DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '12 I => Topic started by: Cousin_Barnabas on April 19, 2012, 08:29:45 AM
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Kathryn Leigh Scott has posted the following on her website:
http://www.kathrynleighscott.com/?p=2190
Like Barnabas, he will live forever in our hearts and minds.
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He seemed to be doing so well, lately.
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[ghost_sad]
His was a wonderful life.
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I'm so sorry and sad to hear that Mr. Jonathan Frid has passed on. My prayers and thoughts are with his friends and family at this time. I will always remember him fondly.
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Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! But I'm glad that he didn't suffer from a long, slow decline.
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this is really overwhelming news.
i'm at a loss for what to say. [ghost_sad]
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I'm stunned beyond all belief.
Gerard
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I certainly didn't expect to hear this sad news today. My condolences to those who knew him personally. Such a great loss to all his fans as well. May he rest in peace.
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Oh my, I am so saddened to hear this news this morning. I will always have such wonderful memories of running home from school every day to see him.
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A very long life. Grateful he shared his gifts with us for as long as he did.
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I am shocked and saddened. But he has gone to a well deserved rest.
As he recited so memorably on the 1969 LP:
"Until the morning of eternity
His rest shall not begin nor end, but be:
And when he wakes,
He will not think it long."
May the Peace that Passeth all Understanding be his.
Steve
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There is an update now on the link for KLS' eulogy of him:
http://www.kathrynleighscott.com/?page_id=298
Google showed an obit on a soap opera history page, too, but I didn't clip the link. I am sure the obits will be posted as we move deeper into the day.
May his spirit be blessed. He brought happiness and comfort to so many.
G.
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This is indeed shocking news. With everything coming up shortly in the world of Dark Shadows, I'm sure this happening was far from anyone's thoughts.
Thoughts go to his family and close friends.
I'm glad that I made it to one of the more recent fests where he was in attendance. His presence, personality and candor at the fests were a treat and added a special feeling to the overall experience.
Although he is no longer with us, his enduring legacy of Dark Shadows and the character Barnabas Collins will always be with us.
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I hope he's at peace. [ghost_sad]
Maybe it's a small comfort that he got to give a farewell to the public & his most famous role, with his cameo in the movie.
R.I.P. John Frid, you brought many of us much happiness with your work!
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Very sad news. I'm still pretty speechless.
My condolences to his family and friends.
R.I.P., Jonathan. You will never be forgotten.
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SHADOWGRAM OFFICIAL ONLINE DARK SHADOWS NEWS
Update Number 261. April 19, 2012
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Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
THE PASSING OF JONATHAN FRID
I 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.
Thank you.
Marcy Robin
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Such sad news! My favorite DS actor has passed away! [ghost_sad]
May you rest in peace Jonathan. You brought such complexity to the role of Barnabas. You will be missed.
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I was surprised to hear the news. Though it would certainly seem that he had a rich and full life - and what more can any of us ask from life...
And how amazingly coincidental is it that his family's gathering to remember him took place on the 45th anniversary of the broadcast of his first appearance at the door of Collinwood...
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I just heard the news. So sad. :( I guess I just imagined Mr. Frid going on for many more years. He brought us all so much joy with his iconic character and his wonderful acting. My sincere condolences to Jonathan's family and close friends.
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Strange- I always thought he'd be he longer as his mother lived into her 90s. Still, I am indeed heartbroken: Now I know what Skeeter Davis was singing about.......
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My humble attempt to explain to the "normals" what made him special to the rest of us.
http://badassdigest.com/2012/04/19/in-memoriam-jonathan-frid-1924-2012/
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I was so shocked to hear the sad news about Johnathan Frid . I will really miss him alot,
Rest In Peace Friend . Love Anne [ghost_sad] :(
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Hopefully they will put a credit in the film dedicated to his memory. That would be a classy thing to do.
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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.
I had been wondering why the new of his passing was announced so late, but this connection makes the news more poignant. He did seem to be slowing down at the latest Festival, but I'm grateful we had him with us as long as we did.
RIP, Mr. Frid! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! None of us would be here without you.
ProfStokes
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I am so incredibly sad. I thought he would live forever. If it wasn't for Mr. Frid there would be no Dark Shadows. Thank you for making the show the greatest ever.
EW recently posted an article. http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/04/19/jonathan-frid-original-dark-shadows-star-dies-at-87/
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So sad. But he did have a very long, full life.
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It's nice that the EW piece has a quote from Tim Burton. Thanks for the link, jimbo. [ghost_smiley]
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I haven't gone through all the threads to see if this has been mentioned but it deserves its own.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/jonathan-frid-star-of-soap-opera-dark-shadows-dies/2012/04/19/gIQA58iZTT_blog.html?tid=pm_entertainment_pop
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So sad. But he did have a very long, full life.
