Anthony Geary, the charismatic actor who became a household name playing the bad boy Luke Spencer on ABC's "General Hospital," has died. He was 78.
Geary died Sunday in Amsterdam from complications following a surgical procedure that took place three days earlier.
The legendary daytime television star rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as part of what became one of TV's most iconic couples. When paired with actress Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber Baldwin, the two captivated audiences and helped elevate soap operas into mainstream entertainment.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television," the ABC said in a statement confirming his death.
The 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura became a television event unlike anything daytime TV had seen before. The ceremony, presented in two parts, drew guest appearances from Hollywood royalty, including Elizabeth Taylor. A staggering 30 million viewers tuned in to watch the couple exchange vows.
When Geary first took on the role of Luke in 1978, Luke started as a small-time hitman hired to destroy Laura's relationship with her then-husband, Scotty Baldwin. The storyline took a dark turn when Luke sexually assaulted Laura, a twist that seemed to spell the end for the character.
But instead of disappearing, Luke underwent a transformation. The assault led to a redemption story that evolved the character into a genuine hero. Eventually, Luke even became the mayor of Port Charles, the fictional town where "General Hospital" is set.
Geary played Luke on and off for decades, with his last regular appearance coming in 2015. He returned for a brief cameo in 2017.
Before joining "General Hospital" in 1978, Geary appeared on numerous popular television shows, including "All in the Family," "The Partridge Family," "The Mod Squad," and "Marcus Welby, M.D."
Beyond television, he performed in more than 50 stage productions throughout his career, including roles in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" for PBS and the BBC.
In his later years, Geary lived quietly in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.