MUMBAI: Jonathan Frid, the original Barnabas Collins, passed away late last week at age 87 from complications following a fall, according to his co-star Kathryn Leigh Scott. His death comes on the eve of Tim Burton‘s big-screen adaptation of Dark Shadows hits the single screen.
 
The Canadian-born Frid was a Shakespearean actor who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and studied at the Yale School of Drama, and who always seemed a little bemused by the role that ended up winning him fame.

Grieved Johnny Depp in a report, "Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch Dark Shadows. His elegance and grace was an inspiration then and will continue to remain one forever more. When I had the honor to finally meet him … [he] generously passed the torch of Barnabas."
 
Frid, along with other cast members from the show, have cameo appearances in the film.