Anthony Geary, the actor best known for playing Luke SpencerĀ on the soap opera General Hospital, passed away.
Luke of Luke and Laura were a super couple that defined an era of the genre. Their 1981 wedding drew 30 million viewers, making it the highest-rated soap opera episode in American TV history.
Anthony Geary won eight Daytime Emmy Awards and was nominated nine other times.
What we know so far:
The actor died of complications a few days after having planned surgery, Soap Opera DigestĀ reported. No cause of death or additional details were provided.
Executive producer Frank Valentini wrote, āThe entire General Hospital family is heartbroken over the news of Tony Gearyās passing. Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for.ā
He continued, āHis legacy, and that of Luke Spencerās, will live on through the generations of GH cast members who have followed in his footsteps. We send our sincerest sympathies to his husband, Claudio, family, and friends. May he rest in peace.ā
Anthony Geary as Luke Spencer:
After guest-starring on All in the Family, Anthony Geary made regular appearances on the daytime dramas Bright Promise and The Young and the Restless.
In 1978, General Hospital‘s head writer and executive producer, Gloria Monty, approached Anthony about auditioning. Anthony Geary signed on to play Luke Spencer for 13 weeks. At the end of that period, he was asked to extend his contract for six more months.
As the history books will remember, Luke Spencer quickly became a signature character on GH, spanning 40 years.
‘Laura’ paid homage to her long-time co-star:
Genie Francis, who played Laura of Luke and Laura, honored her time with Anthony. “He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life.”Ā
Her social media post continued, “I am crushed, I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner. Somehow, somewhere, we are connected to each other because I felt him leave last night.”
“Good night sweet prince, good night.”
