Highlights:
Anthony Geary, one of daytime television's most recognizable and celebrated stars, has died at the age of 78. His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed to TV Insider that Geary passed away on Sunday (14), following complications from a scheduled operation performed days earlier.
Geary was best known for his legendary role as Luke Spencer on ABC’s long-running soap opera General Hospital. He originated the character in 1978 and went on to portray Luke for 37 years, becoming one of the most iconic figures in soap opera history. His final full-time year on the show was 2015, and he made his last appearance in 2017.
Luke Spencer’s romance with Laura Collins, played by Genie Francis, became a cultural phenomenon. The pairing of Luke and Laura is widely considered the most popular soap opera couple of all time. Their 1981 wedding episode drew an estimated 30 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode in daytime television history.
After stepping away from the series, Geary moved from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, where he later married Gama in 2020. Gama shared his grief publicly, calling Geary not only his husband, but also his closest friend and companion of more than 30 years. He described Geary’s death as a shock to their families and loved ones.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the television industry. General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini released a statement on the show’s official Instagram account, saying the entire General Hospital family was heartbroken. He praised Geary as a brilliant actor who set a standard that continues to inspire the show’s cast and crew.
Genie Francis also shared a deeply emotional tribute on social media. She described waking from a dream filled with fear and memories, only to learn shortly after that Geary had died. Francis expressed regret that she had not spoken with him in years, while also saying she felt a powerful emotional connection at the moment of his passing.
Actor Kin Shriner, who played Scott Baldwin and was part of the famous Luke and Laura storyline, responded to Francis’ post. He shared that he, too, had experienced a vivid dream involving Geary the night before learning of his death, saying it felt like a final goodbye.
Anthony Geary leaves behind a lasting legacy in television history. Through Luke Spencer, he helped shape modern soap operas and touched generations of viewers. His work, talent, and influence will continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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