Eloise Hardt

Life and career Hardt was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of a Cherokee mother and German father. When she was 13, her family settled in California, where she later worked as a model. She was photographed by Tom Kelley which led to her meeting John Huston. He helped Hardt garner a contract at the Columbia Pictures.

She played uncredited roles in numerous films and made a guest-starring appearance in the anthology television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In 1959, she starred in the new CBS sitcom television series The Dennis O'Keefe Show playing Karen Hadley.

Hardt guest-starred in television programs including Charlie's Angels, Dr. Kildare, The Donna Reed Show, Dynasty, Death Valley Days, Lawman, Perry Mason, Columbo, and Hotel (her final credit). She played Rita Beacon in the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Death Hardt died on June 25, 2017, at the age of 99.