The beloved actor passed away in Amsterdam, reportedly due to complications following a planned surgical procedure he underwent just three days earlier.
ABC confirmed Geary’s death in an official statement, honoring his immense contribution to daytime television. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary,” the network said. “His portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and left a lasting mark on the genre.”
Geary joined General Hospital in 1978, and his character quickly became one of the most iconic figures in soap opera history. Over the course of a career that spanned more than four decades, he earned an impressive eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the show, a rare and remarkable achievement.
Much of Luke Spencer’s legendary status stemmed from his on-screen partnership with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber Baldwin. Their chemistry captivated audiences nationwide, culminating in Luke and Laura’s 1981 wedding episode, which drew more than 30 million viewers. The event became a pop culture phenomenon, even attracting Hollywood royalty — Elizabeth Taylor, a devoted fan of the show, appeared in a special cameo.
Francis paid tribute to her former co-star, calling Geary a “powerhouse” performer who stood “shoulder to shoulder with the greats.” She described him as fiercely dedicated to truth in his work, unafraid to be blunt, yet always possessing a sharp, unforgettable sense of humor.
Beyond General Hospital, Geary appeared on other daytime series including The Young and the Restless and Bright Promise, as well as in stage productions. He played Luke intermittently until 2015 and made a final cameo appearance in 2017.
Reflecting on his most famous role, Geary once said he felt compelled to embody Luke at all times, describing the character and his relationship with Laura as “mythic.” His legacy as one of television’s brightest and most influential stars endures.
