Jonathan Frid dot org launches October 5.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- DARK SHADOWS has been responsible for a lot of firsts since it premiered in 1966. It was the first soap opera to introduce horror and the supernatural to afternoon TV, the first to appeal to younger viewers (who famously "ran home from school" to watch), and the first to be widely seen after its original network run (in syndicated reruns, on DVD and Now streaming.)
But one thing the DARK SHADOWS universe lacked was proper recognition for the long and varied career of its star: Canadian actor Jonathan Frid. Producer/director Mary O'Leary is on a mission to change that, first with her Emmy-nominated documentary DARK SHADOWS AND BEYOND — THE JONATHAN FRID STORY in 2021 and now with Jonathan Frid dot org, the first-ever memorial website devoted to Frid, who passed away in 2012 at age 87.
"I'm proud that my documentary has brought renewed attention to one of the most iconic stars of 1960s TV," producer/director Mary O'Leary said in a statement. "With Jonathan Frid dot org, I hope to extend that awareness and inspire even more people to learn about a man I was honored to call a friend."
Launching October 5, just in time for Halloween season, Jonathan Frid dot org is a continuation of O'Leary's efforts to promote her award-winning documentary (available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital), by offering a wealth of archival photos and video.
"So much material I found and created for the documentary didn't make the final cut," O'Leary added. "With this website, I have an opportunity to share it all with fans, including a letter Frid wrote to his mother when he won the role on Dark Shadows." O'Leary has brought it to life, with a reading by actor Ian Buchanan (GENERAL HOSPITAL, TWIN PEAKS).
"Giving voice to Jonathan Frid was a deeply powerful experience," Buchanan said. "More than a decade after his passing, Jonathan is still so beloved. The accolades the documentary has received are a confirmation of his timeless appeal and a testament to the way Mary O'Leary tells his story."
O'Leary, who garnered seven Daytime Emmys for producing the long-running dramas GENERAL HOSPITAL and THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, understands the power of a good cliffhanger.
"Every day, viewers stream the documentary on sites like Tubi and ask questions on social media," O'Leary said. "Jonathan Frid dot org will keep that conversation going. There's more to be told about Jonathan Frid's life before and after Barnabas Collins. And I think fans will enjoy what's to come!"
O'Leary plans to add to the website's video offerings regularly, starting with unseen excerpts from interviews with DARK SHADOWS co-stars like Marie Wallace and David Selby, who played sometime-werewolf Quentin Collins.
"Jonathan Frid brought humanity to Barnabas Collins and the fans loved him for it," Selby said recently. "Mary O'Leary's work is a fitting tribute to a very special man and a very special show."
CONTACT:
Mary O'Leary
323-252-2185
[email protected]
Will McKinley, Promotions Director
917-992-8860
[email protected]
Media Contact
Will McKinley, JonathanFrid.Org, 1 9179928860, [email protected]
Mary O'Leary, JonathanFrid.Org, 323-252-2185, [email protected]
SOURCE JonathanFrid.Org
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