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In the world of entertainment, the recent loss of Lara Parker, renowned for her portrayal of the enigmatic Angelique in the iconic TV series “Dark Shadows,” has left fans and admirers mourning. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding Lara Parker’s cause of death and her illustrious life, offering a heartfelt tribute to a beloved figure who graced our screens for decades.
Lara Parker Cause of Death and Obituary
Lara Parker, the talented actress celebrated for her portrayal of the enchanting witch Angelique in the timeless classic “Dark Shadows,” has bid us farewell at the age of 84. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Los Angeles, concluding a life marked by extraordinary talent and dedication.
Her passing was officially confirmed by producer Jim Pierson on behalf of her family, who wanted to share their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans. Lara was an adored figure in the entertainment world, her beauty and talent endearing her to a global audience.
Lara’s Remarkable Journey
Lara’s journey to stardom commenced when she was cast as Angelique in “Dark Shadows” in 1967. Her portrayal of the vengeful witch left an indelible mark on the show’s devoted fanbase. Although she took on various roles during her tenure on the series, it is her portrayal of Angelique that remains etched in the hearts of fans.
Despite her success on “Dark Shadows,” Lara’s dreams in Hollywood didn’t materialize entirely as she hoped. However, her journey took an intriguing turn when she ventured into writing, producing novels inspired by the show that were well-received by her loyal followers.
In her later years, Lara transitioned to teaching and continued to maintain connections with her co-stars and fans, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her passing signifies the end of an era in the entertainment world, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through her work and the fond memories she created.
Lara Parker is survived by her family, which includes her husband, children, and grandson. She will be remembered not only for her iconic role but also for the joy she brought to her fans, an enduring testament to her remarkable career.
Who Was Lara Parker?
Lara Parker, originally known as Mary Lamar Rickey, gained fame as an American actress celebrated for her portrayal of Angelique in the beloved TV series “Dark Shadows,” which graced our screens from 1966 to 1971.
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lara grew up in Memphis and later pursued higher education at Vassar College and Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College), where she immersed herself in philosophy and drama. After completing her studies, she embarked on a journey to New York City, nurturing aspirations of becoming an actress.
Her acting career took flight in 1965 when she made her debut in the soap opera “The Doctors.” Subsequently, she secured guest roles in various other TV shows, including “The Patty Duke Show,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” and “Perry Mason.” However, her defining moment arrived in 1966 when she was cast as Angelique in “Dark Shadows.”
In 1971, Lara departed from “Dark Shadows” in search of fresh acting opportunities. She graced the screens in several films and TV series throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with notable appearances in “Dark Shadows” (1970), “House of Dark Shadows” (1971), “The Incredible Hulk,” and “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.”
The 1990s marked Lara’s return to “Dark Shadows,” where she not only portrayed her iconic character but also authored four novels based on Angelique. She made a notable appearance in the 1991 “Dark Shadows” revival series. Lara decided to retire from acting in the early 2000s. Her journey came to a peaceful end on October 12, 2023, at the age of 84.
Lara Parker was a gifted actress who indelibly impacted fans of “Dark Shadows” and aficionados of Gothic horror. Her portrayal of Angelique will forever stand as one of the most unforgettable characters in television history.
| Birth Name | Mary Lamar Rickey |
| Birth Date | October 27, 1938 |
| Birth Place | Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Death Date | October 12, 2023 (aged 84) |
| Death Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, author, educator |
| Years active | 1967–2023 |
Lara Parker’s Nationality
Lara Parker proudly bore the nationality of an American. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on October 27, 1938, and eventually passed away in Los Angeles, California, on October 12, 2023.
Was Lara Parker Married?
Lara Parker was married twice during her lifetime. Her first marriage was to the talented artist Tom Parker in 1961. The union blessed them with two sons, Rick and Andy. However, their paths diverged, leading to their divorce in 1978.
In 1985, Lara Parker embraced matrimony once again, this time with the building contractor Jim Hawkins. This union brought forth one daughter, Caitlin. While Lara was private about her personal life, she did offer occasional glimpses of her happiness with Jim Hawkins in interviews, emphasizing his role as a great husband and father.
Lara Parker’s Versatile Career
Lara Parker was a remarkable American actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she captivated audiences with her versatile acting prowess and captivating presence, becoming a celebrated figure on both the big and small screens.
Her breakthrough moment arrived in the late 1960s when she was cast as the enigmatic witch Angelique Bouchard Collins in the Gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows.”
This iconic role catapulted Lara to stardom, earning her a devoted fan base and solidifying her place in television history. Her portrayal of Angelique highlighted her ability to breathe life into multifaceted characters, endearing her to viewers worldwide.
Following her success on “Dark Shadows,” Lara continued to grace both the big and small screens with her talent. She made appearances in various television shows, including “The F.B.I.,” “Barnaby Jones,” and “Police Story.” Her seamless transitions across genres underscored her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her television work, Lara ventured into the world of film, notably starring in the 1973 cult horror film “Race with the Devil,” alongside Peter Fonda and Warren Oates. Lara’s captivating on-screen presence made her a sought-after actress in both television and film.
However, her talents extended beyond acting. She showcased her skills as an author, penning several novels and short stories. Her works, such as the “Angelique’s Descent” series and “Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch,” delved deeper into the “Dark Shadows” universe, captivating fans with her imaginative storytelling.
What Happened to Dark Shadows Star Lara Parker?
Lara Parker, celebrated for her portrayal of the bewitching witch Angelique in the Gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows,” found eternal peace in her home in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles, at the age of 84.
Her daughter, Caitlin, confirmed that Lara passed away in her sleep. Lara’s iconic portrayal
of Angelique left an indelible mark in the world of television, creating a lasting legacy cherished by her fans and the entire entertainment industry.
How Did Lara Parker Die?
Lara Parker, best known for her role as the vengeful witch Angelique in “Dark Shadows,” passed away peacefully at her home in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles, at the age of 84.
Her daughter, Caitlin, confirmed that she died in her sleep. Lara’s iconic portrayal of Angelique made her a beloved figure in the world of television, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by her fans and the entertainment industry.
Lara Parker Cause of Death and Obituary – FAQs
1. What was the cause of Lara Parker’s death?
Lara Parker passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles. The exact cause of her death hasn’t been disclosed.
2. How old was Lara Parker when she passed away?
Lara Parker was 84 years old at the time of her passing.
3. What is Lara Parker most famous for in the entertainment industry?
Lara Parker is best known for her role as the vengeful witch Angelique in the gothic ABC soap opera “Dark Shadows.”
4. Did Lara Parker continue to act after “Dark Shadows”?
Yes, she had a career in film and television, appearing in movies like “Save the Tiger” and “Race with the Devil.”
5. What other contributions did Lara Parker make in her career?
In addition to acting, Lara Parker wrote books expanding on the “Dark Shadows” world and was involved in the audio continuation of the franchise.
