Anthony Geary, the actor most famous for portraying Luke Spencer on General Hospital during the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away at 78.
ABC confirmed his death in a statement, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of Geary, whose performance as Luke Spencer became a defining force in both General Hospital and daytime television as a whole.
Reports indicate that Geary died in Amsterdam due to complications following a planned surgical procedure he underwent three days earlier.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Geary won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his work as Luke, a role he first assumed in 1978. His on-screen partnership with Genie Francis’ Laura Webber Baldwin became a cultural phenomenon. Their 1981 television wedding drew an audience of more than 30 million viewers, and even featured a cameo from devoted fan Elizabeth Taylor.
Francis paid tribute to her longtime co-star, calling him a “powerhouse” performer who stood alongside the greatest actors. She added that no star shone brighter than Geary, praising his unique artistry, fearless honesty, sharp wit, and comedic brilliance.
Beyond General Hospital, Geary appeared in a variety of television and stage productions, including roles on other soap operas such as The Young and the Restless and Bright Promise.
Geary played Luke Spencer intermittently until 2015, later returning briefly for a cameo in 2017. Reflecting on the role in a 1993 interview, he said he felt compelled to embody Luke constantly so as not to disappoint fans. He described Luke and Laura as almost mythic figures, drawn together by desire, individuality, and a shared love of each other’s eccentricities.