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Jonathan FridCanadian-American stage, television and film actor.
Date of Birth: 02.12.1924
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Jonathan Frid
Jonathan Frid was a Canadian-American actor of the theater, television, and film. He received a classical education and spent the next thirty years performing on stages in various theaters in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He participated in the first productions of the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival and occasionally appeared on television.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Frid was born on December 2, 1924, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He developed a passion for theater while in school and participated in school productions. During World War II, Frid served in the Marine Corps. He then attended McMaster University, known for its scientific research, and in 1957, he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, specializing in directing. During his studies, he gained recognition for his portrayal of the lead role in the play "A Real and Special Friend" by another Yale student, William Snyder, who later became a renowned playwright.
Theater, Television, and Film Career
After receiving his classical education, Frid spent the next thirty years performing on stages in various theaters in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He participated in the first productions of the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival and occasionally appeared on television. Jonathan Frid gained widespread recognition for his role as the charismatic vampire Barnabas Collins in the original version of the cult American series "Dark Shadows," which was filmed in the gothic genre. He appeared in 594 episodes over three years. The series was followed by the feature horror film "House of Dark Shadows," released in 1970, which continued the story of Barnabas Collins. During the filming of the series, Frid also appeared in the film "Dial M For Murder."
After the conclusion of "Dark Shadows," Frid portrayed Thomas Becket in the films "Murder in the Cathedral" and "Wait Until Dark." Prior to "Dark Shadows," Frid had a recurring role as a psychiatrist in the CBS series "As the World Turns." In 1973, Frid appeared in the film "The Devil's Daughter" starring Shelley Winters, and the following year, he landed the lead role in Oliver Stone's directorial debut "Seizure," a horror film in which Frid played a writer whose nightmares become a reality. Afterward, Jonathan Frid took a break from his career and returned to the stage in 1978.
In 1980, Frid made his first appearance at a "Dark Shadows" fan conference, portraying Barnabas Collins, and secured a role in a new Broadway production of "Arsenic and Old Lace." The play was a huge success, and the troupe toured the country, with Frid appearing on dozens of radio and talk shows. In 1994, Frid concluded his professional career and returned to his native Canada, where he continued to engage in charitable work. Jonathan Frid never married.
