Beloved ‘General Hospital’ Star Anthony Geary Passes Away at 78
Anthony Geary, famed for his iconic role as Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at 78 following complications from a planned surgery. His four-decade run on the soap opera made him a television legend.
Anthony Geary, the actor who brought Luke Spencer to life on the long-running daytime drama General Hospital, has died at the age of 78. Geary passed away on December 14, just three days after undergoing a scheduled medical procedure. The cause was complications related to the operation. He spent his later years in the Netherlands with his husband, Claudio Gama.
Legacy of a Soap Opera Icon
Geary first stepped into the role of Luke Spencer in 1978, a casting decision that would forever change both his career and the landscape of American soap operas. His on-screen partnership with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber, became legendary. Their characters’ wedding episode in 1981 drew an audience of over 30 million viewers, a record for daytime television. That same episode featured a special appearance by Elizabeth Taylor, a devoted fan of the show.
Throughout his remarkable 40-year run on General Hospital, Geary earned eight Daytime Emmy Awards, a testament to his talent and the impact he had on the genre. His portrayal of Luke Spencer set a new standard for soap opera performances and left an indelible mark on television history.
Personal Life and Final Days
Geary’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. He shared more than three decades with his husband, Claudio Gama. In a heartfelt statement, Gama said,
“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.”
After retiring from acting in 2015, Geary relocated to Amsterdam to enjoy a quieter life with Gama. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, he remained connected to his craft. Just a day before his final hospital stay, he filmed a scene with Anders Hove, another former General Hospital cast member. The details of this last project remain unknown, but it now stands as his final work.
Beyond General Hospital
While best known for his role on General Hospital, Geary’s career spanned both film and television. He appeared in projects like Intimate Agony, Do You Know the Muffin Man?, The Disorderlies, and You Can’t Hurry Love. His versatility and dedication to his art earned him respect across the entertainment industry.
Geary’s passing marks the end of an era for fans and colleagues alike, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.