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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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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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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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