 Series creator Agnes Nixon cast Patterson as one of the leading protagonists on "One Life to Live" in 1968.After two seasons with the show, Patterson departed the role in 1970, filming "Chato's Land" opposite Jack Palance and making guest television appearances including on ABC's "The Immortal" during his absence from the serial.The actor reprised the role on-contract with the series in 1972, playing Joe until the character's onscreen death October 3, 1979.