Anthony Geary, 'General Hospital' Luke Spencer Star, Dies at 78

Anthony Geary, the legendary actor who captivated daytime television audiences for nearly four decades as Luke Spencer on ABC's "General Hospital," has died at age 78. The eight-time Daytime Emmy winner passed away Sunday in Amsterdam from complications following a scheduled surgical procedure three days earlier. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television," ABC said in a statement confirming his death. Frank Valentini, executive producer of the show, added, "The entire 'General Hospital' family is heartbroken over the news of Tony Geary's passing. Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for." Geary's death was confirmed by his husband of more than 30 years, Claudio Gama, who told TV Insider, "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." Born on May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah, to working-class parents, Geary was raised in a Mormon household with three sisters. He attended the University of Utah, where he began performing and was discovered during his sophomore year. Cast in a touring stage production of "The Subject Was Roses," this opportunity launched his acting career and led him to move to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. Geary's early television work included guest appearances on "Room 222," "All in the Family," "Dan August," and "Mod Squad." He also appeared on soap operas "Bright Promise" and "The Young and the Restless" before landing his career-defining role. In 1978, Geary joined "General Hospital" as Luke Spencer, initially cast for just a 13-week story arc as a hitman and rapist character. However, his compelling performance and the character's unexpected evolution captured both critical acclaim and fan devotion, leading to his permanent addition to the cast. The role was specifically created for Geary after producers recognized his exceptional talent. Luke Spencer became one of daytime television's most iconic characters, known for being quirky, impulsive, brash, and sassy. But it was his pairing with Genie Francis's Laura Webber Baldwin that truly made television history. The Luke and Laura supercouple became a cultural phenomenon, gracing magazine covers and capturing mainstream attention far beyond typical soap opera audiences. The pinnacle of their on-screen romance came with their 1981 wedding, which drew 30 million viewers and remains the most-watched episode in soap opera history. This unprecedented viewership demonstrated the couple's extraordinary impact on popular culture and daytime television. Genie Francis, Geary's longtime co-star and on-screen partner, paid tribute to the actor, posting, "He was a powerhouse as an actor. Shoulder to shoulder with the greats. No star burned brighter than Tony Geary. 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." Throughout his career spanning more than 40 years, Geary earned an unprecedented eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor, a record in the category. He was nominated for 17 Daytime Emmys total, cementing his status as one of daytime television's most celebrated performers. Geary continued playing Luke Spencer until 2015, when he retired from the role and moved to the Netherlands. His departure marked the end of an era for "General Hospital" and daytime television, as few characters had achieved such longevity and cultural significance. The actor's portrayal of Luke Spencer helped elevate soap opera acting and storytelling, proving that daytime television could produce performances and narratives that resonated with audiences on a profound level. His work contributed to the golden age of soap operas and influenced generations of actors and writers in the genre. Geary is survived by his husband, Claudio Gama, and leaves behind a legacy as one of daytime television's most beloved and accomplished actors. His portrayal of Luke Spencer will be remembered as a defining performance that helped shape the landscape of American soap operas and popular culture.