GH, Ryan’s Hope, and Loving Producer Joseph Hardy Dead at 95

Joseph Hardy, a producer of Ryan’s Hope, General Hospital, and Knots Landing, has died at the age of 95. His career included runs on Broadway with the show You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

From New York City to Seaview Circle

Hardy’s passing was first reported by Primary Stages Off Broadway. Born on March 8, 1929, Hardy passed away a little over a month ago on June 6.

The late producer was interviewed by Tom Lisanti for his tome Ryan’s Hope: An Oral History of Daytime’s Groundbreaking Soap. Speaking to Soap Hub, Lisanti says of Hardy, “For fans of Ryan’s Hope, Joe Hardy’s contributions to the show were either loved or hated. He caused quite the stir when he became executive producer at Ryan’s Hope in 1983. Modernizing and lightening up the sets and making the show more visually appealing was off-set by his firing of long-time fan favorites as directed by ABC. Whatever the viewers felt, the cast respected him, and he was very protective and supportive of the actors he hired.”

Prior to coming to soaps, Hardy directed the 1967 stage production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. He won a Tony Award in 1970 for Child’s Play. On the non-soap TV front, he was directed the Lance Kerwin series James at 15 (and James at 16). In 1973, he directed comedienne Lily Tomlin in the TV special, The Lily Tomlin Show.

But soap fans recall his years in daytime drama. After his turn on Ryan’s Hope, he took the helm at General Hospital from 1989-90. He was replaced by the legendary Gloria Monty, who revolutionized daytime drama a decade earlier. After exiting Port Charles, he did a turn as a producer on primetime serial Knots Landing from 1991-92.

Born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Hardy attended and graduated New Mexico Highlands University with a degree in English literature. He took over the theatre program there after a stint in the army. Hardy’s next stop was to attend the Yale School of Drama where he received a Master of Fine Arts in Directing.

In the 1990s, Hardy moved to France where he lived and worked. By the end of that decade, he returned to New York City, and continued to direct stage productions. In 2020, he moved to the Actors Fund Home. Hardy requested that no service or memorial be held. His is survived by a sister, Caroline Rackley of New Mexico, as well as friends and colleagues.

Soap Hub sends sincere condolences to Hardy’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.