General Hospital
Anthony Geary Bids Farewell To General Hospital On His Final Tape Day!
Courtesy/VinessaAntoineInstagram
The greatest actor of our genre has left the building, and it’s hard to comprehend. Nothing really prepares long time soap fans of General Hospital and Anthony Geary for the ABC soap opera to be without the iconic Luke Spencer, but so it has come to pass. Today during an extended two hour lunch break from filming, Tony Geary said goodbye to the place he has called home for mostly 37 years on this his final tape date: June 23rd, 2015.
According to Lynette Rice at EW.com, “After shooting his last scene before noon on GH’s Los Angeles set, Geary and about 200 members of the cast and crew of ABC sudser packed a soundstage to pay tribute to the 68-year-old actor.” EW.com has this exclusive photo of Tony leaving the set for the final time, too.
This afternoon, Geary was treated to walks down memory lane with photos, video clips of his time on the show, and of course, one last celebratory cake. While Tony addressed his long time cast mates and the crew, he was noticeably choked up when the likes of Kin Shriner (Scott), Finola Hughes (Anna), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), Leslie Charleson (Monica), Lynn Herring (Lucy Coe), and Genie Francis (Laura) showed up to say their goodbyes. Genie noted in a speech: “Thank you for putting up with me as a petulant teenager … Thank you for the best acting partnership I’ve ever known.”
The eight-time Daytime Emmy record holder and soap opera legend told EW.com exclusively on his final GH moments on and off-screen:“I’m excited to raise the curtain on act 3, to reinvent myself in my new home to pursue whatever opportunity there may be. It’s an exciting prospect to me. They’ve done a wonderful job of wrapping up the character. So this seems like the ideal time to go.”
Beautiful photos and sentiments from GH cast members, who have been so touched and honored to work with Tony have begun being posted on social media with heartfelt messages including: Maurice Benard (Sonny) who tweeted: “To the legend Tony Geary not just a great actor but a great guy and I’m proud to call him my friend.” Vanessa Antoine (Jordan) posted on Instagram: “Some of my very first scenes were with #TonyGeary. Today #GeneralHospital says bye to 37 years of #LukeSpencer . He was so beautiful. Artist. Gentleman. Will miss him.” Laura Wright (Carly) tweeted: “I’m so grateful to have been one of your Caroline’s xo”
After the jump, watch this snippet of the Tony Geary on-set celebration on his final tape day at General Hospital! Then share your thoughts knowing this giant of a talent has exited the daytime drama’s soundstage at ABC for the final time.
Michael,
A class act a mesmerizing presence on screen. Way back in 1982 I worked for my Dad at our TV sales and repair shop. One day I had one of the TV’s on and it was GH, I glanced at it and saw this actor fighting with another actor. It was Tony Geary during the “David Gray” story line. I was hooked! 33 years later I still watch GH everyday. Thank you Tony for all the years of enjoyment you are on of a kind.
I was raising my then, two kids and just fell for this anti-hero character, Luke Spencer. And through the years of Tony’s artistic work on General Hospital, I really threw myself into General Hospital. I taped many years of GH and recently, started parting ways with all of them. Did I really think, I would watch every tape again? Don’t get me wrong, I still have memories of GH and today, after not watching for a few years, it isn’t the same. Most of the top actors and actress are doing their best to perform. Storylines also have changed. Where is my General Hospital of so long ago. In my memories. Back to Tony..thank you for your outstanding performances. I have been entertained. Thank you for saving Port Charles from the freeze..lol Good luck on your GH retirement, you have worked hard and now it is your time. It isn’t easy saying “so long”, but I willingly release you from the character of Luke. Time for you to make your memories. I hope you pop up in worthy news..take care, my friend. Mary Lou
Ohhh my gawd !!!
It is such a sorrowful moment-
the exit of the great, the legend, Anthony Geary !!
A legend never dies and aspires other to reach for the gold, also..
I can’t imagine GH without Tony/Luke..
GH is the only soap to have a great one a legend as Anthony Geary!!
I’m sure Tony will relax, dream, love, and start a new life at 68, he will live the dream..
(I hope he gets top notched stoned !!) eehh!
Well, considering you’ve only watched GH for about two minutes, I am sure you will be fine.
I’m finally going to weigh in on this after reading all comments on thread. It seems you either feel Tony, or you don’t, or like me are ambivalent. There is no right or wrong, no need to defend or back track on crossing the tee’s minutiae. Compound this with different generations of viewers, and changes from three major networks when Tony started, to more viewing opportunities than I can count…and of course you are going to get different opinions.
He’s leaving, and ABC and GH are milking it for all it’s worth. And deserving for all the years Tony logged…. except for the Fluke type ending..IMO.
I’m always happy for a celebration. Just wish there could be something comparable for for other actors of note who were unceremoniously lost to us because OLTL and AMC were axed.
So, su. How is Tony a legend and Genie isn’t? By definition, a legend is a luminary….a phenomenon known internationally and historically. His contribution is non-descript. O, yes, he may be very well known in the soap world, but what else? I certainly had not heard of him….never watched GH…or any in my family. But, I knew of Cary Grant, Liz Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren, Alan Ladd, Clark Gable, the Gabor sisters….etc. those are celebrities, not Geary. Oh, let’s not forget Einstein and Shakespeare…LOL.
CeeCee, he is a DAYTIME legend. All those great actors were famous for pictues that people saw all over the world. Tony got a taste of that with L&L’s wedding. It was a monumental occasion. They made TIME magazine’s cover. This is before your time. It means more to people who have followed the couples adventures for the past thirty some years. [Longer than you have been alive!] Genie is a legend. as well. Whats the difference? Tony has been on so many more years than her and has had his hand in so many plots. Is that her fault? I dont know. I view them as DAYTIME royalty, period!
@Timmm.
Hey, Timmm.
That’s exactly what I said…he is known in the soap world. He is not a legend, by definition. But, I guess if his fans want to affix that title on him, then sobeit.
As you say, he is daytime royalty, PERIOD. That’s as far as it goes. He has done nothing out of the ordinary to make him a legend. He won well-deserved Emmys. He held a job for 37 years. However, so did many others; not only in the entertainment world….but, in any job. With all due respect to Anthony, he will be forgotten within a few years.
I am only expressing an opinion. And, yes, Genie should fall under the same category.
I do not like the fact that he made Genie, whom I adore, feel less than…that made me lose so much respect for him……which means squat, right? I am nobody. What I think has no consequence. I cannot help the way I feel, Timmm. And, I will not apologize for my age, either. Peace, friend.
Timmm, hi..
recent Entertainment interview;
”
Geary cracked that he won’t miss watching video of Luke’s wedding to Laura in 1981. (At an astonishing 30 million, the nuptials remain the most-watched episode in daytime history.) “It was 33 years ago, people,” Geary quipped. “For Christ’s sake, let it go.”
”
I agree with Tony..
“For Christ’s sake, let it go.”
Thank you, Cee Cee,
Many of us are emotional about Tony leaving–we grew up watching Luke. He is an absolutely brilliant actor and I don’t think we will see his like again.
That said, I do think Laura is underrated. She is the Ginger Rogers to his Fred Astaire. Think about it–Rogers had to waltz, tango and dance backwards while wearing three inch heels and Astaire got all the credit.
I know you think Suoo is a an affable hoot of a gal, and sometimes I think so too. However, I think the age cracks she makes against Genie Frances (while not making the same age cracks against Geary, who is fifteen years older than Frances) are not only unnecessary, they’re downright mean spirited.
Finally, SuOO has felt compelled to come in here again and again and mock the sentimentality many of us long term GH watchers are feeling as we watch Geary perform his slow diving swan song. I realize she is a new GH watcher but why not pay some respect to the history? You are also a new GH viewer and you don’t feel compelled to mock the sentiment while mocking the fans.
I know you’re defensive of SUOO, but honestly, I think she comes off as being very passive aggressive and then when she is called on it she retreats back into ‘I’m-just-being-silly land’. If I could put her on filter I would but this forum does not afford us that luxury.
And SuOO? Tony Geary is retiring, we GET to indulge in a little reminiscing at this crucial period I am sorry you don’t get it but the rest of us do so please allow us to be in the moment without your constant criticism. Now is not the time.
Please give it a rest–you have no fondness for Luke and and Laura and you have said so over and over. We get it. To quote you quoting Tony Geary in the above comment,”For Christ’s sake, let it go.”
Let it go, SUoo.
@jimh.
Awww, Jim. I, for one, would never put down any decade/generation. Each had its own unique contribution to pop culture…well, except for disco….other than the BG’s I can’t ken that entire momentary insanity. Ergo, it didn’t last.
I am a rocker through and through….would never see me dancing to the tune of BOOGIE WONDERLAND….LOL. Maybe, LADY MARMALADE.
@Harry.
Hello, Harry,
I would not dare dispute your love and respect for Mr. Geary. How could I take that away from you, when I feel the same way about Erika S. (Vicky Lord)?…. And, so many others.
I defend Su because she means well, albeit she gets carried away with her descriptive ‘missiles’, sometimes…LOL. I read between the lines…no malice behind anything she says…I ‘get’ her. Genie is not her favorite person. To Su, she is not even in the running when it comes to the over-glorified Tony.
You see? That is my opinion. I love Genie, I do not like Tony, so much. I do respect him as an actor. He did win his Emmys because he deserved them. But, I do not have to like him, do I?
By the same token I adore Michelle Stafford; you do not. We do not bash each other, do we? My point? We all have the right to express ourselves. I bash characters, but I respect the actor within the character. Am I making any sense?
The thing is, Su likes Tony. She wants him to go out with a bang…just not with Genie being given the same accolades. But, that’s her opinion to express. It’s all good, Harry, as long as we all respect each other, right? I thank you for giving me the time. I respect you. I think you are close to my Dad’s age. You said you started watching Geary at seventeen. That would take you into your fifties, yes? I picture you as very handsome and distinguished, with greying temples. ….stylish clothing from the best Haberdasheries. I bet there’s a humidor on your desk…..KIDDING…LOL.
But name calling is uncalled-for….rude and immature. …not you, dear Harry, not you.
I find that respect is reciprocal. One cannot expect respect if respect, the concept, is not respected….I don’t care how old one is.
I have parents to set me straight, if needed, not some stranger who has no idea who I am, and, most importantly, no right. I was always taught to defend myself in the face of any sort of adversity. I am sure you agree, Harry.
I do not toot my own horn, as you must have realized by now. But, you read me, Harry. I love literature. I love reading, I love History, I love the philosophers of any culture and era.
Thus, to be depicted as a mere ‘yungin’, scatterbrained what? I am a mother of two, and a wife. So crass, so low, even for such a seemingly cultured person, who i suspect, goes by two names. I will not indulge in lowering myself to the same level of name calling. I’d like to believe I have class. There are so many women on these sites with class, with whom I interact….Laurie, Nanci, Chrystie, Fanny, and, yes, su, ?…last but not least,
My bestie, Shay.
Hope I haven’t put you to sleep, Harry. ‘Nite. ( I hope I did not make too many typos)
This must have been a very emotional day for everyone. While I am no longer a GH viewer, I remember with great fondness the wonderful performances Tony Geary gave through the years and congratulate him on a job excellently done. I wish him much happiness and success in the next chapter of his life.
Just surreal…..I don’t know what else to say.
Thank You Tony for all your hard work and dedication. You will be missed.
I am going to miss Tony Geary so much. Bye Bye Luke Spencer.
This so heartfelt..
Michael Fairman /Facebook..
Too awesome not to share;
Michael Fairman; Facebook ..
This afternoon, when I saw the reports begin to come in that today was indeed the final tape day at General Hospital in the historic and iconic soap career of Tony Geary… I had a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes, that the day is upon us. When I, or anyone, who watches General Hospital, thinks back to all of the incredible performances this man has given to the audience for almost four decades, there are just too many to count. Just this past April, we watched the remarkable 52nd anniversary episode in which he delivered as an exquisite a performance as they come … anywhere in any medium.
Tony has given us endless hours of entertainment and drama – from the young Luke on the run – to the older Luke facing his demons – to Luke’s love stories each unique with Laura and Tracy There will never be another actor like him, I don’t believe. So, I salute Tony! Cheers! As you go forward to your new life chapter, you leave behind an incomparable body of work that we will never forget.
163 people like this. (( and the count is rising!
Michale..
Your comment was very impassioned ..
I read it a couple of times and most importantly I felt it..
You saying your goodbye to Tony was from your heat and from decades of love for Tony in your heart and you shared it with us.. Thankyou.
Michael, you are a huge part of the soap world.
You have dedicated a huge part of your life to the soaps, and we/ I take all you do for us the fans for granted (shame on me..
I truly appreciate you, Michael.. Always with great respect for you..
Thank you for your beautiful words honoring Tony.
((also- thanks for having me a as guest on your forum and for putting up with me.
— I can become very enthusiastic lol
Thank you, tony u r great guy.. I’m get ready to taped this summer for my last moment to see him say goodbye to old friend over 37 years as for me twice from 1981-1992 and 2005 -present. I feel like going cry very soon. It’s very tough for him let it go I feel lucky I recorded of Ian Buchanans last days and Shawn butler,too.
I, too, would have had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes (as I often did, in the heyday of the halcyon days of Luke and Laura). But, regrettably, I just feel mad and hurt that Tony Geary could not have gone out with the same nervous energy, tenderness, and humor that he exhibited for some many years as the most unique actor I had ever seen. I began watching when he, as David, honed the character that became Luke Spencer. And I watched him in everything he has done. But he stayed too long at the fair. Something happened to that spontaneity and wit; perhaps he put a finger on the problem when he commented in a recent interview that he had “bullied and cajoled and sabotaged” in order to get his way. It was heartening to hear him at least say that much about the problem. But I so very much wish that he had given at least a cursory nod to the loyal fans, like me, that watched from the beginning, before all the hoopla and noice crowded out the purity of his talent. Instead, he continued to deride and redicule and sell short the intelligence of the fan–to his detriment as an actor, I feel. The actor’s job is to give a good performance, yes, but also to realize that he does not exist in a vacuum, that the actor is just talking if he is not relating to his audience. A performance should change the viewer in some way; at the very least, it should involve the actor and the audience. Tony Geary seems simply to have forgotten that. After carefully creating a wonderfully shaded and complex character, he arrogantly insisted on violating the very character he created. To put it succinctly, the Luke of today bears little resemblance to the character I grew to love. I am sad. I am even heartbroken that in the twilight of his career Tony Geary seems to realize that he went too far. He looks weary, lost, angry, sad, and distant–no longer engaged in his work or his character. And yes, I repeat, it didn’t have to be that way and I am mad and frustrated about that.
But Genie is a class act as always to thank Geary graciously for “the acting class” and for being the “best acting partner” she ever had. I applaud her seeming serenity in the face of Tony Geary’s obvious anger. The light still comes back into her eyes when she looks at her acting partner; the light is no longer there in Tony Geary’s eyes. Unbearably sad for me to watch. Tony, I (along with my sister Sandra) championed your growth and progress and sparkle. We mourn the loss of it. Still, we wish for you, somehow, to find some serenity and peace as you leave GH and the character of Luke behind you. PS. We are still loyal and will look forward to that memoir you keep saying you will write. Wouldn’t it be fun to read a memoir from you and Genie? But I ask too much. So, I’ll slip quietly away, still with sadness. I wish fervently for tears but they do not come.
Michael, I admire your devotion to the soaps and your gentlemanly ways, but I beg to differ re the 52nd anniversary episode. That one show was the final undoing of the character of Luke as Tony Geary developed him over the years. The Luke character he originally created was a mixture of dark and light but one that was overwhelmingly optimistic about his ability to overcome the odds–and, most importantly, I feel, to overcome his childhood. The anniversary episode made him and his entire family victims of that childhood. Playing a victim is thankless and has no payoff for the actor or the audience. The audience feels only pity and pathos rather than empathy. Great drama ultimately uplifts the audience, even great tragedy, if the audience can relate to the character who, though he doesn’t always know enough to make the right decisions, he and/or the audience comes away having become more wise or having learned something about himself or about humankind. I don’t know if Tony wanted to play “Breaking Bad” or “The Walking Dead,” but his acting came off only as over-the-top and one-dimensional. I’m sure the objective TG would hate those words but they are accurate as I perceived the scenes in that show; indeed, the whole so-called “Fluke” year or two was disastrous. I so wanted TG to go out with grace while on top. That did not happen and, for that, I feel only sadness and loss.
I, too, see a difference in Geary’s performance these last few days. I think it’s a combination of things…he’s already checked out of The Hospital…emotionally and mentally…looking forward to his new start…less invested in the continuing story…and, his health. Though he had back surgery he still seems to be Hun he’d over and in pain. Back problems can be excruciating, and surgery
Doesn’t help. Robin Strasser was off OLTL for a while and has spoken about the pain she was in during several episodes she taped. In the end, actor or fan, we’re all human…and “life gets in the way…”
Still…endings are always sad….
Uggggg! Should read…”seems to be in pain,” and surgery doesn’t always help.
I am sorry to see Anthony Geary leave General Hospital. I have been a huge fan of his since I was about 14 years old. The character Luke will never be forgotten, no one could play that part other than Anthony Geary himself. I will miss you alot. Thank you for your wonderful acting skills. I am glad that Genie Francis has come back to see you two together. Luke and Laura will always be my super couple. I wish you all the best, you are a touch of class, and you will never be forgotten. Good luck Donnamarie Ramos
I’ve always dreaded this day. I feel like GH has been cancelled. I already miss him!
Last time I felt such a loss was when OLTL went off the air. Love this man-just love him. He looks SO good this past week-I just wish we hadn’t wasted the last months of his character with him being so UGLY & so not Luke. Although I understand why they did it-to explain his history but still It was really hard to watch. I used to get so excited when Tony came back from his long summer vacations every year, like being glad to see an old friend. I understand he feels it is time but gosh, the Luke & Laura heyday seems like yesterday. I was a teenager working a summer job then & would call my sister at home & make her lay the phone next to the tv so I could hear GH while I was at work! At work I would say I was “on hold!” ha. Good luck, health & happiness to Anthony Geary. Thanks for all the wonderful years!
Good luck Tony Geary it has been a pleasure watching you on GH for the last 20 years enjoy your Act 3.
He deserves a great big giant hug from all of us.
Luke entered the room with a roar back in the day and his charisma filled the set to such a degree that the viewers got high just from watching him.
Laura, dewy eyed beautiful Laura, kind of grounded that unbridled enthusiasm. I remember Luke looked frenetic, like he was about to jump out of his skin and then his eyes rested on Laura and peace, love and serenity kind of grounded him. It was a merger between sky and earth.
Then Luke entered middle age with a world weary sense of regret–the charisma was still there but it did not crackle with energy. No, it kind of simmered like red hot coals dying off into the dusk.
Now Luke faces his senior years and does so with wisdom, resignation and mostly, with love.
Tony Geary sparked with talent from the get go– often thought that his Afro was caused by his electric personality merging with the static caused by his polyester, high top disco pants.
I was seventeen when I first laid eyes on Luke, and as Frank Sinatra sang, “it was a very good year.”
No one but Luke Spencer and yes, his coupling with Laura doubled this power, could interject his fictional presence into viewers’ lives making it all just crackle with positivity.
Dear Harry.
You are bursting with reminiscing and nostalgia..
It’s good to see you so engulfed and happily reentering the days of yore ..
ohh dear gawd! Disco polyester high top pants (you’d think one would want to forget that horrid era .. ah ha!
I will say; A talent as Tony Gery comes to soaps once in a lifetime..
General Hospital shining star ..
One day 30 years from now circa 2045 young people will look back at 2015 and say ‘Did people really watch the Kardashians’, dye their hair purple and listen to Miley Cyrus…whats a CD…lol!!! P.S.,…back in the 70s/80s had you’d been there i bet you’d been strutting to Disco Duck…lol
Su0000 why would anyone want to forget bell bottoms and platform shoes? Some of them had fish in them that floated around while you went about your activities. Fire engine red was seemingly here to stay along with leisure suits. Mine was sea foam green. I proudly wore it to my brothers wedding in 1974. Barbara Streisand was big and getting bigger. Saturday Night Live was the B-O-M-B…The Midnight Special/American Bandstand/Soul Train were HOT HOT HOT…and I was sneaking into disco’s and clubs with my cousins and brothers but not drinking. It was the MUSIC!!! And then there was the soaps. It was Love of Life..Edge of Night..Another World..As the World Turns..Karen on One Life..Erica on AMC and Dee on RH..and then Soap Digest came out..and I read the rumblings of GH impending doom..wasn’t really into it and I remember deciding to watch again after a while..I had stopped after Phil Brewer had left I think..and there was Leslie/Cam..Rick/Alan/Monica ..The Dante’s and the whole Laura saga..I was so taken in by Genie Francis who reminded me of Mia Farrow’s Allison Mckenzie on Peyton Place..My mom and her sisters loved their soaps and talked about them constantly and if we wanted to watch they didn’t care less..I got hooked very young..then along came Tony Geary..Jackie Zeman..Scott Shriner..Heather..Jeff..coupled with watching Karen Wolek’s shenanigans on One Life To Live..and it was game over for years to come. I remember watching Tony Geary on Young and Restless also. LOVED me some Vanessa Prentiss (K.T. Stevens)…LoL…I remember the heartache when Laura disappeared but the fun of seeing Tony Geary with the Templeton sisters..Emma Samms..He gave a great ending performance in a sometimes clumsy and confusing story that only rose to the level it did of on the edge of your seat viewing because of Tony Geary. He will be missed…but Good Luck to him…and THANKS TONY GEARY….Oh yeah…TAKE SONNY WITH YOU…LOL
Su…as a follow up to Harry and Davlestev’s comments, in many way, when Tony came to Port Charles it was a more happy period, compared to now. Disco was fun and the music was catchy. No so much today except for the Happy song. So It’s hard to let that go. And as a disclaimer , I was also into Prince and some punk. I’m sure you in particular would have liked Psycho Killer by The Talking Heads that came out around that time.
Suoo, knock off the ridicule.
Really, it’s getting as old as the bell bottoms and platforms.
As you like to tell us long time GH fans, get over it.
Along with all of your astute observations this comment shows you are also a poet!!! And a bit of a softie at heart. :))
Beautifully said, Harry, as usual.
Harry, this was your best written comments ever…i really loved it!!!
Thank you Nancy, Rose and Jim–now I have tears in my eyes.
This is akin to how I felt when Letterman retired.
Yes, to use a tired old cliche-it’s the end of an era.
Yes, goodbye dear Luke. I loved 75% of it.
Now bring on a good story for Laura!
Well said Harry … Thank you!
Applause, applause, Harry!….You’ve been absolutely on fire here with your comments par excellence! Touche’ and keep on keepin’ on!
We become “attached” to characters we’ve known for so long…so like in real life…there’s a loss when he or she’s not there anymore. Waves of nostalgia…Bon voyage, “Luke”….
Been watching General Hospital since I was in high school, and Anthony Geary playing Luke Spencer has always been the one constant on the show for me. He’s been the heart and soul of GH. You always knew, regardless of what the storyline might have been, you were always gonna get his best work. After 37 years and 8 well deserved Emmys, he’s finally walking off into the sunset. A true television and soap icon, he will be sorely missed.
Thank you Tony for all the years of enjoyment, it’s been a pleasure watching the acting master class that you put on for so many years. GH will continue on, hopefully for many more years to come. But no one will ever be able to fill your shoes. Best wishes, and all the happiness and success in the world on whatever the next chapter of your life holds.
I hope-
Tony will be sent off in a huge bang, not a whimper..
All stars when their last day come want to go in a big bang!
Going out in a whimper is an insult..
Tony needs to die in a huge BANG! .. It is only befitting for the King..
I hope RC & FV give Tony the honor and kill him with love and heart ..
All good things must come to an end…it will seem strange without him!!!
He was one of a kind, for sure. I remember when he thought Laura was dead and she appeared to him on the lawn at the Mayor’s mansion. Those were the days with the big budgets and the “On Location” shoots. Tony just got better and better at his craft as the years went on. This past years black and white episode should be sent to the Smithsonian Institution and locked away as a TV treasure. He put on an acting clinic, for sure. I will miss him. It wont be as tough because Tony took long breaks from the show. I dont blame him, he earned that benefit. He walks away with his head held high and his final act in front of him. I dont think we will ever see him back on GH. He seems to have no rear view mirror and I admire that most in him. Bless you Tony and thank you for all your talent.
PS The “David” I was referring to in an earlier post is, of course, the David Tony Geary played in Bright Promise, a short-lived daytime drama.
I was so impassioned in my earlier post! As an English teacher, I feel the need to correct two words: “ridicule” and “noise.” LOL.
I love your posts!!
Thanks so very much, Aden!
BTW, I LOVE your name!
Ironically, Ivor Francis, father of Genie Francis, also appeared on Bright Promise…i rarely watched that one but my mother never missed an episode…i wonder if Ivor was on when Tony appeared and were in any scenes together?…i no longer recall the shows storylines since i wasnt into this show as i was with other soaps but i think David was a little unbalanced if i recall…i wish those epps were never erased…i would watch it all now!!!
You’re right Ivor Francis was on Bright Promise, and I believe he appeared concurrently with Tony Geary. Don’t know if they had any scenes together. The story was set on a college campus. Tony Geary (David) was a very shy young man. And maybe he had been abused in some way. I think he was an orphan, living in a small room (I can still see him in that room). The actress that played Gail Baldwinon GH was married, I believe, or maybe in a relationship with the character played by Dabney Coleman (great actor–remember him in Nine to Five movie, and may others as well as other television programs? The took an interest in Tony Geary, particularly the female character, and attempted to draw him out. Such touching performance by Tony–really a precurser to Luke in his tenderness mode with Laura. The actor that originally played Mr. Quartermaine was also in Bright Promise. A great cast. And Gloria Monty directed! So, I guess when Bright Promise went off the air and she went to direct/”save” GH from cancellation, she called up TG. According to the way TG tells it, he said to her: “I don’t like soap operas.”
She said back to him: “Neither do I; let change them.” And they did, didn’t they?
I have only been watching GH for the last three years so I am not qualify to remark on the man’s legacy– but what you guys can’t see is I just gave him a standing ovation. No more needs to be said.
Darnell Williams and Debbi Morgan are equal Legends. There are others in Daytime equally the greatest in the genre, David Canary is one of them. Tony Geary is fine but there are actors such as David Canary who had successful Primetime AND Daytime careers and Tony Geary is not of that elite group.
Thank you, Linda. Finally, someone who does not see Geary as a BIG DEAL.
I am not certain what your reply has to do with my post. The highest honor any actor wants is to know their audience was entertained by what their performance. By offering TG a standing ovation I was offering my respect for entertainment value I got in the last three years watching him. I never said there aren’t other actors who do great work, nor do I think Mr. Geary is be all and end all of actors.
I am going to assume you just meant to post a general comment not directed at my post and just hit reply under my comment because it was the last comment on the thread for a bit.
But if you were directly responding to my comment, then I will say, if had watched the shows those actors you mentioned were on, and they were retiring I would applaud them too–if I was moved by their work. I have never looked at acting as a contest– I don’t believe in who is better than whom– I only go by how I was moved by a performance– or by a body of work.
I’m sorry if you didn’t feel his body of work deserved a standing ovation. I did. I stand by it.
None have been awarded 8 emmy’s, as Tony..
Tony does deserve a standing ovation and as matter of fact he has had 8 standing ovations from his peers. And in 2016 I believe he will get his 9th Emmy.
The ones you mentioned are great but they are not Tony Geary, and there has been no others that is noted as the #1 as has been, and proven so by his peers/Enny’s
There is always a King of The Hill, and that is Tony..
8 Emmy’s means very little. ONE of those Emmy’s belongs to the great Darnell Williams for his work in 2011 (birth/baby switch). No one comes close. Darnell has been robbed several times. At awards ceremonies it is a courtesy to rise and applaud the actors receiving an award as a simple gesture of respect and protocol. It does not necessarily mean a standing ovation, per se.
There are quite a few Kings of the Hill in daytime serials. David Canary one of them and Darnell Williams.
The AA actors have always been neglected and cheated out at award love in Daytime and the record speaks for itself. Victoria Rowell, Y&R, is right.
It is a sad state of affairs that Tony has 8 of them but Darnell only has 2 and no AA actor seems to have much luck in getting roles, nominations, and/or awards at all these days. There is no balance anymore and that is the tragedy in daytime.
So 8 awards does not always equal truth and reality in daytime, and the AA actors are fully aware of this.
Quiet please, there’s a gentleman on stage
he may not be the latest craze….
But he’s acting and he means it
And he deserves a little silence…
Quiet please, there’s a man up there
he’s been honest through his acting
Long before our consciousness was raised
Now doesn’t that deserve a lot of praise…..
So put your hands together and help him along
All that’s left of the actor is what’s left of the role
Stand for the ovation
Give him one last celebration
Quiet please, that’s Luke Spencer up there
who’s telling us about his life, his loves, his crosses to bare
none of US would had had the courage to share
Give him your respect if nothing else.
Put your hands together and help him along
all that’s left of the actor is what’s left of the role
Rise to the occasion
Give him one last, SALUTATION❗️
Quiet please, that’s Anthony Geary on that stage
Director, turn the final page
When it’s over we can all go home
He lives on the stage alone.
Org: Song/ writers Peter Allen/ Carole Bayer Sager
“Quiet please, there’s a lady on stage”
Fanny…you are really wearing your heart on your sleeve. Nice of you to think of Tony that way.
Love it!
Beautiful, Fanny!! Vous avez le Coeur et l’ame d’ange.
You said your Maman is French? I am sure she must have called you ange many times….because you are.
Dear CeeCee … I responded immediately to your touching and lovely
words…unfortunately my post was not published ? Too much French
I guess. Thank you….for reminding me that my Maman always called
us (her children) Mon Coeur et Mon Ange…that was just her way.
@Fanny.
You are very welcome, Fanny. Your goodness shines through your posts.
I am very sad to see Tony Geary leave General Hospital. I had the good fortune to meet him one day at Century City. He was charming. Just the greatest actor around! Just a natural he was. It won’t be the same without you Luke!!!!!!! Please, come back one day will you.
This marks the end of an era. Daytime will not be the same without Tony Geary. 37 years ago he first graced us and what a ride it has been! Thank you Tony. You made us laugh, cry at times you excited, bewildered and confused us but you always, always entertained us. I wish you all the best in whatever comes your way, but most of all I thank you. God bless.
I was born in 1980 and have watched some old clips on YouTube. I would MUCH rather see a montage of flashbacks than this lackluster Luke and Laura “adventure,” a recast of Jennifer Smith (although, the actress did a great job), and the onslaught of Lulu scenes (Lulu reminds me of an annoying little sister, not a mature wife and mother). Anyhoo, I digress…
Oh, my gosh…dmr. We are almost the same age. I was born in 1986. No wonder we have a meeting of the minds.
I agree with what you mean about this latest Luke/Laura escapade, albeit I give credit to Laura for rising above any rumored coldness towards her from Tony. I am not sure if the writers are trying to re-enact/re-create what once was between these two, or what?! The fact remains, it is silly and inane. Where is the bang-send-off? All these vets have been paraded before us ( I do welcome all of them….I appreciate that…I love those I recognize) , and more to come….but, what is the correlation? Tony’s ‘arrivederci’ could have been projected a different way without this lackluster adventure which does not hold attention. The big quest is to find Lucky? Is anyone sitting at the edge of his/her seat? We know Lucky will appear sooner than later, so the interest dissipates/wanes more and more as ‘the sky meets the morning sun’ each passing day.
Yes, dmr; about whiny, pouty Lulu. Firstly, I would never keep anything from my husband. He his my confidant. He knows my heart and souls….as I do his. So, for the writers to place Dylan(sp.) smack in the middle of this ‘kidnapping drama’ instead of Dante is just plain stupid. Despite the fact that he is a cop, he would still keep his wife’s confidence. Inunderstand it is done to create suspense, suspicion and distress/ conflict between Lulu and Dante….especially now, where there is a potentially home wrecker in the mix……Valerie !!!!!
This situation can only steer in one direction….Dante and Valerie going at it……All I can say? Dante better be careful not to get bitten in places he wants to keep in one piece. That’s all.
Sorry, for the short story, dmr….LOL. Later.
Wow. You guys were babies in the golden era of GH. Tony never hid hid feelings about the popularity of L&L it was common knowledge, but still 30 million people tuned in in 1981 to see their wedding (How old were you guys in 81?). That being said he is Tony Geary! There will never be another,and i think 8 emmys proves my point.
I wish we could see the whole goodbye, it would be a nice piece for ABC .Com to add for us.
I’ve watched GH for as long as I can remember and it will be sad to see him go.
I have liked Luke in the past. But lately biting the hand that feeds you is just plain dumb. he makes nasty comments about L&L the couple that put him on the top. others have named actors who have acted on all the mediums but I can’t recall them saying things like get over it. etc. Tony wanted to be the one who killed jake, and left his kids in a brothel to run away. he wanted his own way. evil nasty Luke he got it. Sure now that lots of his old fans say we will not mss you. I hope now that laura retuned they find a good man for her. Knowing FranknRon she will be the next one destroyed. Look at Nickolas and Lucy Coe. Oh yes Tony don’t let the door hit you where the good lord split you , on your way out. Plus I agree take Sonny with you.
LOL
at least Tony can act 🙂
Tony Geary. Whether you love him or hate him, he is a legend in his own right. A class act. Hope he finds some rest and relaxation, and I hope ‘the powers that be’ have found a way to write Luke off in a way that signifies what he’s meant to this show after all of this time.
Where was Robert? They were the best buddy team on tv. Tristan nd Luke were simply the best. Nobody did it better.
Today I went for lunch at the farmers market and you Luke sat at the next booth
I will never forget how nice you were to me and let me take some photos
Good luck to you Luke
Joan from Miami
There was never any doubt that in watching the riveting and emotional scenes on General Hospital which featured Finola Hughes as a PTSD-driven and mentally tortured Anna Devane, that when the climatic moments in Anna’s story aired, that we would not be singing the praises of Hughes. Once again, Finola showcased why she is one of the soap opera genres greatest assets and actresses.
In the key scenes, Anna has had a complete breakdown as she has lured and cornered Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) on Mount Emerson, and even thought through how she would kill her and cover it up, all thanks to hearing the voice and seeing a dead man, Peter August (Wes Ramsey). It’s visions of Peter that keeps egging Anna on to pull the trigger on Britt while in her delusional state.
Before Britt realizes that Anna trapped her in meeting her in Mount Emerson, she is very confused as to why she was all the way out in the boondocks to talk about what happened to her brother, Cassius Faison. However, Britt soon learned that what Anna was about to do is personal, and not professional, as she pulls the gun on her.
Courtesy/ABC
ANNA FIRES HER GUN IN GAME-CHANGING MOMENT
When Jason (Steve Burton) shows up to save the say, he tries to talk Anna off the ledge, begging her to not shoot Britt and make one of the greatest mistakes of his life. When Jason figured out Anna felt she needed to kill anyone related to Cesar Faison, he made her think twice, because that would mean, she also would need to end the lives of two of Maxie’s children, James and Bailey Lu.
Anna can’t stop seeing hallucinations of Peter pushing her to shoot Britt. Suddenly and completely overcome, Anna fires bullets straight in the direction of where she sees Peter as she declares this all must end tonight.
After the shots are fired, Anna realized what she had done and just sobbed and shook. It was a devastating and heartbreaking moment for longtime General Hospital fans to see the beloved Anna Devane, super spy, so lost. Anna explained to Jason, after he was able to disarm her, how she was being pushed to kill Britt by her visions of Peter.
EMMY-WORTHY SCENES FOR 2027
In another hankie-inducing moment, Anna just grabs Jason and breaks down in his arms. If these weren’t Emmy-worthy scenes, we don’t know what is, and it must be remembered by Hughes, General Hospital, and hopefully the voting body of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) when Emmy submissions and voting get underway in 2027 for the 54th annual Daytime Emmys.
From everything we noted above, to the sheer brilliance of her work, Michael Fairman TV names Finola Hughes, this week’s Power Performance of the Week.
Now let us know, do you agree with our pick of Finola? Were you moved to tears during the gut-wrenching scenes? Should Finola include these scenes in an Emmy submission in 2027, should she decide to compete for Lead Actress gold? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
The ratings are out for the week of August 24-28 for your favorite broadcast television soaps, and it was ABC’s General Hospital which added the most total viewers and planted itself firmly in third place in its battle with Beyond the Gates in the key demos of women 18-49 and 25-54.
According to Soap Opera Network, all daytime dramas were up year-over-year, and General Hospital was joined by The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful with gains in their total audience viewership, while Beyond the Gates was only slightly off pace for the ratings week.
Let’s take a look at what had viewers tuning-in, starting with General Hospital, who added +79,000 viewers. While still under the 2 million viewers mark (which they can hopefully return in the coming weeks) their overall tally was an average of 1, 935,000 tuning-in, while still up year-to-year +136,000.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
In addition, GH while actually down from the previous week in the 18-49 ratings share, they still out performed Beyond the Gates for third place. However, GH was firmly in third place for the 25-54 ratings share.
The stories that were featured for the week included: Anna’s (Finola Hughes) PTSD and struggle with painful memories tied to Cesar Faison, and her concocting a plan to get rid of Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) recording Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) threatening her, and later running into a severe threat from Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) regarding Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) and Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) shooting, and Drew enlisting Ava (Maura West) to gain leverage over Jack, which resulted in Ava drugging him, while Drew went snooping for the evidence Brennan had against him.
Photo: JPI
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Y&R remained in the top spot amongst all the soaps once again with 3,062,000 tuning in, and up +35,000 for the week, while year-to-year still showing strong gains at +231,000 viewers. However, while Y&R remained #1 for the 25-54 ratings share, it fell to #2 in the 18-49 ratings share behind The Bold and the Beautiful.
In story for the week, Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety in rehab was a focus, as was Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) hitting the Jabot office couch and having sex for the first time, and Lily (Christel Khalil) and Billy (Jason Thompson) battling over control and ownership of Chancellor Industries.
Photo: JPI
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
B&B is continuing to be inch closer to Y&R for the top spot, separated by a little more than 300,000 viewers. For the ratings week, the series posted a total audience of 2,719,000 adding +31,000 eyeballs overall, and like Y&R, is up year-to-year in its performance.
The CBS soap now , now in its 40th season is +217,000 from the same time last year. In the key demos, The Bold and the Beautiful was in the top spot for the women 18-49 ratings share and number two for women 25-54.
In story, the major threat to Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) and Daphne’s (Murielle Hilaire) marriages continued as Steffy and Carter swore they would not tell their spouses that the two had a drunken hook-up. But as viewers know now, Steffy is pregnant!
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES
Beyond the Gates tallied an average of 1,611,000 total viewers for the week, up +72.000 year-over-year and down slightly in tune-in for the week losing just -36,000 viewers. The CBS soap came in fourth place in the key demos for the week behind General Hospital, with whom they are often trading places for the third spot.
In story, after Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) was released from the hospital, Hayley (Marquita Goings) stuck to her plan, doubling down on poisoning him and even getting caught in a major lie or meeting with Randy (Maurice P. Kerry), as Vernon (Clifton Davis) may be on to her machinations.
The ratings report is generated from Nielsen (Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel) for the week of August 24-28, 2026
So, what did you think of the performance of General Hospital for the ratings period? Which daytime drama has you most likely to tune-in each day? Which has you tuning-out? Let us know what’s working, or not working for you in story, via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Kyle and Victoria, Stephanie and Nate, Sally and Billy: Do Any Couples Have a Chance at Lasting Happiness?
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom on Working with TV Son Crew Morrow: ‘I’ve Always Wanted to Play an Overprotective, Overbearing Mother’ (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’s’ Finola Hughes Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Kyle and Victoria, Stephanie and Nate, Sally and Billy: Do Any Couples Have a Chance at Lasting Happiness?
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
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News1 week agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
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News2 days agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
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General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
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News5 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
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News3 days agoY&R’s Co-Head Writer Jamey Giddens, Ahead of November Stories and Scripts Debut with Dan O’Connor, Explains How Fall Tees Up Their Plans for Genoa City
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Interviews6 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Kelly Sullivan Talks Becoming Darcy Dylan, Who’s Melissa’s Dad, and Future Love Interest (Exclusive)
