Anthony Geary, best known for his iconic role as antihero Luke Spencer on “General Hospital,” has passed away at the age of 78. The celebrated actor succumbed to complications from a planned surgery in Amsterdam, a city he cherished and called home since his retirement from acting in 2015. His death on December 14 was first reported by TV Insider, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a daytime television legend.
Born Tony Dean Geary in Coalville, Utah, on May 29, 1947, he changed his stage name to Anthony to differentiate himself from the nickname “Tony.” Raised in a close-knit Mormon family with three sisters, Geary showed a passion for performing early on. He earned a theater scholarship to the University of Utah and began his career on stage in the 1960s before moving to Los Angeles, where he took on various odd jobs while waiting for a breakthrough.
Geary’s television career began in the early 1970s with appearances on popular shows such as “All in the Family” and “The Partridge Family.” He made his daytime debut in 1971 on the NBC soap “Bright Promise,” which was produced by Gloria Monty, who would later become instrumental in his career. After a brief stint on “The Young and the Restless,” Geary found his true calling when he auditioned for “General Hospital” in 1978.
Initially intended for a short-term role, his character Luke Spencer quickly resonated with audiences, extending his tenure on the soap. Luke Spencer, characterized as an antihero, was complex—capable of both charm and danger, which Geary embraced in his portrayal. The character became a cornerstone of the show and helped to shape daytime drama.
One of the most controversial moments of his character’s arc was a storyline in 1979 where Luke raped Laura, portrayed by Genie Francis. Despite its gravity, the duo became a supercouple, with their wedding in 1981 drawing an unprecedented 30 million viewers. Geary often reflected on this pivotal moment in his career, noting how the complexities of his character kept audiences invested.
Throughout his career, Geary’s performances garnered numerous accolades, including eight Daytime Emmy Awards, the last being awarded in 2015. He also received multiple fan-voted Soap Opera Digest Awards, further cementing his legacy in daytime television history.
After leaving “General Hospital” for the final time, Geary embraced life away from the spotlight, reflecting on his journey with satisfaction and gratitude. He expressed fulfillment in the personal life he built and the love he found, stating that he cherished the time he had spent in the bustling creative environment of daytime drama.
Anthony Geary is survived by his husband, Claudio Gama. The soap opera community and Geary’s many fans extend their heartfelt condolences to Gama and all who knew and loved him. His impact on the world of entertainment will be remembered fondly for generations to come.