Original 'Dark Shadows' Star Jonathan Frid Dead at 87

Actor Jonathan Frid, best known for playing the vampire Barnabas Collins in the late ’60s gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows,” has died. He was 87.

Frid shot a cameo for the upcoming film version of his classic TV show, set for a May 11 release. The film cast Johnny Depp as Collins, a vampire grappling with living in modern times.

“The death of Jonathan Frid today at age 87 has left all of us at MPI deeply saddened,” said Malik Ali, CEO of MPI Media Group, home of the Dark Shadows Series on DVD. “As a gifted actor in the role of Barnabas Collins, Jonathan was the heart and soul of ‘Dark Shadows’ and, as recently as last week, was graciously taking part in activities surrounding the series. He never tired of meeting fans and was always excited to hear about new ‘Dark Shadows’ releases.”