General Hospital’s (GH) Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) and Laura Webber (Genie Francis) were the most popular super-couple on any soap opera in the 1980s. And if they’d stayed together, they would have celebrated their 40th anniversary today.
Luke and Laura’s I Do’s aired on ABC on November 16 and 17, 1981 and fans couldn’t help but tune in. The nuptials were a huge hit with longtime fans and also reeled in a lot of first-time viewers.
More than 30 million people tuned in to watch the pair tie the knot. This made it the highest-rated soap opera event in North American history. The wedding was so highly anticipated that actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was a GH fan, appeared on the episode as Helena Cassadine.
General Hospital Blast From The Past – Couple Happily Say Their I Do’s
Laura’s stepdad Rick Webber (Chris Robinson) walked her down the aisle, while the GH theme song played. And Helena watched from the back of the venue. Luke couldn’t keep his eyes off his fiancé as he stood with his best man Robert Scorpio (Tristan Roberts) and watched Laura approach.
“The two young people before us, through their love for one another, remind us of what it is that makes life precious to all of us. Love, loyalty and courage,” the wedding officiant said. “Together in the face of extreme danger to themselves, they overcame powerful forces that sought to destroy Port Charles and its people, even the entire world.”
After the couple said their I Do’s, guests partied with the happy couple at their outdoor reception. Luke and Laura were positively glowing as he twirled her around during their first dance as man and wife. They chose the song I Could Have Danced All Night.
GH Blast From The Past – Luke Spencer Slugged Her Ex Scotty Baldwin
Shortly afterwards, best man Robert toasted them. “To Luke and Laura, may you always have what you have today,” he said, “the love of your friends and the everlasting love of each other.” Then the couple cut their cake and everyone cheered.
On the balcony, Luke threw Laura’s garter and her stepdad caught it. But it wasn’t all wine and roses on their big day, of course. When Laura threw her bouquet, her ex-husband Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner) caught it. “There is no marriage!” Scotty shouted. Then he told her he was going to contest their divorce. But Luke raced down from the balcony and slugged him.
Although Laura was upset, Luke assured her they were married and asked her to smile. Then she beamed at him through her tears. After they changed into their going away attire, they drove off in a vintage car, into what they hoped would be their bright future together. Keep reading The Soap Scoop for more General Hospital spoilers and news. And make sure you join our free GH Facebook Group.
