausoleum and unknowingly releases the vampire Barnabas Collins. Collins attacks Loomis and turns him into his servant. In the 1980s, Karlen played the husband of Tyne Daly’s character Mary Beth Lacey on the crime series “Cagney & Lacey.” He won an Emmy for the role in 1986.
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You were a phenomenal actor. Every time I watch Dark Shadows, I am amazed at how immersed you were in the characters you played, particularly Willie Loomis. One of the best!
Denise Latimer
October 06, 2025 | Alpharetta, GA
Tired of watching Christmas in July. Switched over to my favorite Dark Shadows. WOW. Willie Loomis sensational! John Karlen was a fabulous actor.
Donna
July 14, 2025 | Frisco, TX
Loved dark shadows. Rewatching every part of it now.
Dora Fiorello
June 28, 2025 | MS
My condolences send to the Family and friends of Mr. Karlen. I used to hurry home from school in the 60´s to watch Dark Shadows with my Mom. I still watch it every night. I am sad to realize most of the actors from the show are already gone. I really enjoyed John as Willie, I always felt bad for Willie. Rest In Peace Mr. Karlen. You will be missed!
Sheila Yaffe
September 13, 2024 | Other
I’m rewatching Dark Shadows and I’m just blown away by how good an actor John Karlen was.
September 04, 2024
I just found out today that you had passed away while reading about an upcoming Dark Shadows event. It didn't mention that you would be attending, so I looked you up and found out about your passing. Willie Loomis was my favorite character, and thus you were always my favorite actor on the show. Willie was such a sympathetic character, really not wanting but, of course, having to help Barnabas in his evil doings. It's amazing that the show was so well written and acted for being done on a...
Kathy Mohrmann
May 16, 2024 | Taylors, SC | Friend
I use to watch him on dark shadows he was a great actor alongside Jonathan fid and the rest of the actors.loved the show
Kayren chaplin
February 21, 2024 | Other
Jennifer
October 30, 2023 | Hamden, CT
There are no words that anyone could say, yet it taken a while to find the right words along saying goodbye as well. My Deepest Sympathy Condolences to John Karlen”s Family, Friends, Hollywood Industry & Fans
John Karlen was a talented and gifted actor, man in any acting role he was given to him. as I was growing up in 1967. He played Jack Porter Love is a Many Splendored Thing #155 Episodes Soap Opera, he made appearances on Television Shows like The Mod Squad, Streets of San...
Jennifer
October 29, 2023 | Hamden, CT