Yeah. Man. I'm running out of Kleenex.
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I am also shock by the news of Jonathan passing. I hope they will dedicate of his memory in the movie next month.
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Johnny Depp said to JF, upon meeting him on the set of the new DS movie, "None of us would be here without you." I think that we fans can all say the same thing, because there would be no DS Forum or fandom if not for the indelible impression that Jonathan Frid made in the role of Barnabas Collins. And so, while I am quite saddened by the news of his passing, what I really want to say is, "Thank you, Mr. Frid, for all you have given us."
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Tweeted earlier today:
Seth Grahame-Smith @sethgs
Godspeed to the great Jonathan Frid, the original Barnabas Collins (though in DARK SHADOWS, no one's ever really gone forever).
12:01 PM - 19 Apr 12
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Godspeed to Jonathan Frid, the one and ONLY Barnabas Collins,,,,it was my good fortune to know him for a brief time in the 80's. May you Rest in Peace.
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Johnny Depp speaks about Mr. Frid's passing. Very touching.
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/04/19/johnny-depp-shadows-star-jonathan-frid-was-elegant-magical/#/0
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Very nice remarks from Depp. Thanks so much for the link, jimbo. [ghost_smiley]
Frid's passing was almost mentioned on Access Hollywood. And I say 'almost' because it started to go across the bottom of the screen during the show, but the crawl only got as far as 'Jonathan Frid, best known as "Dark Shadows'" Barnabas' before it was cut off for the commercial break. [ghost_wacko] So, unless you already knew why he was being mentioned, you had no idea it was because of his passing. Though it was more than any of the other entertainment shows did tonight. However, I have yet to see Entertainment Tonight (and I won't see that one until midnight).
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Comments from David Selby:
http://www.davidselby.com/blog/2012/04/19/a-letter-to-jonathan/
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Hopefully they will put a credit in the film dedicated to his memory. That would be a classy thing to do.
That would be awesome for sure...
I feel as though someone has punched me in the guts! Don't think its really hit me just yet but just so hard to believe he's no longer with us...
Thank you Mr. Frid for being at your best and making Dark Shadows the phenomenon it became! And thanks for the many hours, days and years I've spent watching you to my heart's content. You will be missed sir!!
RQ
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That wasn't respectful of Access Hollywood to do that. I'm not surprised that happened knowing how greedy the networks are to squeeze every second of commercials for profit.
Johnny Depp's complete statement is here although he may be speaking to several entities: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20588621,00.html
I thought this was a good article if it wasn't already posted. http://www.cleveland.com/tv-blog/index.ssf/2012/04/jonathan_frid_transformed_the_vampire.html
That was a touching tribute by David Selby. Thanks Cousin MsCriseyde.
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Very, very touching tributes from Johnny Depp and David Selby, two first class gentlemen.
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RIP Mr. Frid. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
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Thanks to everyone for all the links to such sweet statements by various people. It's unfortunate that the Access Hollywood crawler was cut off, but that might've been due to the local affiliate rather than the show itself.
I'm happy to report that there was a very nice little segment about Jonathan on our DC area all-news radio station, WTOP, while I was driving home tonight. They took their time, and even played a little of the DS theme. They also mentioned the film and how Jonathan has a cameo in it. They don't report a great deal of entertainment news so I was pleased that they spoke about him so nicely.
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It's unfortunate that the Access Hollywood crawler was cut off, but that might've been due to the local affiliate rather than the show itself.
It would be nice to think that, but sadly it's not the case. When I saw it get cut off on the channel I was watching, I recorded another showing of the show on a channel that runs it 30 minutes later, and it played the exact same way on that channel too.
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I really don't know what to say. I'm in shock.
Thank you, Mr. Frid.
I think I'll go watch you and cry.
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Was crushed this morning when I read this. Godspeed to a lovely man, he and his friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers tonight. ♥
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RIP dear jonathan (the only and only Barnabas Collins for me as a 10 year i thought he was hot [ghost_wink])
i was so upset by this news today. i have been reading his website site
and he appeared to be doing well so glad he enjoyed his latter years.
i feel like i lost another family member. [ghost_sad]
jennifer (aka PattiV)
can't get past think the New DS movie looks horrible (trying to keep open mind) [ghost_undecided]
but was texting my daughter about it yesterday and today this news going to watch
House of DS now
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We put our actors up there with gods. They seem so immortal on the screen. Yet like you and I they are flesh and blood.
I didn't foresee how affected I would be by Jonathan Frid's death. I felt this bad the day Don Briscoe died; although I feel I was mourning his life for what could have been.
Perhaps I took it for granted he would always be there. I would make it to a Festival one day and met him. But that day will never come......
