Anthony Geary, 'General Hospital' Actor, Dies at 78
Anthony Geary, the actor known for his role as Luke Spencer on the daytime drama "General Hospital," died on Sunday in Amsterdam at the age of 78. His death resulted from complications following a surgical procedure three days prior.
ABC confirmed Geary's passing in a statement, recognizing his portrayal of Luke Spencer as a defining element of "General Hospital" and daytime television. Frank Valentini, executive producer of "General Hospital," also issued a statement acknowledging Geary's contributions to the show.
Career and Recognition
Geary's career spanned over 40 years, during which he received eight Daytime Emmy awards for his role as Luke Spencer, a character he began playing in 1978. His on-screen pairing with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber Baldwin, became a notable aspect of pop culture, leading to significant media attention.
Their characters' wedding in 1981 was a multi-part event that featured guest appearances, including Elizabeth Taylor. This broadcast garnered an audience of 30 million viewers.
Genie Francis commented on Geary's acting, stating he was a powerful and unique performer with a passion for authenticity.
Professional Life and Character Portrayal
Beyond "General Hospital," Geary held various roles in television and theater. He appeared in other soap operas, including "The Young and the Restless" and "Bright Promise." Geary played Luke Spencer intermittently until 2015, with a cameo return in 2017.
Geary resided in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.
In a 1993 interview, Geary discussed the complexities of playing Luke Spencer, noting his perception of having to embody the character continuously due to public expectations. He described Luke and Laura as "mythic creatures" with a mutual connection stemming from "lust and appreciation for individuality."
Luke Spencer's character arc on "General Hospital" initially depicted him as a hitman involved in dismantling Laura's first marriage. The character's storyline included a sexual assault against Laura, followed by a narrative progression towards redemption, culminating in Luke becoming a hero and serving as mayor of the fictional town of Port Charles.
Geary commented on his character's nature in a 2015 interview with ABC's "Nightline," stating that Luke was conceived as an anti-hero rather than a purely heroic figure. He characterized Luke as being "all shades of grey," which he considered the enduring appeal of the role.
Early Life and Other Appearances
Born in Coalville, Utah, Geary began his acting career after being discovered while attending the University of Utah and performing on stage. He subsequently joined a touring theater company that brought him to Los Angeles.
Geary frequently balanced stage performances with screen work throughout his career. His television debut was in an episode of "Room 222." He 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."