The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a daytime television legend. Anthony Geary, the actor whose portrayal of Luke Spencer on the ABC soap opera "General Hospital" captivated millions, died on Sunday. He was 78 years old.
A Career-Defining Role and a Shocking Loss
The news of Geary's passing was first reported by TV Insider on Monday. According to the report, his death resulted from complications following a scheduled operation that took place just three days earlier. Anthony Geary's husband, Claudio Gama, shared a heartfelt statement expressing his profound grief. "It was a shock for me and our families and our friends," Gama said. "For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband."
Tributes from colleagues and fans began pouring in immediately. Among the first to pay homage was Genie Francis, who played Laura Spencer, Luke's iconic on-screen wife. On social media platform X, Francis wrote, "He was a powerhouse as an actor. Shoulder to shoulder with the greats. No star burned brighter than Tony Geary." She praised his passion for truth and his unique humour, concluding, "I am crushed, I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner."
From Utah to Hollywood Stardom
Born in Coalville, Utah, Anthony Geary grew up in a Mormon family with three sisters. After studying acting in college, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career. His television debut came in 1970 on an episode of "Room 222." Interestingly, a year later he appeared in an episode of "All in the Family" alongside Rob Reiner, who also died on the same Sunday at age 78.
Geary found his footing in daytime drama, with roles on "Bright Promise" and "The Young and the Restless" in the early 1970s. However, it was his casting as the charming and complicated Luke Spencer on "General Hospital" in 1978 that made him a household name. The on-screen romance between Luke and Laura, played by Francis, became a cultural phenomenon. Their 1981 wedding episode was a historic television event, drawing an audience of 30 million viewers and even reportedly captivating Princess Diana.
While the couple became iconic, their storyline's origins were controversial. A 1979 episode depicted Luke sexually assaulting Laura, a plot point the show later reframed. Geary himself later acknowledged the justified criticism from feminist and victim advocacy groups.
Record-Breaking Awards and a Lasting Legacy
Anthony Geary's performance earned him unparalleled acclaim in the soap opera world. He holds the record for the most Daytime Emmy Awards for a performer, with eight wins for Outstanding Lead Actor. After initially leaving "General Hospital" in 1984 for other TV and film roles, including "Murder, She Wrote" and the cult comedy "UHF," he returned to the show in 1991. He continued playing Luke Spencer intermittently until his final departure in 2015.
In his personal life, Geary was private about his sexuality. His husband, Claudio Gama, revealed on Instagram in February that the two had married in 2019 after relocating to the Netherlands. In a 2015 interview reflecting on his career, Geary expressed gratitude for his time on the show but also a weariness with the constant association with the Luke and Laura saga. "Every time I was introduced anywhere in the last 33 years, they’d run the clip of that fucking wedding," he told TV Insider. "It’s like having your high school graduation picture dragged out."
The passing of Anthony Geary marks the end of an era for daytime television. He leaves behind a complex legacy defined by a record-setting performance, a character that shaped pop culture, and the heartfelt memories of colleagues and fans who admired his formidable talent.