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting those who have passed; count yourself a little bit luckier today.
I mourn for his loss. I mourn for the fact that I will never met him. I will never meet Louis who I feel I know through his book. I mourn that I will never meet Grayson; but perhaps one day I will. Perhaps when it's my time to go they will be welcoming me not into the Shadows......but into the Light....
Peace and Love. You were an amazing Barnabas and I thank you for letting a young man from Kentucky who knew he was gay from a young age have someone to identify with; I had a secret just like Barnabas. A secret that could make me or break me. A secret that a lot of people in my life have never understood. But you understood Barnabas.....thanks for understanding.
RIP Jonathan! I hope Louis and Grayson and the gang were there to help you transition into the next life....
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You were an amazing Barnabas and I thank you for letting a young man from Kentucky who knew he was gay from a young age have someone to identify with; I had a secret just like Barnabas. A secret that could make me or break me. A secret that a lot of people in my life have never understood. But you understood Barnabas.....thanks for understanding.
Taeylor, what a very moving tribute...one with which I, who grew up in Ohio as a young gay boy "with a secret" in the late 60s, can identify. I always thought, in later years, that my empathy with Barnabas was my need early in my life to keep a part of my life secret, just like Barnabas.
FYI, David Selby's letter to Jon Frid brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful tribute from Mr. Selby.
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RIP Mr Frid, I have many great memories of running home from school to watch my favorite show. To me he was Dark Shadows and I loved he and Lara Parker in their roles. The show represents to me innocence and a safe place to be. I was 11 when the show went off the air in 1971. I remember being devastated that I would no longer be able to watch my favorite show. Two months later my father died and that was the most tramatic event in my life to this day. That is why the show represents innocence to me, it was a time when I had my dad and could run home from school to watch my favorite show.
Thank you Mr. Frid for the many great memories I have of you as my favorite vampire, Barnabas Collins!
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That EW article was so sweet, I'm glad that Jonathon got to go onto the set, meet Johnny and have a cameo. He lived a long life and was a highly talented person. Goodbye.
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Lara Parker's remembrance:
http://laraparkersite.blogspot.com/2012/04/jonathan-frid.html
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I was saddened to learn today of Mr. Frid's recent passing. I add my wishes that he rest in peace and my thanks to those who have shared the many wonderful links with fond remembrances and celebrations of his life and work.
You were an amazing Barnabas and I thank you for letting a young man from Kentucky who knew he was gay from a young age have someone to identify with; I had a secret just like Barnabas. A secret that could make me or break me. A secret that a lot of people in my life have never understood. But you understood Barnabas.....thanks for understanding.
Taeylor, what a very moving tribute...one with which I, who grew up in Ohio as a young gay boy "with a secret" in the late 60s, can identify. I always thought, in later years, that my empathy with Barnabas was my need early in my life to keep a part of my life secret, just like Barnabas.
It is amazing to understand for the first time what others apparently perceived for over 40 years. I was a fan of the original series when it originally aired, and always appreciated how much Barnabas was conflicted with being a vampire as well as his protective role of the Collins family. I was too young or too naive or too dense to ever appreciate how living in the open while protecting his secret could have represented anything more. Thank you both for helping to enlighten me nearly a half a century after the fact.
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Lara Parker's remembrance:
http://laraparkersite.blogspot.com/2012/04/jonathan-frid.html
Lara's tribute was very heartfelt. Thank you for sharing the link.
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One of the more interesting online articles:
This Just In: Original Vampire Jonathan Frid Is Truly Immortal (VIDEO) (http://thestir.cafemom.com/entertainment/136404/original_vampire_jonathan_frid_is?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cafemom%2Fthestir%2Fentertainment+%28The+Stir+By+CafeMom%3A+Entertainment%29)
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I was terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Jonathan Frid. I was one of the studio kids, and had a chance to met him as a youngster. He was always gracious and kind to me. Years later, at all the different types of DS conventions he was still gracious and kind. He also once said hello to my than 3 year old nephew back in 1993.My last memory is this, last summer at the Brooklyn Fest, my friend Anna and I were in the hotel restaurant, we were walking to our table, and Jonathan was at a table we were passing, he saw us, smiled and waved. We both said hello, and went to our own table. My heart is broken today, I feel as if I have lost a friend. I have. Rest In Peace Jonathan, you will always be in my heart. Richie
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i have yet to see mentions of JONATHAN FRID passing on entertainment shows. nothing on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT because its all about DICK CLARK. it is mentioned on the etonline.com website. I remember ET mentioned GRAYSON HALL'S death in the 80s.
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What a shock. It was so recently that he did his cameo in the movie, and nothing has ever been posted to indicate that he had any particular health problem, so I assumed that he was in reasonably good health. Such sad news.
