What can I say? I chose Barnabas as my confirmation name because of his portrayal of the vampire Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows. Running home after school to watch each episode was a necessity. Maybe I liked the idea of living forever. Or maybe I liked the idea of being a vampire. Not sure which, but I really really liked his cape-coat and walking stick. But time passes. People die. And some live on with us. Thanks for the memories, Jonathan.
From ShadowGram Update #261:
THE PASSING OF JONATHAN FRID
I am deeply saddened to inform you of the death of JONATHAN FRID earlier this month, at age 87. He was the iconic actor who portrayed the sympathetic vampire "Barnabas Collins" (and the Parallel Time character "Bramwell Collins") on the original daytime series "Dark Shadows" 1967-71.
Internet messages began last night about his passing. These were brief and had inaccurate information about the date of his passing.
Following is a message to Jonathan's DS colleagues, fans, and others who knew him.
"In Memoriam - Jonathan Frid
"December 2, 1924 - April 13, 2012
"Donald Frid, Jonathan's nephew, who assisted Jonathan at many of the recent Festivals, has informed us that Jonathan passed away at the age of 87 on April 13, 2012, in Hamilton, Ontario. His health had been declining in recent weeks and he died peacefully in his sleep in a local hospital. At Jonathan's request, there was no funeral and there will be no memorial service.
"Donations in the memory of Jonathan Frid may be made to Hillfield-Strathallen College, the school where he got his first taste of acting.
http://www.hsc.on.ca/advancing-hsc/tribute-program.html
"Or a charity of your choice.
"Donald and the other members of the Frid family are grateful for all the support and appreciation Jonathan received from the Dark Shadows community over these many years."
At a gathering of family and friends on April 18, the family remarked on John's passing on Friday, April the 13th, and the fact that they were remembering him on April 18, the 45th anniversary of the broadcast of his first appearance at the door of Collinwood.
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