TORONTO (AP) - Jonathan Frid, a Canadian actor best known for playing Barnabas Collins in the 1960s original vampire soap opera "Dark Shadows", has died. He was 87.
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
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I am so glad that the Dark Shadows series is available online bringing back memories not only of this great daytime soap, and the masterful performances of Jonathan Frid, but also many other great memories of the sixties and early seventies.
Kurt M DiClementi
December 24, 2025 | Friend
Rest in peace Jonathon. When I was a teenager I never missed a day of Dark Shadows. What a great actor
Mary Ann Grymala
November 18, 2025 | Superior, WI
Dear Jonathan, Thank you for being an anchor in the stormy seas of my life. Sincerely, Kurt M. DiClementi
Kurt M DiClementi
October 29, 2025 | Friend
I remember waiting for dark shadows to come on!
Vera Valadez
October 28, 2025 | Redlands, CA
I wished I could have been there more.
Cynthia Hoskins
September 30, 2025 | Friend
One of two events that I truly regret missing in my life was when Jonathan Frid visited High Point College in NC to read poetry on what turned out to be a stormy Halloween night back around the early 2000's or earlier perhaps it was? I can't actually remember the year.
What could have been more appropriate? An event not to be missed. Sadly, I missed it. I will always regret that.
I once read that he was hurt by today's youth in their comments that his portrayal of Barnabas was...
Mark Swaim
August 24, 2025 | Winston Salem, NC | Student
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.
Crystle Ehrman
May 03, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mary Rodriguez
January 15, 2025 | Other
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!!
Diane LaPoint
December 22, 2024 | Ocala, FL
