Dark Shadows Star Passes Away At 86 Years Old

Sad news has come out about the star who played the popular role of Willie Loomis on the ABC soap Dark Shadows and many other great roles.

Many will remember John Karlen in the role of Harvey Lacey on the CBS series Cagney and Lacey. Fans will also remember him well from his memorable role as Willie Looms on the ABC soap Dark Shadows. Karlen has faced a number of setbacks with his health over the last ten years or so and has regrettably passed away at the age of 86 on January 22, while in hospice care in Burbank, California.

John Karlen past memories

Karlen was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 28, 1933 as John Adams Karlewicz. John served in the Korean War before studying in New York at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. During his long acting career and starting in 1985, Karlen was nominated for three Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He won an award in 1986

Dark Shadows

John played the role of Willie Loomis on Dark Shadows. The Dark Shadows News Twitter account wrote of Karlen’s passing, saying they were said to report the death of the actor who played Willie Loomis and was an “unforgettable foil” to Barnabas Collins on the show. They went on to report that Karlin had died on January 22 while in hospice care in Burbank, California.

When Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) joined Dark Shadows, the show received critical acclaim. One well known scene was where Karlen’s character Willie opened Barnabas’ coffin, expecting to find valuable jewels inside. However, his actions led to the character returning to life. Initially, John was Barnabas’ lackey, but later in the show he did his best to act as his conscience instead. John stayed with Dark Shadows until the show ended in 1971.

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Cagney & Lacey

Karlen also memorably played the role of Harvey Lacey, supporting husband to Mary Beth (Tyne Daly) in the CBS police show, Cagney & Lacey. He reprised the role in 1996 in the reunion film, Cagney & Lacey: True Convictions.

Kathryn Leigh Scott, who played Josette du Pres and Maggie Evans on the show, posted on Twitter, writing she was “awash in memories of darling John Karlen.” Scott said she grateful he passed peacefully, but said this wasn’t in character for their Johnny. She closed by calling Karlen a “life force,” saying farewell to her much-loved friend.

John Karlen also had a long list of guest spots on various well-known and popular television series, including The Waltons, All in the Family, Hawaii Five-O, Night Gallery, Medical Center, Mannix, Police Story, Kojack, Charlie’s Angels, the Rockford Files and many more.

John is survived by his son Adam, and his former wife, Betty Karlen. We offer sincere condolences to his family and friends.