A Gothic Icon Passes On
In a somber turn of events, Lara Parker, the iconic actress who brought the conniving witch Angelique Bouchard to life in the ABC’s gothic TV soap opera "Dark Shadows," has passed away at the age of 84.
A Farewell to Lara Parker
Lara Parker’s close friend and co-star from "Dark Shadows," Kathryn Leigh Scott, shared the heart-wrenching news through a Facebook post. She conveyed her deep sorrow, saying, "I have sad news… my beautiful, beloved friend Lara Parker passed away Thursday, Oct. 12. I’m heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her. She graced our lives with her beauty and talent, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives."
Kathryn Leigh Scott further emphasized the significance of family in Lara’s life, stating, "Family meant more than anything to Lara, and they have wanted these few days since her passing to themselves. Rest in peace, my cherished friend."
A Battle Against Cancer
The talented actress lost her life to a battle with cancer, as reported by Deadline.
Angelique Bouchard: A Timeless Antagonist
Lara Parker is best remembered for her portrayal of the powerful antagonist Angelique Bouchard in "Dark Shadows." She captivated audiences with her performance alongside the iconic vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) from 1967 to 1971. Their on-screen love/hate relationship, primarily characterized by hate, became a defining aspect of the series.
An Enduring Legacy
Even more than four decades after the show’s cancellation, Lara Parker revisited her role as Angelique in Tim Burton’s 2012 movie adaptation of "Dark Shadows." The film boasted an ensemble cast featuring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Chloë Grace Moretz.
Beyond "Dark Shadows"
Lara Parker’s talent extended beyond "Dark Shadows." She appeared alongside Robert De Niro in Brian De Palma’s 1970 film, "Hi, Mom!" Additionally, she delivered a memorable performance as a compassionate sex worker in the 1973 Oscar-winning film "Save the Tiger," alongside Jack Lemmon.
The Author Behind the Character
In the late 1990s, Lara Parker expanded her creative horizons by penning four "Dark Shadows"-themed novels. Her first book, "Dark Shadows: Angelique’s Descent," was released in 1998, followed by sequels in 2006 and 2013. Her final literary work, "Heiress of Collinwood," was published in 2014.
A Life Well-Lived
Lara Parker, originally known as Mary Lamar Rickey, was born in Knoxville, Tenn., on October 27, 1938. She commenced her higher education at Vassar College before transferring to Rhodes College to complete her bachelor’s degree. Her academic journey culminated with a master’s degree from the University of Iowa.
Lara Parker, star of ‘Dark Shadows’ TV series, may have left us, but her enduring contributions to the world of entertainment and her unforgettable portrayal of Angelique Bouchard will forever remain in the hearts of her fans and peers.
Remembering her, we say goodbye to a remarkable actress who brought magic to our screens and left an indelible mark in the world of gothic television.
Legacy Beyond ‘Dark Shadows’: Lara Parker’s Literary Contributions
How old was Lara Parker in Dark Shadows?
Lara Parker, who discovered the role of a lifetime at a youthful age of 28, was cast by Dark Shadows producer Dan Curtis as the beautiful, vengeful, and altogether evil witch Angelique Bouchard Collins. She found her way into the hearts of fans with this iconic portrayal. Lara Parker, unfortunately, passed away in her sleep in Los Angeles on October 12, following a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of her passing, she was 84 years old, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
How did Lara Parker die?
Lara Parker met her peaceful end on Thursday, October 12th, after a valiant battle against cancer. This remarkable actress, renowned for her captivating portrayal of Angelique Bouchard Collins on the iconic series Dark Shadows, departed at the age of 84, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Is there a lost episode of Dark Shadows?
Dark Shadows, with its 1,225 episodes, remains a treasured classic. However, a singular episode stands apart as the elusive "Lost Episode." Among the extensive collection, this particular episode is the sole one for which no video footage has survived. The extraordinary commitment of a devoted fan, Josette Kernaghan, who recorded the episodes on audio tape, played a crucial role. Through her recordings and the use of still images, the "Lost Episode" was meticulously reconstructed, ensuring this piece of television history endures.
Who starred in ‘Dark Shadows’?
The renowned actress Lara Parker made her notable entry into the supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows in 1967, at a time when Canadian actor Jonathan Frid had just been cast in the role of the vampire Barnabas Collins. This significant casting decision marked a turning point in the series, transforming it from a moody, Gothic Jane Eyre-type serial into an outright horror show. Additionally, Lara Parker’s contributions extended beyond acting, as she also penned four popular Dark Shadows-related novels between 1998 and 2016.
How did Lara Parker impact the ‘Dark Shadows’ series?
Lara Parker left an indelible mark on the iconic series Dark Shadows. With her striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, she brought a unique and somewhat archetypal glamour to the show’s Gothic grandeur and macabre themes. Her portrayal added a distinctive charm to a series that stood out as a novelty in the realm of network soap operas. While other shows focused on themes of adultery, Dark Shadows offered a refreshing departure, delving into the world of sorcery, thanks in part to Parker’s compelling presence.
When and where did Lara Parker pass away?
Lara Parker, the beloved actress, passed away on Thursday, October 12, in Los Angeles. Kathryn Leigh Scott, her dear friend and co-star, announced this heartbreaking news. Her departure left a profound sense of loss among those who knew and admired her for her beauty and talent. Lara Parker’s presence enriched the lives of many, and her memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched.
