Jonathan Frid Quotes

Powerful Jonathan Frid for Daily Growth

About Jonathan Frid

Jonathan Frid (September 16, 1924 – March 15, 2012) was a celebrated Canadian actor best known for his portrayal of Barnabas Collins in the daytime television series "Dark Shadows." Born in Toronto, Ontario, Frid's passion for acting began at an early age. After serving in World War II, he pursued his acting career, starting on the Canadian stage before moving to New York City. Frid's breakthrough came in 1966 when he was cast as Barnabas Collins, a 200-year-old vampire, in the gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows." His eerie portrayal of the character captivated audiences and made him an icon. The role brought Frid international fame and numerous awards, including four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Despite his success on "Dark Shadows," Frid continued to act, appearing in various theatre productions and films, such as the 1970 horror film "The House That Dripped Blood." His dedication to the craft earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Toronto in 2003. Frid's life was not without challenges. He struggled with alcoholism for many years but managed to overcome it, crediting his recovery to Alcoholics Anonymous. His personal experiences often influenced his acting, bringing depth and authenticity to his characters. In his later years, Frid remained active in the entertainment industry, making guest appearances on shows like "The Simpsons" and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." He also wrote a memoir, "From Dark Shadows: A Memoir," which provided insight into his life and career. Jonathan Frid's legacy continues to live on through his iconic role as Barnabas Collins and his contributions to the world of acting. His passion, talent, and resilience serve as an inspiration to actors and fans alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Darkness has a hunger that's never satisfied."

This quote by Jonathan Frid suggests that darkness, as a symbol of ignorance, fear, or despair, is an insatiable entity. No matter how much one may try to satisfy its demands for power, control, or understanding over unfamiliar situations, it will always require more, reflecting the perpetual and unrelenting nature of fear and uncertainty in our lives. It's a reminder that navigating through darkness requires courage, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge and light to ultimately conquer one's fears.

"I am Barnabas Collins. I have walked where angels fear to tread."

This quote expresses the idea that Barnabas Collins, a character from the popular television series Dark Shadows played by Jonathan Frid, is a powerful or unconventional figure who dares to venture into realms where ordinary individuals or even angels might fear to go. It underscores his unique and bold nature, which sets him apart from others.

"Misery is always in fashion at Collinwood."

This quote by Jonathan Frid, from "Dark Shadows," suggests that the Collins family's estate, Collinwood, is a place steeped in constant despair and misfortune. The phrase "misery is always in fashion" implies that these unhappy circumstances are not just temporary or occasional, but rather an enduring part of the Collins family life. This quote highlights the gloomy and tragic atmosphere that pervades Collinwood, which draws from themes of darkness, mystery, and supernatural elements found in the popular television series.

"Revenge... a dish best served cold."

The quote "Revenge... a dish best served cold" by Jonathan Frid suggests that retaliation, or getting revenge, is most satisfying when it's delayed and carried out in a calculated manner, rather than acted upon impulsively. It implies patience, strategy, and a cool-headed approach to addressing wrongs done to oneself. The phrase "cold" symbolizes the detachment and lack of emotion involved in such actions, as opposed to rash or hot-tempered retaliation.

"The dead live on in their memories, and those memories can be more terrifying than death itself."

This quote by Jonathan Frid highlights the profound impact that our memories can have on us even after we've passed away. The "dead" are remembered not just as they were in life, but often through the lens of time, emotions, and personal biases, which can distort or amplify their actions and qualities. These memories can evoke strong feelings in those who remember us, and in some cases, these feelings might be more intense or unsettling than the actual experiences we left behind. Thus, our legacies - the memories others hold of us - can sometimes prove to be "more terrifying than death itself," reflecting a haunting presence long after we've departed from the physical world.

I'm interested in villainy.

- Jonathan Frid

Interested, Villainy

I toured Ontario in the winter of '48, in a touring company of The Drunkard, in which I played the bartender.

- Jonathan Frid

Which, Toured, Ontario, Drunkard

I have this cozy house here and I get three pensions from the States. I've done nicely.

- Jonathan Frid

Here, Cozy, Nicely, Pensions

Twice I had been stopped by these jobs, and I thought the role on Dark Shadows would go on for about three or four weeks. And then, the phenomenon began, the role caught on, the mail started to flood in.

- Jonathan Frid

Caught, Role, Been, Shadows

To me, horror is when I see somebody lying. I mean a person I know. A friend. And he's telling me something that I accept. And then suddenly, as he or she is telling it, there's something that gives them away. They're not telling me the truth.

- Jonathan Frid

Away, I See, Telling, Gives

If you have millions of dollars you are not going to get to continue doing what you want. You are into a world of commitment to that money and all the people that helped you get that money.

- Jonathan Frid

Doing, Want, Going, Millions Of Dollars

I'm constantly watching people. Watching their strengths and weaknesses. I find myself going into theater less and less, let alone horror. I gave that up when I was seven or eight years old.

- Jonathan Frid

Old, Horror, Going, Weaknesses

People think I should be a multi-millionaire if I had gotten the right contract. I'm not getting anything for all that commercial stuff they do. But I would have had to pay for that.

- Jonathan Frid

Think, Commercial, Gotten, Contract

The best theatre I've done, I've done right here in this living room.

- Jonathan Frid

Theatre, Living, Here, Living Room

It took so much of the tension out of me that my friends and family won't see me on this show.

- Jonathan Frid

Show, Tension, Took, Friends And Family

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