General Hospital (GH) fans are heartbroken, after learning that Anthony Geary has passed away at the age of 78.
The iconic actor, who played Luke Spencer on the sudser, died yesterday in Amsterdam due to complications from surgery.
“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,” GH executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement. “His legacy, and that of Luke Spencer’s, will live on through the generations of cast members who have followed in his footsteps. May he rest in peace.”
Emma Samms, who plays Holly Sutton-Scorpio, was devasted by the news about her former co-star. “My heart was already breaking about the Rob Reiner news…but now,” she said on X.
Anthony Geary Made His Last General Hospital Appearance In 2017
Fans also reacted to the tragic news. “How is this real? OMG,” one viewer posted on social media. “The losses for the GH family are just too much. My condolences to all.”
Another GH fan said the loss of Geary guts her. “I remember Luke and Laura’s wedding so well,” she commented. “I was on maternity leave at the time, and it was such a highlight. May his memory be a blessing.”
Geary joined the soap in 1978 and won eight Daytime Emmys for his portrayal of the character. In 1981, Luke famously married Laura Webber (Genie Francis), bringing in 30 million viewers, a record number for any soap opera at the time.
The actor retired in 2015 but did make one last appearance in 2017 with Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine). The characters of Luke and Tracy were married in 2014.
Record 30 Million Viewers Watched Luke Get Married To Laura In 1981
Geary appeared in many network television shows in the early 1970s including All In The Family, Starsky & Hutch, The Mod Squad and The Partridge Family. His first soap role was on a show called Bright Promise. Geary also played George Curtis on the first season of The Young And The Restless.
The actor is survived by his husband Claudio Gama. “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” he told TV Insider. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”
We at the Soap Scoop would like to extend our condolences to Geary’s family and friends. May he rest in peace. The Soap Scoop is your source for General Hospital spoilers and news.
