Anthony Geary, Legendary General Hospital Star, Dies at 78

Anthony Geary, the iconic actor behind Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died. He was 78 years old. According to reports from TV Insider, Geary passed away on Sunday in the Netherlands. His death followed complications from a scheduled surgery just days prior.

His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news. Geary’s portrayal of the complex Luke Spencer made him a daytime television legend. He won an unprecedented eight Daytime Emmy Awards for the role.

A Soap Opera Legacy Forged in Port Charles

Geary first appeared on General Hospital in November 1978. He was initially signed for just 13 weeks. His character, Luke, was a hitman with a troubled past. The role quickly evolved into one of the most famous in soap history.

A 1979 storyline would define his career and spark controversy. Luke raped Laura Webber, played by Genie Francis. The scene was controversially framed as a romantic “seduction” at the time. This dark beginning led to the supercouple known as “Luke and Laura.”

Their fictional wedding in 1981 became a cultural milestone. It drew an estimated 30 million viewers. That remains the most-watched soap opera episode ever. The event featured a cameo from Elizabeth Taylor.

An Unmatched Career and Lasting Impact

Geary left the show in 1983 but returned in 1991. He ultimately played Luke Spencer for decades. His final regular episode aired in July 2015. The actor cited weariness with the daily grind as a reason for his departure.

According to Reuters, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans. Genie Francis expressed her profound grief publicly. General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini praised Geary’s brilliant acting. He stated Geary set a standard the show still strives to match.

Beyond Port Charles, Geary found film roles challenging. He noted Hollywood was hesitant to cast “Luke Spencer.” Despite this, he appeared in films like UHF with “Weird Al” Yankovic. His stage work included a PBS production of Antony and Cleopatra.

Anthony Geary’s legacy is forever tied to General Hospital and the unforgettable Luke Spencer. His work redefined the soap opera anti-hero for a generation. The daytime world has lost one of its most celebrated stars.

Info at your fingertips

How did Anthony Geary die?

He died from complications following a scheduled surgery. This was confirmed by his husband. The actor was living in the Netherlands at the time.

What was Anthony Geary’s most famous role?

He was best known for playing Luke Spencer on *General Hospital*. He originated the role in 1978. His eight Daytime Emmy wins for the part are a record.

Why was the Luke and Laura storyline controversial?

Their relationship began with a scene where Luke raped Laura. This was originally portrayed as a romantic moment. Modern viewers recognize the problematic nature of this storyline.

Did Anthony Geary and Genie Francis get along?

Yes, by all accounts they had a strong professional relationship. Francis posted a heartfelt tribute calling him her “partner.” She stated his passing crushed her.

How many Emmys did Anthony Geary win?

He won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. This is the most wins any actor has achieved in that category. His first win was in 1982.