Anthony Geary, renowned for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on the iconic soap opera “General Hospital,” has passed away at the age of 78 due to complications from a medical procedure. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his husband, Claudio Gama, who expressed his profound shock, stating, “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.”
Geary, who began his career in showbiz after moving to Los Angeles from Utah in the late 1960s, landed his first acting role in an episode of “Room 222.” He went on to make appearances in several notable television shows such as “All in the Family,” “Dan August,” “Mod Squad,” and “The Partridge Family,” and featured in the film “Johnny Got His Gun.” Early in his career, he was credited as Tony Geary.
His path to stardom accelerated in 1978 when he assumed the role of the charismatic and cunning Luke Spencer on “General Hospital.” Geary’s portrayal of Luke became deeply intertwined with the show’s narrative, especially through his on-screen romance with Laura Webber, played by Genie Francis. Their wedding episode in 1981 attracted a staggering 30 million viewers, marking it as the highest-rated soap opera episode in American television history.
Geary’s character revolutionized “General Hospital,” introducing unconventional themes such as espionage, mob drama, and complex international story arcs, which helped to broaden the show’s appeal beyond traditional medical narratives. Throughout his illustrious career, Geary was nominated for 17 Daytime Emmy Awards, winning an impressive eight times by the time of his retirement from the show in 2015. He made a brief return for a cameo in 2017.
After stepping away from his long-time role, Geary relocated to Amsterdam with Gama, and the couple tied the knot in 2019. His legacy in television will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike, illuminating the profound impact he had on the world of soap operas and the hearts of viewers across generations.