David Collins from 'Dark Shadows' Quit Acting to Build Successful Business: Dad of 5 Has New Life 52

Publish date: 2024-05-18

David Henesy might have quit acting at 17, but he left the industry with memories that will never be forgotten. Henesy was part of the hit TV series "Dark Shadows," where he played the role of David Collins from the first week it aired in 1966 to its last in 1970.

Altogether he appeared in 1160 episodes and built a relationship with those of his generation every afternoon with the thrilling vampire series.

A "Dark Shadows" poster from 1966 | Source: Getty Images

"Dark Shadows" became one of its kind because it brought in a new narrative. One of the co-stars, Kathryn Leigh Scott, said that when the rest of the TV shows were about representing domestic issues, their show came in with vampires and werewolves, attracting a different audience.

David Henesy on "Dark Shadows" in 1969 | Source: Getty Images

The TV series also aired when "Star Trek", another iconic show, aired, so both opened up the audience to different stories. But according to Scott, vampires and werewolves are not the only reason behind their show's immense success and why they still have a loyal fan following.

David Henesy and Jonathan Frid on "Dark Shadows" in 1967 | Source: Getty Images

The actress explained, "Mainly, it is probably because of the chemistry among the actors," she said. "We are still so close. We are like family."

"Dark Shadows" cast photographed in 1967 | Source: Getty Images

For some child stars, early success can lead to a need for a long-term acting career, but for Henesy, it was a sign for him to step back from the industry and tap into his entrepreneurial side. However, many did not know where Henesy disappeared and wondered what had happened with his life.

David Henesy Is a Dad of 5 with a New Career Away from TV

At 17, he gave up acting after appearing in "The Waltons" and "The Thanksgiving Story." Hensey did not like the uncertainty of an actor's life; waiting by the phone for the next job was not a future he saw for himself.

Joan Bennett and David Henesy on "Dark Shadows" in 1967 | Source: Getty Images

So, by 21 years old, he was running his own restaurant. Even though he was barely old enough to drink, he had already secured a liquor license for his establishment.

The former actor reiterated, "I am a proactive person, so waiting for things to happen to me is torture compared to making things happen myself." He even had some of his co-stars visit his restaurant, like Louis Edmonds, who played his father.

The business owner still loves the thrill of running many enterprises, but he also has his hands full as a father of five children. He shared one of his dates with his children while they were out for donuts.

Henesy has aged well, rocking his black and white beard. He lives in Panama City with Carolina, the mother of his two youngest children, Diego and Mattie.

Henesy and Carolina are not only romantic partners but business partners too. They run a large business acquiring land and deforesting it to create environmentally friendly agricultural products.

Their organic farms also supply their three restaurants in Panama City, which are famously and highly rated for their fresh farm-to-table menu.

The couple's new adventure is getting into the cacao business and using their farms to grow and sustainably produce the highest quality cacao.

Henesy is still very much invested in his farming business and is now on the road to continuing his multi-million investments in building schools to fight child labor. He is also about women empowerment and pointed out that most of his executive and managerial staff are primarily women.

Even though Henesy has completely taken a 360 from his early acting career, he still has many fond memories and lessons from his days on set.

Fond Memories from His Time on "Dark Shadows"

Henesy spent a lot of his time on set growing up, so his friends were his crew members. But being on set meant he was exposed to different production departments, and he acquired many skills through his curiosity.

Humbert Allen Astredo, Robert Rodan, Lara Parker.and Jonathan Frid photographed for "Dark Shadows" in 1968 | Source: Getty Images

Aside from the lessons, his life on set has many funny memories, including when the director shouted at Edmonds for sneaking in a nap in a coffin.

Donna Wandrey and Jonathan Frid on "Dark Shadows" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Hensey also connected and learned a lot with their costume designer, ​​Ramse Mostoller, who was spread thinly on budget and passed down a few sewing skills to the actors.

Jim Storm on "Dark Shadows" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Although Henesy seems to have lived and continues to engage in an adventurous life, most of his fans thought he was reserved, but the former actor disputed that assumption. He said, "I'm not a hermit! I'm in the restaurant business and by nature outgoing."

David Selby on "Dark Shadows" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

The Fangoria interviewer was over the mood about his interview with Henesy and even urged everyone to pick up the phone and call up an old friend.

They loved the nostalgia that came with speaking to the former actor as they went down memory lane and thought of some of the moments that made their childhood memorable.

David Selby on "Dark Shadows" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

It has been over 50 decades since "Dark Shadows" ended, and the show still has a cult following. Additionally, the cast members have remained close friends even after so many decades.

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