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I just wanted to thank Cousins Brian and Usfan for the kind remarks. I was am a second generation fan who came to love DS through the Revival. Most everyone here knows my story so I will no rehash; however, I went on to embrace the original. And for me, Jonathan Frid was the Barnabas that I identified with. I loved Ben Cross but I didn't feel the kindred spirit I did with Frid's Barnabas.
I have cried off and on all day. Grayson/Julia is my favorite from DS. Barnabas was never my favorite character; think today my heart realized how much of an impact Frid's Barnabas had one me.
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Farewell to the first actor with whom I identified and truly loved! [ghost_sad] So sad I never got the chance to tell him what he meant in my young life! [ghost_wub] Truly the movie should be dedicated to him and he should be long remembered and honored. [ghost_happy]
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Bella Heathcote @Bella_Heathcote
RIP Jonathan Frid
9:08 AM - 20 Apr 12
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Somebody probably has already posted this, but here's (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/arts/television/jonathan-frid-ghoulish-dark-shadows-star-dies-at-87.html?ref=obituaries) the NY Times obituary.
David Selby's "Letter to Jonathan" is a lovely and touching piece of writing.
Still can't believe it--and I didn't even start watching till the reissue on public TV here in the 1980s!
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Jonathan's native Hamilton, Ontario newspaper published a piece today about him. Yesterday online they had some of Jonathan's DS videos.
http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/708247--frid-s-character-to-live-on
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RIP Mr. Frid. I started watching Dark Shadows in 1966 when I was 11 and 46 years later I still enjoy watching it. He was great as Barnabas. Thanks for the many great memories.
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Jonathan's native Hamilton, Ontario newspaper published a piece today about him. Yesterday online they had some of Jonathan's DS videos.
http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/708247--frid-s-character-to-live-on
This was a great little piece; he was noteworthy to so many, but these people lost a neighbor they all loved.
My condolences to you, Nancy.
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Thanks for sharing the article, Nancy. It gave us some insight into what he was like away from the spotlight.
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A co-worker asked me when I came in to work this morning if I had heard about "our friend" who had died. I asked whom she meant. "Barnabas," was her reply. So many of us grew up with "Barnabas." Of course we know now that Jonathan Frid was not Barnabas, but rather was a versatile actor who sometimes felt burdened that he would always be associated first and foremost with Barnabas Collins. And that is because he played the role so brilliantly and believably. Jonathan Frid - indelible actor; gentleman; a man who valued his privacy, yet was beloved by many.
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Wonderful article, Nancy--thanks for sharing. It's always nice when people don't forget their roots.
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I think it was Boris Karloff that said "kids can see through the makeup and acting, they see the person under it" Karloff was talking about why kids weren't afraid of him as "the monster" (Frankenstein). Maybe that's why we ran home from school to see Barnabas. We were able to see the real Mr. Frid under all the makeup and acting. I like to think that I (we ) were drawn to Barnabas because, as kids, we could see how special the man was.
I didn't really know Mr. Frid but I did get to shake his have, get a photo or two and talk with him. I think of myself as very lucky to have done so. I will never forget him. As Barnabas he, and Willie, helped me to understand to sometimes men do things because they have too, not because they want to. As a young boy whose father was away fighting a war that was very important.
When I started school I knew nothing about "male" things like sports. I was always picked last for any game. There was a time that I didn't like my father very much because of it. Barnabas and Willie helped me get past that. I truely believe that without them and DS my kids would not have know their grandfather.
Thank you Mr. Frid for teaching me that sometimes as men we do things, not because we want to but because we have to. You will always have a very special place in my heart.
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Thank you, Phil, for your kind words.
When Jonathan had his house, he had a neighbor who would come over (without being asked) with his snowblower and remove snow off of Jonathan's sidewalk, driveway and patio. He also would go over (without being asked) after a bad storm to clean out the gutters. The neighbor was doing this after Jonathan found it harder and harder to deal with the snow on his own. Jonathan offered him money but the neighbor refused.
One day the neighbor asked Jonathan if he could get an autograph from him for a family member who lived in the U.S. The neighbor used to live in the US and had watched DS. When he found out his neighbor was Jonathan Frid, he decided to not let Jonathan know he recognized him from the series. At that point the secret was out, of course and Jonathan was delighted to give the man an autographed photo for his family member. Jonathan told him to ask for an autographed photo whenever he wanted to make a gift of one for a DS fan in the states.
The neighbor was a good guy. Jonathan really liked a lot, especially for flying the Canadian flag high up on a flag pole every day in his yard!
This was a great little piece; he was noteworthy to so many, but these people lost a neighbor they all loved.
My condolences to you, Nancy.
