Breaking News
Anthony Geary, General Hospital’s Iconic Luke Spencer, Dies at 78
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.
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.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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