We met as "Josette" and "Angelique" on Dark Shadows. . . that's how many knew us, but we knew each other as friends and confidantes.

For more than 50 years, our lives were intertwined through our mutual love of literature, writing and acting. While getting on with the ordinary stuff of life, we sought each other out for encouragement, support and a trusted sounding board. We could not have been more unalike, and therein lay the magic of our enduring friendship.

I'm heartbroken, as all of us are who knew and loved her. She graced our lives with her beauty and talent, and we are all richer for having had her in our lives. Family meant more than anything to Lara, and they have wanted these few days since her passing to themselves. My thoughts are with them in this sad time of grief and remembrance.

Rest in peace, my cherished friend.