Laura Parker, known for her role as the witch Angelique on the ABC gothic soap opera „Dark Shadows,” died in her sleep on October 12 at her home in the Topanga Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles, her daughter confirmed. She is 84 years old.
From 1967 to 1971, the Memphis native played central antagonist Angelique Bouchard in „Dark Shadows.” Set in the fictional setting of Collinsport, Maine, the series follows the town’s founding family, the Collins family. In the show, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Fridt) ignores Angelique after spending some time with her, unaware that she is a witch.
An enraged Angelique vows revenge and curses Barnabas to become a vampire, sparking a love-hate relationship that spans centuries.
Parker’s role as Angelique ended after her character’s death, but she continued to appear in the series as another Collins family member, Katherine Harridge Collins.
After the daytime serial ended, Parker starred in other films and TV shows, including „Save the Tiger” (1973), the drama television series „Jessica Novak” (1981) and two „Doctor Mabus” films in 2013 and 2014. .
A graduate of Antioch University with a master’s degree in creative writing, Parker also writes fiction that expands on the world of „Dark Shadows.” He has published four books: “Dark Shadows: Angelique’s Descent” (1998), “Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch” (2006), “Dark Shadows: Wolf Moon Rising” (2013) and “Dark Shadows: Collinwood’s Heir” (2016). ) Parker later starred in the film „Night of Dark Shadows” (1971), based on the series, and had a cameo in the 2012 film „Dark Shadows”, a remake of the original television series starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas and Eva Green. Angelic.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 2013, Parker revealed that prior to the role of Angelique, she had only played the „heroine”. She approached Angelique the same way, only to be told by co-star Frid that she should „stop crying” and „be a villain.”
„It made me realize that I have a really good character to play that’s ruthless and strong and resilient,” Parker said.
Parker is survived by her second husband, Jim Hawkins; children Caitlin, Rick and Andy; and a grandson.