Book of Memories for Jonathan "Barnabas Collins" Frid

Story shared: Inspiration

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:31:09 EDT

As a child decades ago. My mum n I shared watching dark shadows together. I was under the spell of Mr. Frid from early on. He inspired in me a love of Shakespeare, Poe, and education in general. He taught me that the classy gentleman is best n that this symbolizes the need to achieve beyond what people expect you should accept or follow. Im graduating with my bachelors degree today at almost 40. You are in my heart today as I do this. Thank you, you stunning stunning man!

Story shared: Someone special

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 23:04:14 EDT

I only recently "met" you John through your work on Dark Shadows, and have come to admire you very much. You were very dedicated to your career and craft as an actor, and greatly enjoyed exploring your own humanity through the roles you came to play. You also delighted in opening up new vistas for others through your work, finding a unique pleasure in reaching to others through your readings. Thank you for your inspiration and your legacy. You have touched my life, and for that I am very grateful. Sincerely, Jana Bess

Photo shared: 12.png

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 23:01:00 EDT

Story shared: Light out of darkness

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:22:06 EDT

I was right there along with the other thousands of kids who ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows and fall in love with this new heartthrob, a vampire named Barnabas Collins. Thru the years of Dark Shadows, we came to know not just the vampire but Jonathan Frid also. The whole cast became family and a bit of light went out of our world when Dark Shadows ended. But thru technology, it will never end. The friendships that were forged between the cast was evident at all the reunions. They were doing this because of their love of the show and the love of their fans, not because they were being paid. In Jonathan's last years, he still converted to Barnabas as a cameo in the new movie. And what a great job seeing the old with the new. Jonathan's death was a blow, it was like losing a family member. But he will live on in all of our hearts. A kind, gracious, gentleman from a bygone era. May his family find comfort and peace in all of our memories. I am so very, very grateful to have had the blessing of him in my life.

Story shared: New, But Not Heartless

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 18:47:00 EST

I had no idea who Jonathan Frid was, much less what Dark Shadows was at the start of 2012. However, thanks to my wonderful Mother, I soon became attached to the series and its small company of actors. Mother had mentioned she loved Barnabas Collins, and I didn't quite get it at first. But, Jonathan ever so slowly managed to grow on me, and this was amplified by the series soundtrack where I could listen to the actor speak. His voice commanded attention, but was soothing at the same time; I admire the way he was able to achieve that. I also admire who Jonathan was: a fantastic human being. I did not know him personally, but from the photos I've seen and the stories I've heard from other actors I gather he was a very kind man. I'm afraid I don't have much to say here except that I am saddened he is gone, but I think he is at peace wherever he has gone. And I think he might want fans not to be sad, but rather remember him fondly as they always have. Rest in Peace, Jonathan.

Condolence From Kathy Seaman

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:26:12 EDT

I became the next generation of viewers to see Dark Shadows. I would watch it with my mom. I recall how she came home from work and would run in and scream out like it was the end of the world...."YOU GOT IT ON?!" When I had gone to his website for the first time, Jonathan Frid opened up a whole new door of literature for me. Which I was so glad that he did. When I was at work, one of the workers let me use there computer and I decided to go to his website again to see what was going on and such. Well when I went to the readings, and waited for the page to load.....when I heard a gun shot go off I almost hit the floor. LOL Recently I did two dedications to Jonathan Frid. Poems I had written that a friend had recorded and sent to me. He played both pieces on his radio show. The first was to the Frid family. The second, for everyone. One was entitled A Precious ONe and the second was entitled My Lost Sorrow. My deepest condolences to the family of Jonathan Frid. A great man.

Condolence From Lisa Phillips

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:43:46 EDT

He will be greatly missed. I didn't get to watch Dark Shadows til later which when it came on I wasn't born but I sort of remember the latter years of it 1970-1971. I was 4 or 5 years old. My sister later got me to watching it so I got hooked watching it reruns. Later it came out on dvd so I bought the whole set. Now I can watch it anytime and many times I want plus have co-workers interested in borrowing the dvds. Jonathan Frid may your memory stay with us. There is only 1 Barnabus Collins thanks Jonathan Frid for being Barnabus. Love the video tribute and the song that played. Thank you.

Condolence From cindy cavaliere

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:16:36 EDT

I am so so saddned by this. As we all are. I remember at 9 yrs old watching this show! Running home from school to watch the show! I was in love with Barnabas! I dreamed of him! He was wonderful as Barnabas Collins. NO ONE COULD EVER PLAY HIM. He was and will be the one and only Barnabas Collins. A true actor. I am sorry to his family, and to all the wonderful actors who co starred with him. I am so sorry I never got to meet him. But someday, when God calls me, I shall! Rest in Peace Mr. Frid....you are always in my heart.....Love sent you Sir!

Photo shared: BARNABAS COLLINS - THE ONE & ONLY

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:21:00 EDT

Mr Frid, AKA Barnabas Collins, was the best ever. No one will ever play his part...no one ever could. You were such a inspiration to me at 9 yrs old, and still at 54....I love you Mr. Frd....and you are so missed

Photo shared: party

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:07:25 EDT

Photo shared: Jonathan Frid and I

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:12:41 EDT

During the release of his film Seizure. Taken in his New York apartment and one of the happiest moments of my life.

