Karl Hardman

Karl Hardman was an American film producer born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 22nd, 1927. In the mid-1960s, he was the president of Hardman Associates, Inc., an indepdendent production company that he ran with Marilyn Eastman. Hardman was approached by three ambitious film directors, John Russo, Russell Streiner and George A. Romero, who handed him a treatment for an untitled, low-budget horror film. Hardman and Eastman joined with Romero, Streiner and Russo to form Image Ten Productions, and would go on to create one of the most infamous cult favorite classics ever known - Night of the Living Dead. Karl also starred in the film playing the part of Harry Cooper, while Eastman played his wife Helen.

In 1996, Karl Hardman played a character named Bruce Brunswick in the holiday-themed slasher Santa Claws, which was written and directed by Living Dead co-creator John Russo.

Hardford passed away in his home town of Pittsburgh on September 22nd, 2007 at the age of 80.

Notes & Trivia

 * Was married to producer/actress Marilyn Eastman.


 * Karl Hardman's daughter Kyra Schon played Karen Cooper, his daughter in Night of the Living Dead.