Jonathan Frid

Actor

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his nearly two-hour 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 makeup 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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"The character 'Barnabas' was a combination of everything I'd ever done. Well, not everything, but there was enough of that kind of role that I'd played in. Most people think it was because of my Shakespeare. I didn't play that much Shakespeare, but enough to get some qualities that these plays need."

People Talking About ...

Jonathan Frid

Highlights

Jonathan Frid on his early television work on CBC, and on appearing on As the World Turns

04:12

Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On his early life and influences; on his childhood interest in theater and acting, and on his training

On his experience during World War II; on his college education; on getting his Masters in directing at Yale University

Chapter 2

On his early television work on CBC, and on appearing on As the World Turns; on getting cast as "Barnabas Collins" on Dark Shadows; on the premise of Dark Shadows

On his Dark Shadows character "Barnabas Collins"; on the directors of Dark Shadows; on performing Dark Shadows live on tape

On the look of his Dark Shadows character "Barnabas Collins," and on the show switching back and forth in time; on where Dark Shadows was shot, and on a typical tape day

Chapter 3

On the logistics of taping Dark Shadows; on working with the cast of Dark Shadows

On the popularity and fan base of Dark Shadows and of his character "Barnabas Collins"; on promoting Dark Shadows by making personal appearances, and on the appeal of "Barnabas Collins"; on playing "Bramwell Collins" on the show, and on the cult following the series has developed

Chapter 4

On various post-Dark Shadows projects; on forming his own company, Clunes Associates, to produce one-man shows, and on directing theater

On being involved with the 40th anniversary of Dark Shadows; on advice to an aspiring actor; on how he'd like to be remembered

Shows

As the World Turns

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Jonathan Frid on his early television work on CBC, and on appearing on As the World Turns

04:12

Dark Shadows

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Jonathan Frid on getting cast as "Barnabas Collins" Dark Shadows