Photo shared: Group pic

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:34:20 EDT

Condolence From Eileen Dunmire

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:05:40 EDT

Jonathan will be missed by so many more than he knew. R.I.P. Sweet man

Story shared: Jonathan Frid was my inspiration.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:43:23 EDT

Jonathan was a wonderful driving force in my life. It was his talent that made me become an actor. It was his love of the written word that made me become a writer and it was his fame that caused me to meet and marry my late wife Ellen, a lady who filled my life with joy and love. Jonathan and I have met talked and laughed together over the years. The last time Ellen and I saw Jonathan she tlod him that we met and married because of him and that we both love him very much. He replied: And I love the both of you too. Thank you Jonathan Frid, I shall never forget you. With Love, Michael Lipowski

Photo shared: Jonathan and I

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:44:49 EDT

Condolence From Kathy

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:26:47 EDT

All my prayers to Jonathan's family. He will be missed. I have had the pleasure of meeting him several times and he was always the nicest person. I WAS one of those kids who ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows

Condolence From Susan

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:47:31 EDT

Words cannot described the emotions going thru me when I heard of Jonathan's passing. Like millions of others, I ran home from school to catch my most cherished friends from Dark Shadows. And beyond Dark Shadows, I always knew Jonathan was a true gentleman. Always so evident and something we are sorely lacking in our society these days. To his family, his Dark Shadows family, and everyone, thank you for sharing Jonathan with me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories. They will sustain us all.

Photo shared: Jon and Lara

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:48:32 EDT

Condolence From Len Handeland

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:46:22 EDT

My condolences go out to Jonathan's family and relatives. This brilliant actor who influenced and changed (for the better) every child growing up in the 1960's will be missed beyond measure! A true Shakespearen actor, a gentlemen, who at times (so I've heard) could be a bit irreverant as well. Jonathan touched so many people's lives! Jonathan God speed to you! You have left us with only brilliant memories of you and our past. I feel as if a large part of my childhood has passed along with you and therefore I grieve for not only losing that, but losing you as well. I'm so glad that you were physically able to make the journey to England to appear and perform with, your Dark Shadows family once again in the new Dark Shadows movie. What a delight that must have been for everyone in your presence! I shall never forget you or "Barnabas Collins"! Your beloved fan, .....Len Handeland

Memorial Candle lit by Monica Rushforth

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:25:55 EDT

Monica & Becky in memory of "Mom"

Story shared: One of Millions

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:44:52 EDT

I was one of the millions of school children who literally ran home every day to make sure I got back in time for the latest episode of "Dark Shadows." The show spoke to me on many levels, first and foremost because it was imaginative. Jonathan Frid, as Barnabas Collins, made a huge impression on me. His portrayal of a reluctant vampire conveyed power, magnetism, intelligence and humanity. I really took Barnabas as sort of a supernatural superhero (and be fair, he did wear a cape). After "Dark Shadows" concluded its run, I found out that Mr. Frid turned down numerous parts that would have simply traded on his success from the show. I admired his conviction. Of course I would have watched him in anything, but I did respect the fact that he stuck to his guns. In later years, for personal reasons, I found that identifying with a fictitious vampire had other implications, and they amounted to something of a survival skill. And I realized that the character Jonathan Frid created was still important to me. He will be very much missed.

Condolence From Miguel Novoa Sánchez

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:24:49 EDT

It is so sad to hear of Jonathan's passing - he will be missed by many. My he rest in peace.

Condolence From Gail Newcomb

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:29:45 EDT

My deepest condolences to the family. One of my very fondest moments of Mr. Frid is from a one-man show he did some years ago at the Lockwood-Mathews mansion in Connecticut. It was in December, and the mansion was decorated for Christmas. We read through the program, but the last selection was not stated. At the end of the performance, Jonathan opened a book and began to read to us. A loud shriek of joy emanated from the entire audience - Jonathan Frid was reading us "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"!!!!! Later, on the autograph line, I told him, "I can die happy now - I've had Jonathan Frid read me Dr. Seuss."

Photo shared: Frid

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:18:12 EDT

Jonathan at home showing photographs.

Condolence From lois

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:12:38 EDT

soso sorry for your loss there will never be another vampire like him

Condolence From Dale Huffman

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:58:34 EDT

My condolences to all the Frid family. As a teenage girl of 14 I have many happy memories watching Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows. I have a beautiful drawing of Jonathan as Barnabas that my daughter drew for me when she was taking art classes in high school. It hangs in the entry way of my house and is always a great reminder of this great man, now more than ever. I am glad to have had a chance to meet him when my daughter and I went to the 2010 Dark Shadows convention in Burbank. Our thoughts are with you all.

Story shared: You Will Be Missed By So Many

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:28:09 EDT

I am certainly not alone in writing of my sadness at the passing of Jonathan Frid. Although I was not yet alive at the time of Dark Shadows' original airing, it has touched my life in so many ways. Barnabas Collins is, through home video, as much a part of my childhood as anyone who lived to see the masterful character come to life on the screen. Jonathan carried such power, vulnerability and grace in his portrayal. His character was so layered, and Jonathan's performance so honest. Jonathan seduced everyone with his uneasiness as it worked to craft a character of incredible depth and sympathy. I saw Jonathan at the Dark Shadows Festival in 2010, and, although we did not get to speak, it is something I will not forget. Everyone who loves Dark Shadows loves Jonathan, and his great work has lived to inspire new generations of fans, remakes and a new film. He will be missed and treasured in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Condolence From Tina

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:29:20 EDT

Rest in peace, Mr. Frid. You were one of a kind and nobody can ever, ever take your place, especially in the eyes of the little girl that still dwells inside of me from time to time that remembers running home from school to watch for you every day in her living room. Farewell.

Condolence From James Willars

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:42:39 EDT

You will be greatly missed Jonathan, you had many years bringing us Dark Shadows, we love and miss you.

Condolence From RIP

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:03:29 EDT

Rest In Peace Dear Sweet Jonathan. You will be missed by all who know and love you. You brought so many years of joy and happiness and entertainment into my life. I have met friends, who are now family through being fan's of yours. I love you, miss you and you will live forever in my heart. Patti Williams

Photo shared: photo.JPG

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:17:59 EDT