A Magic Memory with Actress Lara Parker and other stars of TV's Legendary 'Dark Shadows' Gothic Daytime Serial

The image that opens this post remains one of my favorite behind-the-scene pics from my talk show, Then Again with Herbie J Pilato, made all the more poignant now by the passing of the beautiful Lara Parker. There I am with Lara, and fellow legendary Dark Shadows stars Kathryn Leigh Scott and David Selby. And it's almost like Lara, who played super sorceress Angelique on Dark Shadows, is putting a bewitching spell on me...which of course she has for years with all of her charms as a performer. Making the experience even more special, Lara emailed me the next day and said, "Herbie - you're such a terrific talk show host." I'll never forget it...and the honor it was to have Lara, Kathryn, and David on the show, in the same studio with me, and then on screen together.

In fact, at one point, on a break between taping, when no one was looking, I went to the restroom...and shed a little tear.

Three performers that I had admired for decades on a TV show that meant something to me...were now gathered together, taking time out of their day...to spend some time with me on a TV show of my own.

It was a monumental moment for the show…and for me; a lifelong dream come true, again, made all the more bittersweet by Lara's passing. Thank you, Lara, for all the magic...and blessings to you sweet soul.

[Note: All photography by Dan Holm]