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I am glad that you are posting this information Nancy. From all that I read Jonathan went on his own decision. I do appreciate it when people leave in peace and not in pain.
My condolences to all family and friends. May your memories be filled with happy times.
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CNN's pop culture blog quoted a number of sentiments, using passages from Ms. Scott, Johnny Depp, Fangoria, and my article.
http://geekout.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/20/fans-colleagues-remember-dark-shadows-star-jonathan-frid/?hpt=hp_c2
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Just like as a kid when I felt like Dark Shadows would be around forever, I guess I felt the same about Jonathan. He will be sorely missed by all Dark Shadows fans.
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Me too. Be glad for Jonathan. He was losing his independence and the next step would have been losing it entirely had he survived the stay in the hospital. Even though I had not spoken to Jonathan in awhile, I know I'm right when I say faced with it all, he decided he had enough and simply stopped fighting.
All the pain is with us now.
Nancy
I am glad that you are posting this information Nancy. From all that I read Jonathan went on his own decision. I do appreciate it when people leave in peace and not in pain.
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I was thinking the same too, Nancy. I know it often sounds harsh to those who are bereaved, but sometimes a quick, sudden passing, when the person says farewell to life with his dignity intact, is preferable to the alternative.
I really do think of him as taking a very well deserved rest... free from what I believe the Bard called the "slings and arrows" of continued existence.
Steve
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Nancy, tears are coming to my eyes now as I'm reading your words. I never had the pleasure Mr. Frid's acquaintance, but I was blessed with meeting him ever so briefly in the autograph line at the DS convention in 1991. It sounds like in his later years he was able to live a life of his choosing, in a place where his heart was, and in the end he was spared a prolonged suffering. He was a dignified man who left our world with dignity. We should all be so lucky.
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Hi Nancy thanks for sharing all the memories of Johnathan Frid he was a wonderful human being
and a true actor and gentlemen. He will be sorely missed. I was 7 yrs old and running
home from elementary school to watch a classic show called DarkShadows, that will always
live on in our hearts forever. Love Anne :( [ghost_sad]
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Having watched my father go from a man that split his own firewood to one that couldn't care for himself on even the very basic level, I am glad that he went with his dignity.
As you said so well Nancy, "all the pain is with us now".
I wish I had know him better, I couldn't have loved him more.
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I don't know if his numbers were going up or down or where they topped out but our dear Mr. Frid was trending at number 7 world wide on twitter last night. Kinda tells me there's alot of Frid Fans out there. Maybe more than anyone believed. I hope he would get a kick out of that.
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He had a lot of fans in South America. You wouldn't believe how many . . tons. That's as scientific with numbers as I can be right now.
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You know, we all knew that this day would eventually come, even thought we ignored it's possibility and didn't want to face it. We've lost so many of our beloved DS people over the past many decades - Joan Bennett, Thayer David, Grayson Hall, et. al. - and grieved. But with passing of Mr. Frid, it has truly hit home, at least for me. It feels that with him now gone, so is DS. I know it's not true, but that's how I feel. I keep thinking about him and all that he meant since he became the face of DS. he brought so much joy and wonderment to so many of us who grew up watching the show. All I want to do is talk him, his passing, and the show, and I have done a bit of that with friends who are trying to understand, but I know it's something beyond their comprehension, so I keep it to myself. For the most part, I mourn alone. I know the pain and grief will pass. I just wonder how I will react when I see the movie and especially to see him in it, and remembering what Johnny Depp said when he met him (paraphrasing): "If it wasn't for you, none of us would be here right now." Well, many of us who identified with him wouldn't be here right now without what he did. He gave us, in his portrayal, hope when we felt hopeless. I need to focus on the fact that our DS is not dead and gone. The fact that this movie is coming out is proof of that. And our beloved Mr. Frid may be gone, but his memory, like the love tens-of-millions developed for the show (leading to this film), will always be with us. Including me. I know that's true, but right now, in my grief, I have to allow my feelings of a world of mine swept away to play out.
We will always love you, Jonathan Frid. I hope you, during your life, had known how much you meant to us and how you kept us feeling that life is precious.
Gerard
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Gerard - I want to stop the world and tell it how my heart is breaking but I know they wouldn't understand. This hurts more than when my father passed. He had been sick a long time and we wanted it to be over for him but it still hurt, just not like this.
I so want the movie to be dedicated to him but I don't want to leave the theater in tears and I would. I hope that if it is every fan stands lets everyone in the theater know how they felt about Mr. Frid. It would be great if we could take candles but I don't think the theaters would like that.
I do wish there was a way to show the world just how much we all loved the man. Any ideas?
