Anthony Geary, the longtime star of General Hospital who portrayed the iconic character Luke Spencer for nearly four decades, has died, a publicist confirmed. He was 78.
Geary, who had been living in the Netherlands, died Sunday from complications related to a scheduled medical procedure, the publicist said.
Geary’s portrayal of Luke Spencer — a character known for being quirky, impulsive, brash and sharp-witted — helped redefine daytime television and made him one of the most recognizable figures in soap opera history. His on-screen romance with Genie Francis’ Laura Webber formed the legendary supercouple “Luke and Laura,” whose 1981 wedding episode remains the most-watched daytime broadcast of all time.
“He was a powerhouse as an actor. Shoulder to shoulder with the greats. No star burned brighter than Tony Geary,” Francis wrote in a tribute. “He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life. I am crushed. I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner.”
ABC Entertainment also mourned Geary’s passing, noting his lasting influence on the genre.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television,” the network said in a statement. “Anthony captivated audiences for decades and earned a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards.”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini called Geary a standard-bearer for the series.
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken,” Valentini said. “Tony was a brilliant actor who set the bar we continue to strive for. His legacy — and that of Luke Spencer — will live on through generations of cast members who followed in his footsteps.”
Geary joined General Hospital in 1978 and remained with the show until 2015, earning eight Daytime Emmy Awards during his tenure.
Reflecting on the role in a 2015 Nightline interview, Geary said Luke Spencer was never meant to be a traditional hero.
“He was created to be an anti-hero,” Geary said. “And I have treasured the anti-side of the hero and pushed it for a long time.”
Geary is survived by his husband, Claudio, as well as extended family, friends and colleagues.
