Ron Sproat Dies at 77, Dark Shadows Writer and Creator of Barnabas Collins - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-16-2009, 12:34 AM

Ron Sproat, who wrote hundreds of episodes of serial "Dark Shadows" in the 1960s, died of a heart attack in his Manhattan apartment on Nov. 6. He was 77.
Sproat wrote for "Dark Shadows" starting at the series' creation in 1966, continuing for three years as the creator of characters including vampire Barnabas Collins.

Sproat graduated from Hamilton College, the U. of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama.

After college, he began his career in TV, writing for the anthology series "United States Steel Hour" and "General Motors Presents." He later worked on TV shows such as "Love of Life," "The Secret Storm," "The Doctors," "Where the Heart Is" and "Strange Paradise."

Under his mentor, Charles L. Jackson, Sproat wrote his first plays for TV "Rachel's Summer" and "The Great Gold Mountain," which were both based on Jackson's books.

Sproat later joined the BMI Musical Theater Workshop and wrote librettos for the musicals "Back Home," "Abie's Island Rose" and "Ravenswood." His works were performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, The New Hope Peforming Arts Festival, The Spirit of Broadway Theatre, The York Theatre and Musical Mondays Theatre Lab.

He also contributed articles to New York magazine and Paris Match.

Sproat is survived by his partner, Frank Evans, and a sister.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryId=25&cs=1

Marvo301 · 11-16-2009, 12:40 AM

Ron Sproat

catlover79 · 11-16-2009, 12:41 AM

Wow, I always thought Dan Curtis was the one who created Barnabas. In any case may Mr. Sproat

!

Pitooey · 12-01-2009, 01:15 AM

Another DS person gone.

Rest in peace Mr. Sproat.

AB · 12-01-2009, 05:34 PM

Rest in peace

MickeyMac · 12-01-2009, 06:28 PM

He created an unforgettable character. RIP

Retro4Life · 12-01-2009, 06:43 PM

Ron Sproat.

11-16-2009, 12:34 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,386	Ron Sproat Dies at 77, Dark Shadows Writer and Creator of Barnabas Collins Ron Sproat, who wrote hundreds of episodes of serial "Dark Shadows" in the 1960s, died of a heart attack in his Manhattan apartment on Nov. 6. He was 77. Sproat wrote for "Dark Shadows" starting at the series' creation in 1966, continuing for three years as the creator of characters including vampire Barnabas Collins. Sproat graduated from Hamilton College, the U. of Michigan and the Yale School of Drama. After college, he began his career in TV, writing for the anthology series "United States Steel Hour" and "General Motors Presents." He later worked on TV shows such as "Love of Life," "The Secret Storm," "The Doctors," "Where the Heart Is" and "Strange Paradise." Under his mentor, Charles L. Jackson, Sproat wrote his first plays for TV "Rachel's Summer" and "The Great Gold Mountain," which were both based on Jackson's books. Sproat later joined the BMI Musical Theater Workshop and wrote librettos for the musicals "Back Home," "Abie's Island Rose" and "Ravenswood." His works were performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, The New Hope Peforming Arts Festival, The Spirit of Broadway Theatre, The York Theatre and Musical Mondays Theatre Lab. He also contributed articles to New York magazine and Paris Match. Sproat is survived by his partner, Frank Evans, and a sister. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryId=25&cs=1
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11-16-2009, 12:40 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Ron Sproat
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

11-16-2009, 12:41 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Wow, I always thought Dan Curtis was the one who created Barnabas. In any case may Mr. Sproat !
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-01-2009, 01:15 AM	#4
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	Another DS person gone. Rest in peace Mr. Sproat.
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

12-01-2009, 06:43 PM	#7
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	Ron Sproat.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

12-01-2009, 05:34 PM	#5
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	Rest in peace

12-01-2009, 06:28 PM	#6
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,006	He created an unforgettable character. RIP