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I remember grandpa passed in june of 1968. Grandma was living in rural Michigan at the time and there was really no TV channel she could pick up, living between Chicago and Detroit. they had a tv but all channels was snowy and not really worth watching...She came to live with us in the suburbs of Philadelphia from sept. 1968 to april 1969. when i got home from school, mom and grandma had quilting frames in the living room and would sew away..we had been watching DS from about feb. 1968....Grandma was the sweetest lady you could have as a grandparent...she got familiar with clear television while she was with us...THere was one show that she really liked...you got it...DS...on several occasions she would ask me when "Barnabas was coming on" Brings back some fond memories having her there, and the enjoyment of watching grandma watching her favorite show and favorite actor....R.I.P Mr. Frid, and thank you for helping a sweet old lady forget about her loss for at least 30 minutes a day.
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He lived a long and great life and left a lasting legacy to the world. He will be missed and I hope we can all come up with ways to show how much we loved him.
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tripwire, that was such a sweet story...and Phil, that was such a good article.
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Posting links for David...
Huff Post/Gay Voices: The Greatest Vampire of Them All (1924-2012) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-j-mann/jonathan-frid_b_1438196.html)
Fangoria obit written by David: http://www.fangoria.com/index.php/home/all-news/1-latest-news/6931-jonathan-frid-1924-2012 (http://www.fangoria.com/index.php/home/all-news/1-latest-news/6931-jonathan-frid-1924-2012)
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thanks, Midnite, whenever I try to post links they don't work.
I almost short circuited my laptop, weeping onto the keyboard when I typed up the Fangoria tribute.
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The online outpouring of affection and grief has been really touching just to witness. And if the movie does nothing else, it has undoubtedly convinced the mainstream media to shine a brighter spotlight onto Mr. Frid as he took his final bow. Whatever our opinions of the actual film, that has to count for something.
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I'll be reviewing Depp Shadows in San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter--my editor just asked me to include a tribute to Frid--actually I told him I wanted to do that & he said yes.
I'd like to write about why Frid's performances resonated so deeply with gay viewers--if anyone here is willing to be quoted (real names only please) then PM me--I can quote ONE person only.
Thanks.
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The Worcester Telegram & Gazette had a huge article on him. Not often that you see a vampire in the headlines.
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though i wasn't around when the show was 1st on. i've been a fan since (1998) i think? of the original show for "DS" well the remake that is. it had to be in (1991) i can't really remember if i watched the 2 hr. film or not, but that's how long i've been a fan. anyways,my point is i wasn't around back when it was 1st on.
so i didn't run home from school back than. & though it does affect me of course that he passed away.
i don't have no good stories like many of you do, where they watched it with loved ones who have long since passed away. for example. actually nobody in my family likes the show. i used to watch the remake with my dad so that has meaning to me. so when 'Ben Cross" one day passes away it'll prolly affect me
even though i haven't really seen many of his work even now. but i do find it pretty amazing that 'Mr. Frid" lived to be 87 years old! that's a good long life. and it's nice that he went back to 'DS" many years having retired from it all together. it's a bit like 'Tim Curry" with "Rocky Horror"
i'm not really a "Rocky Horror" fan but that's a guy who mostly stays away from it now. but every now & than every once in a while. he shows up at some anniversary for it. or grants a RARE interview. but again that's normally for an anniversary for it. anyways i also am glad that we get to see him on the big screen one last time. even if it is only in a cameo. & many of us here weren't around back when it was 1st on. so we didn't see the film or any of his films on the big screen back than when they 1st came out.
so it's nice he gave us that. thank you for the memories Mr. Frid.
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I am touched by much of what has been posted here about Jonathan Frid. Of course, I was saddened to hear of his passing, and still am. I am glad that I got to see him at the 2007 and 2008 DS Festivals. I am also glad that he had a quick passing and was able to die with his dignity intact.
What really surprises me is that I have NOT seen or heard anything about Jonathan Frid's passing on TV or radio, even on ABC. There's a lot online, though. If I didn't have a computer, I wouldn't know about it at all. That is really sad.
However, there is a LOT of media attention about Dick Clark's passing. This reminds me about Farrah Fawcett dying on the same day as Michael Jackson. Most of the media concentrated on Michael Jackson. But at least she WAS mentioned on TV and radio! I think in general, Dark Shadows does NOT get the respect it deserves. I remember being disappointed that Dan Curtis wasn't mentioned much, either, when he died.
Jonathan Frid, you are loved and you will be missed. RIP.
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to my surprise it was a lead story in the entertainment section of my AOL newsfeed.
and 'perezhilton' noted it as well.
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Very sad to hear of Jonathan Frid's Passing. The great Shakespearean actor played a huge part in creating Barnabas Collins, An immortal character so dear to our hearts. I'm glad he was able to appear in Johnny Depp's updated Movie version of a Supernatural Soap Opera Classic. RIP
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Jonathan Frid will be honored at the upcoming Festival. http://www.darkshadowsfestival.com/page02a.htm
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Hi Jim thanks for the link to the article it really doesnt seem possible that he is gone .
