Anthony Geary: General Hospital Legend and Eight-Time Emmy Winner Dies at 78
Television Icon Passes Away After Surgery Complications
Anthony Geary, who famously played Luke Spencer on ABC soap opera General Hospital for nearly 30 years, has passed away at the age of 78. The actor died on Sunday, December 14th, following complications from a planned but unnamed surgery three days earlier, his husband Claudio Gama told TV Insider. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans worldwide.
A Career That Defined Daytime Television
Geary’s breakout came in 1978, when he was tapped to play the street-savvy hustler Luke Spencer on ABC’s “General Hospital.” Luke’s romance with Laura Webber (played by Genie Francis) culminated in an on-screen wedding that was watched by 30 million live viewers. The 1981 installment remains the highest-rated soap opera episode in American TV history. From 1978 to 2017, Geary appeared in 1,997 episodes of “General Hospital.” He was nominated for 17 Daytime Emmys and won a record-breaking eight, cementing his status as one of the most celebrated actors in soap opera history.
Personal Life and Legacy
Born in Coalville, Utah, Geary was raised Mormon and attended the University of Utah on a theater scholarship. Geary moved to Amsterdam with Gama, and the two got married in 2019. His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news, saying, “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends. For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”
Impact on Popular Culture
Genie Francis, his on-screen partner, wrote on X: “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”. Anthony Geary’s portrayal of Luke Spencer transformed daytime television, introducing complex storylines and creating television history. His death marks the end of an era for soap opera fans and leaves an indelible legacy in American television history.