Anthony Geary, the Emmy-winning actor best known for playing Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at 78.
Geary passed away Sunday in Amsterdam following complications from a scheduled surgery three days earlier, a family member confirmed. His husband, Claudio Gama, called the loss “a shock,” adding, “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences praised Geary’s legacy, noting his record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy wins for Lead Actor and the cultural impact of Luke Spencer and Laura Webber, one of daytime television’s most iconic super-couples.
Born May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah, Geary began his television career in the early 1970s with appearances on Room 222, All in the Family, and The Partridge Family. He first gained soap recognition on Bright Promise and later The Young and the Restless.
In 1978, Geary joined General Hospital, where his portrayal of Luke Spencer made him a daytime legend. Luke’s romance with Genie Francis’ Laura captivated millions, with their 1980 wedding drawing more than 30 million viewers. Geary left the show in 1983, returned in the 1990s, and remained a series regular until 2015. He made his final appearance in 2017, and the character was k1lled off-screen in 2022.
Reflecting on his exit, Geary said the role had been “a huge part of my life,” but he was ready to step away from the demanding schedule.
Geary also appeared in films including Pass the Ammo and Teacher’s Pet. He is remembered as one of the most influential and beloved stars in daytime television history.
