Screenwriter. Best known as the head writer for the supernaturally-themed hit TV series "Dark Shadows" (1966 to 1971). He studied creative writing at Hamilton College and the University of Michigan, where he attained his MA and was recipient of the Avery Hopwood Award. Later he received his MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Sproat began his career in the 1950s writing scripts for such television programs as "United States Steel Hour" and "General Motors Presents". From 1966 to 1969 he wrote more than 200 episodes for "Dark Shadows", and is credited with creating the character 'Barnabas Collins' (the vampire) which became a part of pop culture during the course of the show's run. Among the other series he contributed to were "The Secret Storm", "Never Too Young" and "Strange Paradise". In addition, Sproat was a member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop where he wrote librettos for the off-Broadway works "Back Home", "Abie's Island Rose" and "Ravenswood". He died from a heart attack.
Screenwriter. Best known as the head writer for the supernaturally-themed hit TV series "Dark Shadows" (1966 to 1971). He studied creative writing at Hamilton College and the University of Michigan, where he attained his MA and was recipient of the Avery Hopwood Award. Later he received his MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Sproat began his career in the 1950s writing scripts for such television programs as "United States Steel Hour" and "General Motors Presents". From 1966 to 1969 he wrote more than 200 episodes for "Dark Shadows", and is credited with creating the character 'Barnabas Collins' (the vampire) which became a part of pop culture during the course of the show's run. Among the other series he contributed to were "The Secret Storm", "Never Too Young" and "Strange Paradise". In addition, Sproat was a member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop where he wrote librettos for the off-Broadway works "Back Home", "Abie's Island Rose" and "Ravenswood". He died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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