Karl Hardman was an American actor and film producer, best known for his role as Harry Cooper in the 1968 classic film Night of the Living Dead. He was born on March 22, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and continued to influence the horror genre throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
Karl Hardman was born in Pittsburgh and began his career as a radio reporter before entering the film industry. He was married to Evamarie Scheufler from 1947 until their divorce in 1984, and they had one child together. His daughter, Kyra Schon, played his daughter in Night of the Living Dead. He lived with his business partner, Marilyn Eastman, in Pittsburgh until his passing.
Career
Karl achieved fame primarily through his performance in Night of the Living Dead, which has since become a cult classic. In addition to acting, he owned a sound recording studio in Pittsburgh. His last film appearance was in the low-budget horror movie Santa Claws, released in 1996. Throughout his career, Hardman appeared in various documentaries and films, often reflecting on his work in the horror genre.
Death and Legacy
Karl Hardman passed away on September 22, 2007, at the age of 80 due to pancreatic cancer. He left behind a legacy as a pioneer in the horror film industry, especially for his role in romancing the genre with Night of the Living Dead. His contributions to film and his memorable performances continue to be celebrated by fans of classic horror cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Night of the Living Dead | 1968-10-04 | Harry Cooper |
| Santa Claws | 1996-10-22 | Bruce Brunswick |
| Zombie Jamboree | 1993-10-01 | Himself |
| Another Night of the Living Dead | 2011-01-01 | (archive footage) |
| Chronicles of the Living Dead | 2015-08-01 | Self |
| They Came from the Attic | 2022-05-10 | Harry Cooper (Archival Footage) |
| Horrible Horror | 1986-01-01 | Harry in ‘Night of the Living Dead’ |
| The American Nightmare | 2000-09-11 | Self |
| Creepy Classics | 1987-10-01 | Harry Cooper – (archive footage) |
| Night of the Living Dead: 30th Anniversary Edition | 1999-08-24 | Harry Cooper |
| The Incredibly Strange Film Show | 1988-08-05 | Self |