Photo: Chad Buchanan/Getty
Longtimetelevisionactor John Karlen, recognizable from his work on shows likeDark ShadowsandCagney & Lacey, hasdiedat age 86, multiple outlets report.
On Wednesday, Karlen died of congestive heart failure while under hospice care in Burbank, Calif., his spokesperson, Jim Pierson, told theAssociated Press.
Karlen, born John Adam Karlewicz, made a name for himself as a character actor with roles that cultivated a devoted fan base, including starring as Willie Loomis on the gothic seriesDark Shadows, which ran from 1966 to 1971.
The show was adapted into aTim Burton–directed movie in 2012 starringJohnny Depp, with actorJackie Earle Haleyplaying Karlen’s famous role.
As part of another celebrated series — cop dramaCagney & Laceythat premiered in 1981 — Karlen won anEmmy Awardfor playing the role of Harvey Lacey. He also received two other outstanding supporting actor nominations for theCagney & Laceycharacter.
In a 1987 interview with theChicago Tribune, Karlen shared his excitement for winning the accolade, as well as his secret to enduring the entertainment business.
“I’m a good team player,” he said at the time. “Look where it’s gotten me. The role of Harvey has brought me recognition and stability. I’m an entity now. The Emmy told people who I am. I can go up for parts I wouldn’t have been considered for before. Life, I think, will be good.”
Karlen also made appearances on shows likeMad About You,Charlie’s AngelsandMurder, She Wrote.
“I’m not a worrier,” he said. “I think that’s helped me survive in this business. I know to enjoy the day. I learned that from my mother. She had incredible moment-to-moment enjoyment and appreciation of life.”
He added, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. I’ve got no complaints.”
In 1991, Karlenspoke to PEOPLEabout some of the impactful fan interactions he encountered throughout his career.
“Once a blind lady at the race track recognized my voice: ‘That’s Willie!’ she said,” he recalled. “I found that bizarre. I still get more recognition from fans ofDark Shadowsthan fromCagney & Lacey.”
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Night of Dark Shadows, 1971.Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty
Kathryn Leigh Scott, who starred with Karlen inDark Shadows, wrote on herblogthat the actor was “a life force.”
“Memories, memories… this morning I’m awash in memories of darling John Karlen, who left us yesterday,” the actress wrote. “I’m told he passed peacefully, for which I’m grateful, but hardly seems in character for our Johnny. He was such a life force, God bless him! Farewell, my friend. Loved you.”
He added: “We have all held onto our love and friendship with each other through the years, and we will continue to hold onto each other as we will always be embraced with Johnny’s smile, his sense of fun, his hugs and his love.”
source: people.com
