Audrey Hardy
Audrey Hardy | |
---|---|
General Hospital character | |
Portrayed by | Rachel Ames Maura McGiveney (temp. 1971) |
Duration |
|
First appearance | February 23, 1964 |
Last appearance | October 30, 2015 |
Classification | Anne Logan |
Audrey Hardy is a fictional character on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital. She has been portrayed by Rachel Ames on a contract basis from 1964 to 2002,[1] and on a recurring basis from 2002 to 2007, making guest appearances in 2009, 2013, and 2015.
Casting
Rachel Ames originated the role of Audrey in 1964 in what was originally a thirteen-week stint with an option for an additional thirteen weeks. The character debuted in the episode that originally aired on February 23, 1964.[2] The character's popularity prompted the series to keep the character on canvas.[3] Ames took an extended leave in 1970 when she had to be put on bedrest during her pregnancy. Maura McGiveney played Audrey temporarily while Ames was gone.[4]
Ames also crossed over to General Hospital's spinoff series Port Charles as Audrey in 1997.[5] In 2002, Ames was dropped to recurring status, and ultimately retired from the series in October 2007. Ames briefly reprised the role for a couple of episodes in October 2009 and reprised the role once again in April 2013 for the series' 50th anniversary.[5]
Ames once again reprised her role as Audrey on October 30, 2015.[6][7]
Storylines
1964–1989
Audrey March arrives at General Hospital in 1964 to visit her sister,
When Audrey returns from Vietnam in January 1969, she continues to push Steve away and after their divorce is final, she marries
Meanwhile, Audrey had become head of student nurses at General Hospital, and as a result becomes a mentor to nurses such as
Some years later, Tom leaves to attend college and returns in 1987. When Tom marries an African-American doctor, Simone Ravelle, Audrey fears her son's interracial marriage would not be accepted. In time, Audrey and Simone grow close. Simone confides in Audrey when she gets pregnant during an affair with Harrison and does not know who the father is. However, Audrey is relieved when Tom is confirmed to be the little
1990s
In 1993, Audrey organizes a surprise party for Steve's 30th anniversary at General Hospital. Audrey is attacked by psychopath Ryan Chamberlain, who mistakes her for his abusive mother. Audrey quickly recovers and testifies against Ryan at his trial, causing him to be committed to a mental institution. When Tom and Simone divorce in 1995, Audrey disapproves of Simone's relationship with
In 1997, Audrey is attacked during a hostage crisis at General Hospital. Jeff's daughter,
2000s
Audrey stays extremely close with Elizabeth throughout the years and supports her through Lucky's return and brainwashing, Elizabeth's turbulent marriage to
On the 10,000th episode that aired on April 17, 2002, the staff throws a surprise party for Audrey honoring her 10,000th shift as a nurse. Afterwards Audrey is seen sparingly, and officially retires from the Hospital in 2005. She returns for the wedding of Elizabeth and Lucky that October. When Elizabeth and Lucky separate in 2006, Elizabeth moves in with Audrey until they reconcile. In October 2009, Audrey is seen at Lucky and Elizabeth's engagement party. Audrey is referenced in off-screen activities as continuing to live in Port Charles, frequently interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoying her life as a
In April 2013, Audrey makes an on-screen appearance on what would have been Steve's 50th anniversary at General Hospital. Audrey talks with Elizabeth and they discuss Tom being in Africa, Elizabeth's parents being in Asia, and Tommy getting his medical degree. Audrey makes an appearance when she writes to her granddaughter, Elizabeth, for her upcoming wedding to Jake Doe/Jason Morgan.[6][7]
Reception
In the pre-Gloria Monty years of GH, Audrey was one of the leading characters of the show, and a 1971 storyline in which she was accused of murder sent General Hospital to the number one spot in the daytime ratings for the first time.
References
- ISBN 0-7607-5634-1.
- ^ "Five Things That Happened On February 23 In Soap History". Soap Opera Digest. p. 1. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- ^ Klein, Dick (September 10, 1985). "Rachel Ames Plays Nurse 21 Years". Waycross Journal-Herald. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- ^ Crosby, Joan (May 9, 1971). "TV Scout Reports". Times Daily. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- ^ a b "Audrey's Back At GH!". Soaps In Depth. Bauer Media Group. February 15, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ a b "Well, Hello, Audrey!". ABC Soaps In Depth. 19 (45). United States: Bauer Publications: 11. November 9, 2015.
- ^ American Media Inc.Retrieved October 29, 2015.
External links
- Audrey Hardy Profile at SoapCentral.com