Johnny Depp paid tribute to his "Dark Shadows" predecessor Jonathan Frid on Thursday, telling the Los Angeles Times that the first time he met Frid was "elegant and magical."

Frid, who played vampire Barnabas Collins from 1967 to 1971 on the soap opera, died April 13 at the age of 87, though news of his death began to filter out on Thursday.

Also read: Jonathan Frid, "Dark Shadows" Vampire Barnabas Collins, Dies at 87

“Jonathan Frid was the reason I used to run home from school to watch ‘Dark Shadows,’” Depp told the paper. ”His elegance and grace was an inspiration then and will continue to remain one forever more. When I had the honor to finally meet him … [he] generously passed the torch of Barnabas.”

Depp, who called Frid "a true original," plays Collins in the big-screen adaptation of "Dark Shadows," which hits theaters on May 11. Frid has a bit part in the film, as a party guest.

According to Depp, when he met Frid, the elder actor was "[a]s elegant and magical as I had always imagined.”

"Pirates of the Caribbean" star Depp is currently filming "The Lone Ranger." Depp plays Tonto in the film, opposite Armie Hammer in the titular role.

