Anthony Geary, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on the daytime drama "General Hospital," died on Sunday in Amsterdam at the age of 78. His death was attributed to complications following a surgical procedure performed three days prior. ABC confirmed his passing.
Career Overview and "General Hospital" Impact
Geary's career spanned over four decades, primarily featuring his role as Luke Spencer on "General Hospital," which he began playing in 1978. During his tenure, he received eight Daytime Emmy awards for his performance.
His on-screen pairing with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber Baldwin, became a notable aspect of popular culture. Their characters' wedding in 1981 was a multi-part broadcast that attracted approximately 30 million viewers and featured a guest appearance by actress Elizabeth Taylor.
Character Portrayal and Evolution
Geary portrayed Luke Spencer intermittently until 2015, making a final cameo return in 2017. The character of Luke Spencer was initially introduced as a small-time hitman involved in disrupting relationships, specifically that between Laura and Scotty Baldwin. Early storylines included Luke sexually assaulting Laura. The character's narrative later progressed, depicting a redemption arc that led to Luke becoming a significant figure in the fictional town of Port Charles, eventually serving as its mayor.
In a 1993 interview, Geary discussed the complexities of playing Luke Spencer and the public's perception of his character, describing Luke and Laura as "mythic figures" with a "mutual connection." In a 2015 interview with ABC's "Nightline," Geary characterized Luke as an "anti-hero" and "all shades of grey," identifying these characteristics as central to the role's enduring appeal.
Early Life and Additional Roles
Born in Coalville, Utah, Geary began his acting career after being discovered while performing on stage at the University of Utah. This led to a role in a touring company, specifically "The Subject was Roses," which brought him to Los Angeles. Throughout his career, he frequently balanced stage performances with screen work.
His television debut was in an episode of "Room 222." Geary also appeared in series such as "All in the Family," "The Partridge Family," "The Mod Squad," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Streets of San Francisco," and "Barnaby Jones." Beyond "General Hospital," he held roles in other soap operas, including "The Young and the Restless" and "Bright Promise."
Personal Life and Tributes
Geary resided in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.
Following his death, ABC issued a statement confirming Geary's passing and acknowledging his contributions to "General Hospital" and daytime television. Frank Valentini, executive producer of "General Hospital," also released a statement recognizing Geary's acting. Genie Francis commented on Geary's acting, describing him as a powerful performer.