The world of daytime television is in mourning following the death of Anthony Geary, the celebrated actor who brought the iconic character of Luke Spencer to life on the long-running ABC soap opera General Hospital. He was 78 years old.
A Soap Opera Icon Passes Away
ABC confirmed the sad news in a statement, expressing deep sadness at the passing of the actor whose work helped define not only the show but an entire era of television. Geary died on Sunday in Amsterdam, where he lived, from complications arising from a surgical procedure he had undergone just three days earlier.
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital, paid tribute, calling Geary a "brilliant actor" whose performance set a standard the show continues to strive for. His on-screen partner, Genie Francis, who played Laura, remembered him as a "powerhouse" actor, a one-of-a-kind star whose passion for truth was matched by his hilarious humour.
The Unforgettable Legacy of Luke and Laura
Anthony Geary joined the cast of General Hospital in 1978 and quickly became a central figure. His character, Luke Spencer, began as a small-time hitman but evolved into one of the most complex and beloved figures in soap history. The pairing of Luke with Genie Francis's Laura Webber Baldwin created the supercouple Luke and Laura, a phenomenon that catapulted the show into the cultural mainstream.
Their 1981 wedding, which featured a guest appearance by Elizabeth Taylor, was a landmark television event, drawing a record 30 million viewers. Over a career on the soap spanning more than 40 years, Geary earned an impressive eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal.
The character's journey was not without controversy, notably a dark early story arc involving sexual assault, which was later followed by a long redemption trail that saw Luke become a hero and even mayor of Port Charles. Geary himself relished the character's moral complexity, once telling ABC's Nightline that Luke was "all shades of grey."
A Life Beyond Port Charles
Born to Mormon parents in Coalville, Utah, Geary was discovered while performing at the University of Utah. His early television career included roles in series like All in the Family, The Partridge Family, and Barnaby Jones before finding his lasting home in Port Charles.
Beyond General Hospital, he had roles in other soaps including The Young and the Restless, and maintained an active stage career. Geary played Luke on and off until 2015, with a final cameo in 2017, after which he retired to a quiet life in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.
The passing of Anthony Geary marks the end of an era for daytime drama. His creation of Luke Spencer—a flawed, charismatic, and ultimately heroic figure—left an indelible mark on television history, captivating millions of viewers for generations and securing his place as a true legend of the genre.
