Jonathan Frid

In his nearly two-hour Archive interview, Jonathan Frid (1924-2012) recalls how he discovered his voice in school plays and outlines his training as an actor, including his studies at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and Yale School of Drama. He talks about his many years as a professional theater actor, his early work in television on the CBC, and a short stint on the daytime serial As the World Turns. He speaks in great detail about the role and series with which he is most closely associated, playing "Barnabas Collins" on the gothic daytime serial Dark Shadows. Frid describes the production of the show, gives his impressions of his co-stars, and comments on the show's legacy. He also talks about working with such behind-the-scenes personnel as director Lela Swift and make-up artist Dick Smith. Finally, he speaks about his later theater work, such as a revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace" and his directorial debut with a production of "The Lion in Winter." Jim Pierson conducted the interview on July 21, 2008 in Burbank, CA.