Love Anne [ghost_sad]
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I still can't believe he's dead. I've written a short piece as to why.
http://www.nancykersey.blogspot.com
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Thank you, Nancy, for your beautiful and intimate tribute. Sincere condolences to you and yours.
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Nancy, that was so kind and thoughtful. I am extremely sorry for your loss. The man brought so much joy and happiness into my own life just through his amazing talents. I can only imagine what he brought to yours.
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Dear Nancy thanks so very much for the wonderful tribute to Jonathan he was a very special friend
to you and so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and Prayers.
He will never forget you . Love Anne
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Very well written piece, Nancy. One of the best ones I've read.
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Well done, Nancy.
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Very lovely, Nancy. Thank you for sharing it.
From the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-jonathan-frid-20120420,0,5560319.story (http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-jonathan-frid-20120420,0,5560319.story)
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Beautiful piece Nancy, thank you.
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Such a touching piece. Thank you for sharing, Nancy. Jonathan Frid was a wonderful man who will be missed. I still can't believe he is gone, but I'm glad he went HIS way.
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Thank you Nancy. That was so moving.
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That was simply beautiful, Nancy. Thank you for sharing your memories of Jonathan with such candor.
Like you, I am glad he has found peace.
xo Steve
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http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news/remembering-jonathan-frid/
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The news of Mr. Frid's death is extremely sad news for both the cast members and for the many fans of Dark Shadows. I first learned of Mr. Frid's death early on Friday morning on WCBS 880-AM in New York City. Columnist David Hinckley of the New York Daily News wrote an obituary on Mr. Frid in Friday's edition of the newspaper.
I believe that Mr. Frid was the last surviving member of the veteran members of the cast, including Joan Bennett, Louis Edmonds, Grayson Hall, Thayer David, David Ford and Addison Powell.
Mr. Frid served as a young man in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II (along with American WW II veterans and fellow Dark Shadows actors Louis Edmonds and Addison Powell, of the US Navy and the US Army Air Force, respectively). With Mr. Frid's death, along with many of our own fathers and uncles, yet another member of the Greatest Generation has left us.
Watching the FOX Channel last night, I found it particularly bittersweet to see a commercial for the upcoming and much-anticipated Johnny Depp Dark Shadows film. However, I am thankful that we will be afforded one final opportunity to see the truly great Jonathan Frid on screen.
Requiescant in Pace, Mr. Frid.
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i didn't get into DS until i was in my late twenties and my "coming out" process was already complete...
so the "man with a secret" subtext to the barnabas collins character and jonathan frid's performance were not part of my attraction to the series. in fact having watched it(on video)from episode one i was already hooked on the show before the character even made his first appearance.
still over time i've greatly come to appreciate mr.frid's performance more and more. watching the series from beginning-to-end was a project that helped me get through a very difficult period in my life. it was a great pleasure and frid was certainly a huge part of that. i'm very excited for the movie but in other ways i'm drifting away from the series. i rarely watch it these days. i don't need it in the way i once did. but it, and the characters we've all come to know and love, never leave you. they stay with you and become part of you. they become in a way "real".
with frid gone our "community" has again gotten a bit smaller. it was a real treat for us that in recent years he decided to rejoin it. i'll always recall casually greeting mr.frid in a hotel lobby as he headed onto the elevator and up to his room.
and thanks nancy for the great piece. it's nice to know his later years were for the most part productive and enjoyable.
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I was fortunate enough to be able to track down a copy of Friday's New York Times. I salvaged an unread copy from a recycling bin. The article, although an incomplete account, is going in the box of memorable papers. It is such a beautiful picture of Mr. Frid. I am glad it was chosen for their tribute.
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The Frid family has started a facebook memory page.
https://www.facebook.com/officialjonathanfrid
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I just watched a youtube video of Jonathan performing at a recent Fest, and it brought tears to my eyes--it will be poignant for people attending this year's Fest at Lyndhusrst to see the scenes Jonathan was going to present from DS, and then the tribute to him.
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I have written the first of three blog posts I intend to write about Jonathan. The first is now up for anyone who is interested in reading it.
http://www.nancykersey.blogspot.com/
Thank you.
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page 52 of the april 30th-may6th issue of TV GUIDE has a tribute to JONATHAN FRID. if you are a subscriber to the magazine like myself you should have the issue already.
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I have written the first of three blog posts I intend to write about Jonathan. The first is now up for anyone who is interested in reading it.
Very nice homage, Kerz. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to reading more.
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Really enjoying these, Nancy.
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Hi Nancy very nicely written i'm glad that you were his special friend.
