The world of daytime television is in mourning following the death of legendary actor Anthony Geary. The eight-time Emmy Award winner, best known for his iconic role as Luke Spencer on the long-running ABC soap opera "General Hospital," passed away at the age of 78.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Anthony Geary died on Sunday, December 14, 2025, due to complications arising from an operation he had undergone just three days earlier. Born on May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah, Geary's journey to stardom began long before he set foot in Port Charles.
His television debut came in 1970 on the ABC drama "Room 222," where he played Tom Whalom. He quickly built a reputation with a standout recurring role as David Lockhart on "Bright Promise" a year later. In 1973, he appeared on "The Young and the Restless" as George Curtis, showcasing his early talent in the soap genre.
The Rise of Luke Spencer and Unprecedented Success
Geary's big break arrived in 1978 when he was cast as the charming antihero Luke Spencer on "General Hospital." This role would define his career and captivate audiences for nearly four decades. His portrayal earned him a record-setting eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Beyond playing Luke, Geary also portrayed the character's look-alike cousin, Bill Eckert. After officially retiring from the series in 2015, he made a brief cameo return in 2017, much to the delight of fans. In a revealing 2015 interview with TV Insider, Geary explained his decision to leave, stating he was "weary of the grind" and expressed a desire not to "die, collapsing in a heap, on that GH set."
A Legacy Beyond Port Charles
While "General Hospital" was his professional home, Anthony Geary's talent shone across numerous other television shows. His credits include memorable appearances on classics like "All in the Family," "The Mod Squad," "Mannix," and "The Partridge Family."
Anthony Geary is survived by his husband, Claudio Gama. The couple had no children. His passing marks the end of an era for soap opera enthusiasts in Nigeria and around the globe, leaving behind a legacy of one of television's most unforgettable characters.
