Jonathan Frid, Actor in "Dark Shadows," Dies at 87 Jonathan Frid, a Canadian actor best known for playing Barnabas Collins in the 1960s original vampire soap opera "Dark Shadows," has died. He was 87. Frid died of natural causes in hospital in his home town of Hamilton, Ontario this past Friday the 13th, said Jim Pierson, a spokesman for Dan Curtis Productions, the creator of "Dark Shadows." Frid starred in the 1960s gothic-flavored soap opera. It was about odd, supernatural goings-on at a family estate in Maine. Frid's character was added in 1967. Johnny Depp plays Barnabas Collins in a Tim Burton directed version of Dark Shadows due out next month. Frid has a cameo role in the new movie. Frid is survived by a nephew, Donald Frid.