Love Anne [ghost_smiley] :):)
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I helped Jonathan with his fan mail for many years. I read many letters from fans who are gay and they wrote extensively about how much they related to Barnabas growing up, his need to protect his secret because few would understand . . .
i didn't get into DS until i was in my late twenties and my "coming out" process was already complete...
so the "man with a secret" subtext to the barnabas collins character and jonathan frid's performance were not part of my attraction to the series. in fact having watched it(on video)from episode one i was already hooked on the show before the character even made his first appearance.
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There's a book called TV Milestones: Dark Shadows that talks extensively about the show's gay appeal for that very reason.
I mentioned this topic when I did my Frid obit in Fangoria & I'll be doing so again in San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter, where my review of Depp Shadows will conclude with a Frid tribute.
I see the new film at a May 7 press screening--I really hope they have the decency to dedicate the film to Mr. Frid's memory.
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Thankyou Nancy for a wonderful article on Jonathan. I look forward to reading the other two you plan on doing. Richie
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Thank you Nancy. I look forward to your future entries.
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I saw somewhere it's dedicated to Dan Curtis but I am sure they will add Mr. Frid today. I had another outburst. I was reading RETURN TO COLLINWOOD and the now familiar line "WE WOULDN'T BE HERE IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU" My mom has been really sick and I am sure that is part of it; however, his death hit me really hard. I think because I have never been to a fest. I am so sad that so many have slipped pass me. I will be at the WEST COAST FEST next year come hell or high water.
It was eerie. You can believe me or not. Jonathan was already dead on August 17 and my friend and I were talking about how DS was so much more than a show to us. We met 21 years because of DS and now arethe best of friends with her moving here recently. I dropped her off after my doctors apt. and I had this overwhelming urge that one of the big stars on the show wouldn't be here long. It was fleeting but so strong I started crying on my way home. I called my friend and told her. Two days later I called her to let her know how my mom was and she said "Taeylor, you were in tune with something, Jonathan has passed" I was floored. I thought maybe I was just worrying when I felt those feelings that day. I have had a bit of intuition all my life; my grandmother was the same way and so is my dad. When I listen to it I am good if I don't then I usually find myself in trouble.
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www.change.org/petitions/warner-brothers-dedicate-tim-burton-s-dark-shadows-to-the-memory-of-jonathan-frid
Please sign the petition to get Warners to dedicate the film to Mr. Frid. Thanks.
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I write a blog entry today about Jonathan that might interest you.
http://www.nancykersey.blogspot.com
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I write a blog entry today about Jonathan that might interest you.
http://www.nancykersey.blogspot.com
'bout time, you slacker.
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'bout time, you slacker.
[ghost_tongue]
[ghost_mad] [ghost_tongue2]
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Nice photo of JF, there, Kerz. You know I'll always curse myself for not taking you up on the invite to visit Mr. Frid. Just shoot me.
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That was wonderful, Nancy! I especially loved two things within it: how Jonathan stated he would not tell Depp how to portray Barnabas, and the Lincoln Tunnel story.
Regarding the former, it has to do with his meeting (as the story is recollected from other sources) with Johnny Depp, with Depp in full make-up. The only "criticism" Jonathan had, obviously done with wit and humor, after eyeing him, was to say: "You've got more locks than I did."
As for the latter, for anyone to do that in NYC shows what an incredibly compassionate, caring man he was. I can only imagine the fear if not down-right terror the driver had wondering what was going to happen next and he went to the "rescue." That says so much about his character.
Gerard
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Love the man. May he rest in peace.
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Thank you Nancy. That was beautiful and once again....I am crying......what an extraordinary man! Smile down upon your legacy on May 11Th dear Jonathan!! We Love You....
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Thankyou Nancy for another wonderful article about Jonathan. He truly was a unique man. Thankyou again. Richie
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Just another thumbs up from me.
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i saw the dark shadows movie at the chinese theatre world premiere and they only dedicate the film to dan curtis and frid's cameo is about 1-2 seconds!
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I saw it at a press screening here in San Francisco--all four original cast cameos are a waste!
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ABC News In Memoriam 2012 (http://abcnews.go.com/US/slideshow/2012-memoriam-ray-bradbury-dies-15862468)
A look at the notable people who died this year
JF is currently on page 15.
With thanks to Julia99
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Every year around Christmas time Turner Classic Movies does a beautiful retrospect of actors and film people who have passed away. I bet Mr. Frid will be included in this year's ode.
As I am involved in the Current Watching Project here (intro to Barn just recently), I am enjoying Mr. Frid as Barnabas very much. In between that, during one of my Quentin fixes, Frid shines even more. I can't fathom how these people remembered all the dialogue they had, never mind personal appearances and what not.