Many modern fans may not know the . Steve Hardy was one of the first original characters when General Hospital was created in April 1, 1963 by Frank and Doris Hursley. In the early days of the soap, the storylines centered around Steve and his friend, Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin), Jessie's husband Phil Brewer (originally portrayed by Roy Thinnes; lastly by Martin West) then Steve's love interest Audrey March (Rachel Ames) in 1964.
He was a doctor and the Chief of staff at General Hospital. Former baseball player John Beradino, born Giovanni Berardino, portrayed Steve from 33 years until 1996 before he passed away the same year. Playing Steve was the actor's big break since he retired from baseball from a leg injury in 1953 and returned to acting after starring in his first film in 1948 The character Steve went though it as any in the world of soap opera would.
He broke off an engagement with fiancée Peggy Mercer (K.T. Stevens) due to being a workaholic.
He married (divorce and remarried) Audrey, had an affair with Helene Webber which resulted into Jeff Webber (Richard Dean Anderson) which then expanded to the whole Webber family in Port Charles. Elizabeth Webber ( ) is the most prominent Webber currently on the show now. She is the daughter of Jeff and the granddaughter of Steve.
Steve also fall down the stairs and was paralyzed for a bit, he also survived the Lassa fever and suffered a fatal heart attack which was the last time his character was on the show. The .