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Anthony Geary, General Hospital’s Iconic Luke Spencer, Dies at 78

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

In heartbreaking news, eight-time Daytime Emmy winner and television and soap opera icon, Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer, General Hospital) has died at the age of 78. Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14 from complications following a planned surgery he had in his beloved city of Amsterdam, three days earlier.

The news of Geary’s passing first came from TV Insider. The iconic star of General Hospital, played anti-hero Luke Spencer on and off until he retired in 2015. Tony had been living in Amsterdam full-time with his husband, Claudio Gama. Just weeks before his death, Geary had made mention of seeing his longtime co-star Genie Francis (Laura) with another one of his longtime co-star Maurice Benard (Sonny) on his State of Mind podcast. Gama shared on social media, “It really made Tony very happy. He told me, ‘those are two lovely and talented people, great friends, and I miss them.’”

Anthony was born May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah and was raised in a Mormon household. In fact, it was while studying at the University of Utah, that Geary got his first break in the theatre when he was spotted by actor Jack Albertson who cast him in a touring production of The Subject Was Roses. Fast-forward to the 60s and early 70s and Tony was in Hollywood landing roles in shows such as The Partridge Family and The Mod Squad, plus All in the Family.

Photo: JPI

Geary got his big breaks in the world of soap operas: first as David Lockhart on Bright Promise from 1971-1972, followed by the role of George Curtis who turned out to be a rapist on The Young and the Restless in 1973.  When Gloria Monty took over as the executive producer of a then ailing, General Hospital, she cast Tony as Luke Spencer in 1978, a move that would change the face of daytime television.

Luke was originally supposed to be on the canvas for a 13 week stint when he was summoned to Port Charles by his sister, Bobbie, the late Jackie Zeman, in an effort to help her break up the romance between Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner) and Laura Webber (Genie Francis), but Geary’s performances struck a chord with viewers for his unique acting style, which was different than had been seen before on daytime soaps.

When Monty and the writing team decided to later pair Geary with Genie Francis, Luke and Laura’s undeniable on-screen chemistry and popularity soared soap operas and GH to new heights. The duo’s, at times, controversial love story, became a part of 80s pop culture and by 1981, they appeared on the cover of Newsweek.

The wedding of Luke and Laura remains to this day the most-watched episode in soap history drawing over 30 million viewers.  In fact, Elizabeth Taylor, who became a fan of the show, wound up as the villainess Helena Cassadine and for years until Taylor’s death in 2011, she and Geary remained very good friends.

Photo: ABC

At one point, Geary left General Hospital, and when he returned in 1991, he was playing the part of Bill Eckert. However, the role was so unpopular role that the character was killed-of in 1993. He then reprised his role of Luke from that point on. Throughout his run, Tony’s performance knew no peer. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series eight times, the most of any performer in Daytime Emmy history. Geary’s Emmys win were in: 1982, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, and his last in 2015.

In an ironic twist, just a day before he was scheduled to go into the hospital for his medical procedure, he performed scenes with Anders Hove (Cesar Faison, General Hospital) for an upcoming project, which now will be his final acting performance in his legendary career.

Claudio Gama said in a statement on Geary’s passing, “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.”

Michael Fairman TV will continue to update you as development warrants on the death of Anthony Geary in the hours and days to come and the tributes as they pour in from Tony’s friends and co-stars.  We share our heartfelt condolences to Claudio, Tony’s friends and loved ones, his fans around the world and his GH family.

Now below, share your reaction and thoughts on the news on the passing of General Hospital legend, the incomparable Anthony Geary via the comment section below.

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Noooooo not Luke God nooooo

You mean Anthony, not Luke.

R.I.P. Anthony Geary.

The gut punches continue…

RIP Tony and sympathies to his loving husband.

The most famous male soap star of all time. It didn’t matter if you watched soaps, you heard of Luke & Laura. He was – and always will be – a legend.

I’m sure Jane Elliot, Emma Samms, Jonathan Jackson, Maurice Benard, and Genie Francis have heavy hearts today.

This is a sad Monday to read of Tony and Rob Reiner’s passing. I, like many GH fans, held out hope that we would one day get just one more scene with Genie, Jane, Maurice and Jonathan. I love this cast. GH has been hit so hard in the past few years with the deaths of the actors who played Epiphany, Nicholas, Robert, Monica, Leslie and Rick. RIP Tony and thanks for the memories.

I forgot to mention Jackie Zeman and Johnny Wactor. So many.

He was a good actor. I had no idea he was gay. This is very sad and very shocking. RIP A lot of shocking news this Monday. 🙁

He has never disclosed his sexuality, and marrying a man does not make him immediately gay, either.

Ummmm. Hmm? Yeah. Ummm…

Just in two years GH has lost so many cast members who were on the show or past cast members. Sonya Eddy, Jackie Zeman, Billy Miller, Chris Robinson, Johnny Wactor, Leslie Charleson, Denise Alexander and now Anthony Geary. May they all RIP.

I forgot to add the talented Tristan Rogers to this list. Just so many…

Tyler Christopher too

Awful news, Tony was one of my favorites on GH for so many years. Luke Spencer was one of the iconic characters not just in soap history, but in TV history period. To imagine that 30 million watched Luke and Laura’s wedding. You can’t get that many people to watch anything on TV anymore, unless it’s sports or politics related.

I don’t think anyone will ever match his 8 Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor, either.

It’s particularly sad because it seemed Tony had found peace and happiness, and was enjoying life with his husband in Amsterdam after retiring from the show.

GH has lost so many in recent years, Leslie Charleson, Jackie Zeman, Tristan Rogers, Stuart Damon, Denise Alexander, Sonya Eddy, Tyler Christopher, Billy Miller, Johnny Wactor, the list goes on. Very sad, terrible losses all.

My condolences, thoughts and prayers to Tony’s husband Claudio, his family, friends and colleagues.

RIP, Anthony Geary.

Anthony was the same age as Rob Reiner.

The good 78 year olds are dying.

Not just the same age but I learned today that he was on “All In The Family” for one episode acting side by side with Reiner.

That same landmark episode featured Phil Carey (aka Asa Buchanan) and Bob Cummings (aka Burt Ramsey).

Wow. What a coincidence!

Wow! That is right.

You mean Bob Hastings?

Exactly, thanks. I forgot to proof my reply.

This is very sad news, indeed. I’m glad that Mr. Geary had the opportunity to spend the last years of his life happily living in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio. My condolences to Mr. Gama, Mr. Geary’s other family members, former co-workers and fans. I was always hoping that he’d pop up, as Luke, alive and have some mysterious story line on GH.

Well said. Another icon from my childhood after-school memories gone. I mean, he was THE daytime icon. Daytime might not even be around today at all had he not helped revive it. And certainly GH wouldn’t be around. May he rest in peace.

Same here, Rodd. I never liked the way they had Luke allegedly die off screen out of nowhere in such a nondescript way. I always hoped it was part of a storyline, and we’d find out Luke was alive, and maybe he’d drop in again some day. But when he didn’t return for Bobbie’s death when Jackie Zeman passed, I figured that was it, and it turned out to be. That story will have to stand as the ending for Luke Spencer.

Who knows, he may have told them to kill off Luke, especially if Frank had approached him about coming back, which I would imagine he would have at some point in the past 10 years.

Tony was obviously happy living his quiet life in Amsterdam and never had any intention of returning. One of the few that retired and stayed retired. I respect him for that decision.

Yeah, maybe in time Frank will disclose what he and Tony discussed in the last 10 years regarding Luke. Today is a sad day indeed.

Im so shocked I can’t believe this

I REALLY hope that they don’t say that Luke was alive all this time and we were all fooled, only to have Luke die a third and final time. I’d be way more okay with the show just acknowledging that Tony died in real life and dedicating an entire show to him. It would be so much easier than twisting themselves into a pretzel to find some weak story to pay tribute to him and Luke.

Don’t expect a tribute episode. As Luke was already dead on the show, they’re highly unlikely to spend time and money to gather clips and pay the former cast members that are in them. For reference, Alan was well gone in storyline when Stuart Damon passed. No tribute was shown as they bid farewell to the character years before.

The show has moved away from “title card tributes” over the past few years, so I’d be a bit surprised if we even got that.

i had the biggest crush on this man in high school. i was introduced to him in the 80s and i wanted him. he knew i did; he smiled and was polite to me; i should have pursued him. richard simmons introduced me to him. i guess i was too young so i was off-limits. darn. ohhh anthony, i thought our paths would have crossed again; it didn’t; it wasn’t meant to be; ohhh well. RIP; rise in glory!

Tony was a brilliant actor and he was always riveting to watch. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.

I was shocked to read this. He helped to reshape daytime and what you expected from a leading man. RIP Mr
Geary.

He had a gift to turn the crazy writing into gold . The best gift you could give him is show some of his greatest scenes and let him go that’s what he would have wanted. Don’t make up some crazy nonsense just show a hour of his great moments and sign off

And please stop the gossip he wanted his life private respect his wishes

I am beyond shocked by this news. What a tremendous loss. Tony Geary was one of the very best. He helped change daytime TV forever. I am so glad he got to retire and enjoy his final years publicly claiming his authentic self, sharing his life with the man he loved and living in the city he loved. My deepest sympathy to Claudio and family and friends.

Thank you Mr. Geary for sharing your amazing talent with all of us. May you rest in peace.

Beautifully expressed. Thank you.

I was just thinking of him recently and wondering how he was.. so sad and heartbroken to hear the news. Genie will be so sad as we all are.

This is a huge loss. He, along with Justin Deas, Richard Bekins, Larry Bryggman, Michael Levin, and a handful of male performers, transcended the typical stolid soap “leading man” and were true actors, displaying range and depth to their performances. Thank you for sharing your gifts, Tony.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced

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Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7.  That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.

The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.

Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.

Photo: JPI

In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”

She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”

The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.

Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.

So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.

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Jennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82

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Sad news to report for the One Life to Live family. Actress Jennifer Harmon who was the last actress to play the emotionally troubled Cathy Craig has passed away. Harmon, who also starred on the defunct NBC soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage, died in New York on May 9 at the age of 82. Harmon’s family made the announcement.

Jennifer was the fifth actress to play One Life to Live’s Cathy, following Catherine Burns, Amy Levitt, Jane Alice Brandon and Dorrie Kavanaugh. During her two year tenure with the soap, from 1976 through 1978, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 5th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1978. The award that year went to Another World’s Laurie Heineman (ex-Sharlene Frame).

In her soap career, not only did Harmon have major success as Cathy on One Life to Live, but she starred on NBC’s new soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage as Chris Kirby and stayed with the series through its entire run which lasted just over a year from 1974-1975.   

Photo: NBC

How to Survive a Marriage told the story of divorced couple as they battle for custody of their daughter, and as the mom enters the workforce. In the span of a year, Chris got divorced, remarried and battled alcoholism. Rosemary Prinz was the featured name in the cast.

On One Life to Live, Cathy was the nemesis of Victoria Lord (Erika Slezak). Cathy blamed the wealthy Viki for the accident that killed her child Megan Craig Riley (even though the baby has a congenital heart defect and her life expectancy was short).  So, she set out to make Viki’s life hell by kidnapping Viki and Joe’s child, Kevin.

Later,  Jennifer would return to One Life to Live in the 90s to play Viki’s attorney in a new role, went on to play Jean Weatherill on Guiding Light in 1991 and Lucretia Jones on Loving in 1995. Her primetime TV credits included: Barnaby JonesDallasThe White ShadowSt. ElsewhereHomicide: Life on the StreetOzRescue Me and The Good Wife.

Harmon was also known as one of the most accomplished stage actresses on Broadway having appeared over 21 times in different productions spanning nearly 50 years including in plays of the works of legendary playwrights: Noël Coward, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillian Hellman, Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and Jon Robin Baitz. Throughout her theatre career she was was known as a reliable actress, and at times was an understudy for the likes of: Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange.

Share your remembrances of Jennifer Harmon on One Life to Live, How to Survive a Marriage, and more, in the comment section below.

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‘EastEnders’ Wins Best Soap at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards

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Our friends from across the pond, BBC One’s EastEnders took home Best Soap honors at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards in London, England on Sunday, May 10.

Just last year, EastEnders celebrated 40 years on television and has seen a resurgence. In attendance were cast members: Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current showrunner Ben Wadey.

EastEnders was nominated in the category along with their rivals, Casualty and Coronation Street. Accepting on stage was 20-year veteran of the series, Diane Parish, who paid tribute to all the hard working people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “It’s not easy doing a soap, but we manage to make it work,” shared Parish.

Courtesy/BBCOne

A BIG RETURN AND MEDICAL CRISIS IN STORY AHEAD

Recently, it was confirmed that in honor of her two decades with the show, Parish’s character, Denise Fox, is set for a major storyline this year, when she is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer.

And there’s more! In the winner’s press room, Ben Wadey shared there is a major return in store teasing,“I would keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks, there might be some surprises on the horizon.”

On the official EastEnders Instagram account it also shared, “EastEnders has gone and won the Soap award at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards! 🎉🥳🍾🙌What a huge honour, we truly couldn’t be prouder. Thank you BAFTA the whole cast and crew will be holding this one high when it makes it way home to Walford.”

Photo: EastEnders

BAFTA TV AWARD HISTORY IS MADE

Adolescence, the Netflix drama that took home Emmys and Golden Globes stateside, made BAFTA TV history during the ceremony winning four awards for the first time ever. Stephen Graham finally took home the coveted Leading Actor category in what was his 8th attempt to win a BAFTA in the fields of both TV and motion pictures.

The series is Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show of all time, and won BAFTA’s for Limited Drama and Supporting Actor and Actress for Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco. 

For a complete list of all the winners, click here.

So, happy to hear EastEnders won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Soap? If you catch EastEnders, who do you think might be returning on the horizon as teased by the series current EP? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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