‘General Hospital’ icon Anthony Geary dead at 78 – three days after planned surgery

Anthony Geary, the actor forever associated with the role of Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at the age of 78.

ABC confirmed his passing in a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television.” According to reports, Geary died in Amsterdam due to complications following a planned surgical procedure he had undergone three days earlier.

Geary’s career spanned more than four decades, but his legacy is inseparable from the character of Luke Spencer, whom he first portrayed in 1978. Over the years, his work on the long-running soap opera earned him an extraordinary eight Daytime Emmy Awards, a rare achievement that underscored both his popularity and his range as a performer.

His on-screen partnership with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber Baldwin, became one of the most iconic pairings in television history. The storyline reached its cultural peak in 1981, when Luke and Laura’s wedding episode drew more than 30 million viewers. The event transcended daytime television, becoming a genuine pop-culture moment. Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, known to be an avid fan of the show, even made a guest appearance during that era.

Reflecting on Geary’s impact, Francis shared a heartfelt tribute to her longtime co-star. “He was a powerhouse as an actor. Shoulder to shoulder with the greats,” she said. “No star burned brighter than Tony Geary. He was one of a kind. As an artist, he was filled with a passion for the truth, no matter how blunt, or even a little rude it might be, but always hilariously funny.”

Actor Anthony Geary poses for a portrait circa 1982 in Los Angeles City. (Photo by Dianna Whitley/Getty Images)

While Luke Spencer defined his public image, Geary’s career extended well beyond General Hospital. He appeared on other daytime dramas, including The Young and the Restless and Bright Promise, and also maintained a strong presence on stage, where he was known for his discipline and commitment to the craft.

Geary played Luke on and off until 2015, ultimately stepping away from the role after decades of shaping the character’s evolution. He briefly returned in 2017 for a cameo, a moment that resonated deeply with longtime fans who had grown up watching him.

In a 1993 interview, Geary spoke candidly about the intensity of inhabiting such a beloved character. “I felt like I had to be Luke 24 hours a day or people would be disappointed,” he said. Reflecting on Luke and Laura’s enduring appeal, he added, “As far as I’m concerned, they are mythic creatures. They come from two sides of the universe together and have a mutual connection, which is basically lust and appreciation for individuality. They love the eccentricity in each other.”

For many viewers, Anthony Geary wasn’t just an actor on a soap opera—he was part of their daily lives, a presence that spanned generations. His performances brought complexity, humor, and unpredictability to daytime television, helping elevate the genre and leave a lasting imprint on popular culture.

He will be remembered not only for a singular, iconic role, but for the intensity, intelligence, and authenticity he brought to everything he did.

Rest in peace, Anthony Geary.