Jonathan Frid, who was best known for his portrayal of vampire Barnabas Collins on the hit ’60s television show “Dark Shadows”, died last week at the age of 87, but his legacy on film was captured in a brilliant cameo in the movie version, which will be released this May.

The t.v. series ran from 1966-1971 and became an under-the-radar success after the addition of the Collins character, which Johnny Depp inhabits in the film. Depp, who was a huge fan of the show, released a statement regarding the passing of Frid:

“Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch ‘Dark Shadows,’” Depp said. “When I had the honor to finally meet him, as he so generously passed the torch of Barnabas to me, he was as elegant and magical as I had always imagined. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a true original.”

Depp counts Frid among his childhood idols and has even emulated some of Frid’s gestures and mannerisms while acting, which he is famous for doing; his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow for the hugely successful “Pirates Of The Caribbean” films is largely based on Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.