Anthony Geary, the iconic actor best known for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on "General Hospital," has died at the age of 78. Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in the Netherlands, due to complications following a surgical procedure three days prior. His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news, stating, "It was a shock for me and our families and our friends. For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband".

Born on May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah, Tony Dean Geary began his acting career with guest appearances in primetime television series before transitioning to soap operas. His early soap roles included David Lockhart on "Bright Promise" (1971-1972) and George Curtis on "The Young and the Restless". However, it was his role as Luke Spencer on "General Hospital," which he began in 1978, that catapulted him to stardom.

Geary's portrayal of Luke Spencer, initially a hitman and rapist who later falls in love with his victim Laura Webber (played by Genie Francis), became a cultural phenomenon. The pairing of Luke and Laura captivated audiences, and their 1981 on-screen wedding remains the highest-rated soap opera episode in television history, drawing an estimated 30 million viewers.

Geary left "General Hospital" in 1984 but returned in 1991 as Luke's cousin, Bill Eckert. Due to negative audience feedback, the character was dropped, and Geary reprised his role as Luke in 1993, remaining a central figure on the show for over two decades. He ultimately left the show in 2015.

Throughout his career, Geary received numerous accolades for his work on "General Hospital," including a record-setting eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He won his first Emmy in 1982 and continued to win in 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2015.

Following his retirement from "General Hospital," Geary resided in Amsterdam, a city he deeply loved. In a 2015 interview with TV Insider, Geary expressed feeling tired of the monotony of his career for two decades and stated, "There was a moment, after my spinal surgery last year, when it became clear to me that my time wasn't infinite. And I really don't want to die one of these days on the set of General Hospital".

In May 2017, Geary made a cameo appearance on "General Hospital" to facilitate the retirement of Jane Elliot, who played Luke's former on-screen wife, Tracy Quartermaine. The day before his death, he filmed a scene with former "General Hospital" co-star Anders Hove for an upcoming project.

News of Geary's death has prompted tributes from numerous figures in the entertainment industry, including former co-stars Genie Francis, Maurice Benard, and Frank Valentini. Valentini, the executive producer of "General Hospital," stated that the "entire General Hospital family is heartbroken" and that Geary's "legacy, and that of Luke Spencer's, will live on through the generations of GH cast members who have followed in his footsteps". Genie Francis shared on social media, "Somehow, somewhere, we are connected to each other because I felt him leave last night. Good night sweet prince, good night".

Anthony Geary's contribution to daytime television is immeasurable. His portrayal of Luke Spencer captivated audiences for decades, and his record-breaking Emmy wins solidified his status as a legend in the genre. He is survived by his husband, Claudio Gama.