ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605220071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES
TYPE: NEWS OBIT
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Actor John Beradino, who played professional baseball before appearing for 33 years as chief of staff Dr. Steve Hardy on ``General Hospital,'' has died of cancer at age 79.
Beradino died Sunday at his Los Angeles home.
He had appeared in the ABC TV soap opera since its debut on April 1, 1963, but left the show recently because of his illness, the network said.
He also guest-starred on the daytime show ``One Life To Live,'' repeating his role as Dr. Hardy.
Before ``General Hospital,'' Beradino played Sgt. Vince Cavelli in the crime show ``The New Breed,'' which aired 1961-62.
He also appeared in a 1955 episode of ``Superman'' and was in the silent ``Our Gang'' comedies as a child.
He played professional baseball from 1937 until a leg injury ended his career in 1953.
A defensive standout at second base and shortstop, Beradino hit .249 with 387 RBIs and 36 homers in 912 games with the St. Louis Browns, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates.
The actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993 as ``General Hospital'' marked its 30th anniversary.
Beradino is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and children Katherine Ann and John Anthony.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB