John Karlen (born John Karlewicz on May 28, 1933 in New York City) is a character actor best known for playing Willie Loomis and other characters on the ABC cult serial Dark Shadows, in various episodes between 206 and 1245, which aired from 1966-1971. he also starred in the 1975 television film, Trilogy of Terror.
Other serials on which he appeared include "From These Roots,' "Another World,' and "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" (as Jock Porter).
Later Karlen was Harvey Lacey on the CBS crime series Cagney and Lacey from 1982-1988. He has recently reprised the role of Willie Loomis for a new series of Dark Shadows audio dramas produced by Big Finish Productions.
One son, Adam Karlen, born 1966.
John Karlen's then-wife, Betty Karlen, guest-starred in an episode of "Cagney & Lacey" (1982), marking the only time they appeared on the same TV series at the same time, though they did not have a scene together.
John Karlen appeared, with Producer Dan Curtis (I) and other surviving actors and personnel, in a tribute to their long-ago gothic-horror soap opera "Dark Shadows" (1966), at the William Paley (I) Museum of Television Arts, in Los Angeles CA, on March 8, 2001.
Starred in a movie about the first World Trade Center bombing; then years later was at the WTC Marriott just days before the 2001 terrorist attack -- attending a Dark Shadows Festival.
Was unhurt but visibly angry at event organizers after accidentally toppling from the stage at the 2004 Dark Shadows Weekend fan club meeting in Tarrytown, NY.
John Karlen escorted his longtime friend, former _"Cagney & Lacey" (1982)_ co-star, and Emmy nominee (for "Judging Amy" (1999)) Tyne Daly to the 2003 Emmy Awards. After Ms. Daly won the Emmy (for her role as "Maxine"), Mr. Karlen gave her a hug and kiss which was caught on camera during the TV broadcast. Ms. Daly then went on to pay a brief but warm tribute to Mr. Karlen in her acceptance speech.
He has admitted that he has a gambling addiction and that he has lost several thousand dollars over the years as a result.
