Michael Learned and David Selby in “The Romance,” an episode of The Waltons.
It never occurred to me that I would not see Earl again. We had talked on the phone a few times recently. He had not been well, but his voice was strong and warm. Earl Hamner, a dear and good man, friend, and, oh, a wonderful writer and storyteller, passed away last week. It was my good fortune to know Earl for over 40 years. There had seemed to be an instant connection… he was from the mountains of Virginia and I was born across the line in West Virginia. That connection and resulting friendship held steadfast for all these years. One day, Earl commenting on our mutual long marriages, his to the lovely Jane and mine to the equally lovely, Chip, he said “we both got lucky.” Indeed we did. It was my luck to have Earl in my life. It is hard to have him gone….there are no words… Like all who knew Earl….he will be missed.
Webmaster’s Note: Earl Hamner passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Among his many credits, he was the creator, executive producer, and narrator of The Waltons as well as the creator and executive producer of Falcon Crest. David first worked with Earl Hamner as a guest star in an episode of The Waltons. He joined the cast of Falcon Crest as Richard Channing during the series’ second season and remained with the show until its end.
I didn’t know at the time what a pioneer Lela Swift was. All I knew was she was a loving force with a wonderful smile who took me by the hand and guided me through my first role on television. I loved her. I never thanked her enough. Women are still fighting, and can find never-ending inspiration from dear Lela.
Once, when I talked to you in Canada, you told me that you were not going anywhere. You said you get out of bed, put on your robe and slippers, have a nibble of breakfast, and then sit down at your computer and check in with the world. So I took you at your word. You always told me what you thought. Now, you just up and go without a word. How dare you.
Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins and David Selby as Quentin Collins in DARK SHADOWS
You never mentioned that you were contemplating a long trip. After all, we had just recently returned from a rather long but short trip to the countryside of England where we took up residence in a very fine resort – at least what we saw of it was fine. The food you barely sampled, but the nightcap went down so smoothly that you told me you had not appreciated my entrance onto the show those many years ago. But I never knew. You were never anything but considerate to me, gentlemanly, a throwback to when there were gentlemen – courteous – exquisite charming manners but always with a quiet, respectful, measuring with those skeptical eyes, and then an easy smile.
It seemed right for such fellow travelers to be in England. We were there to replay, visit, all the way back, a bit of our ancient history. That highway never ends. It was worth the trip just to hold your hand as you stepped off the curb….worth it to reflect back on the fine time I had reading that play with you in New York to all your adoring fans, worth it to feel anxious at Pinewood Studios when I could not find you for a few moments.
How rare it is to be able to go back in time to see where it all began. Our hosts could not have been more cordial. After all, as Tim said, in the glorious drawing room of that mansion– none of us would be here if not for you.
Memory is a strange bird. It persists. Why? Memory is vivid. And love?! Well….what was it about Dark Shadows that compelled people like Tim and Johnny to watch, to be affected so, so strongly. They needed to watch, had to watch. They were drawn to Dark Shadows like a moth to light.
Your light was full of mystery, of history, of genealogy, of love. You carried the heavy past with such grace and allure. That need to watch had something to do with love, a love for you.
What is it about love that made Dark Shadows so needed by millions? They loved you, Jonathan, as did I.
The night is long, the candles will stay lit.
Till we meet again.
David
Webmaster’s note: Actor Jonathan Frid, who portrayed vampire Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, passed away on April 14, 2012. In June 2011, Jonathan Frid, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, and David Selby made a brief trip to England to film cameos in the new Dark Shadows movie. In August 2011, David Selby appeared on stage with Jonathan Frid at the Dark Shadows Festival in Brooklyn to read a scene from the play Mass Appeal. It was their final performance together.
While appearing in Divine Rivalry at the Old Globe in San Diego, David Selby recorded audio of the letter to be presented at the Dark Shadows Day at Collinwood held at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York on July 28, 2012.
Thanks to the Dark Shadows Festival for allowing us to share this video with those who were unable to attend.
error: If you like what you see, please share a link to this page. Thanks!
