Dark Shadows: Meet David Selby

One of the most popular characters on the original Dark Shadows was named Quentin Collins. The character debuted in 1968 as a terrifying ghost from the Collins family past.

The ghost of Quentin Collins reappeared at Collinwood to reclaim the younger brother that he loved and lost. He believed David Collins to be the reincarnation of his younger brother Jamison Collins who died in the year 1897, the same year that he himself had died.

The role of Quentin Collins, both in the living and in the afterlife, was portrayed masterfully by David Selby. Besides being known for his role in Dark Shadows, he is known for his role as Richard Channing in Falcon Crest. More recently, David appeared in the highly acclaimed film The Social Network.

I had the great pleasure of being able to talk to this incredibly delightful soul for a few moments.

A southern gentleman in every sense, David was born Morgantown, West Virginia. Having been inspired by Saturday morning serials and westerns, he earned his Master’s Degree in theater attending West Virginia University and later a PhD from Southern Illinois University – “I was a dreamer; it got to me New York.”

Then the big opportunity came knocking on David’s door.

“Being in the right place at the right time got me in front of people who could help me – that’s how I got to being on a wonderful show.”

David looks back on his memories of Dark Shadows very fondly. He is one of four original cast members to make a cameo in the Tim Burton reimagining of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins. He was joined by Kathryn Leigh Scott (Josette duPres), Lara Parker (Angelique) and the late great Jonathan Frid who portrayed Barnabas Collins on the series.

“It’s really great to see a whole new legion of fans being brought in by all of the different ways to watch it. None of us had any idea that the show would still be this popular today. We are truly blessed.”

The new film does not depict a new Quentin Collins, but David is still excited about it and doesn’t believe that the new film is meant to be campy.

“I think Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are just what Dark Shadows needs, some fresh and creative blood. I’m a huge fan of their work.”

Be sure to lookout for the original cast cameo in Dark Shadows opening today.