Television and Motion Picture Producer, Director, Screenwriter. Best known for creating the popular supernaturally-themed TV serial "Dark Shadows." Born Daniel Mayer Cherkoss, his father was a dentist, his mother died during his early teenage years. After attaining a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Syracuse University, he landed a position as salesman with NBC and after a number of years in the industry, he ventured to establish his own production company. The first notable result was the program "CBS Match Play Classic" (1963 to 1973). The concept for "Dark Shadows" literally came to him in a dream. The story of a governess going to live with an aristocratic New England family (Collins) in a large and spooky estate with strange events frequently happening came to life on the ABC television network in June of 1966. The series which featured veteran actress Joan Bennett soared in the ratings when the character of Barnabas Collins a 200-year old vampire played by Jonathan Frid was introduced a few months into the program. "Dark Shadows" proved to be a groundbreaking series as it brought back classic horror tales including "Frankenstein" and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Curtis was hands-on with his creation, serving as director, producer and scriptwriter for scores of episodes. The series was also the launching point for actresses Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) and Lara Parker's (Angelique, the witch) television careers. The feature "House of Dark Shadows" (1970) and "Night of Dark Shadows" (1971) based on the series, both of which Curtis directed and produced were filmed during this period. After the show's run ended in 1971, Curtis moved onto his next television project "The Night Stalker" which was introduced in a TV-movie starring Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, a reporter with a knack for finding supernatural situations. He would also star in the series of the same name (1974 to 1975). In addition to the horror genre, Curtis will be remembered for producing the TV-mini series adaptation of the Herman Wouk novels "The Winds of War" (1983) and "War and Remembrance" (1988 to 1989, he co-shared an Emmy Award) which starred Robert Mitchum. In 1991, a new TV version of "Dark Shadows" was brought back in a short-lived series starring Ben Cross. Curtis died following a battle with brain cancer. In 2012, Tim Burton's film adaptation of "Dark Shadows" which starred Johnny Depp was released.