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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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Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

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Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

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Hayden Panettiere’s Cause of Death Revealed

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Hayden Panettiere

On Tuesday, September 22, the Greenville, South Carolina Coroner’s office ruled that actress Hayden Panettiere’s death was an accident, attributing the 36-year-old’s passing to be a combination of toxic effects from fentanyl and other drugs that were in her system.

Panettiere was found unresponsive on Sunday, August 16. There have been numerous reports and sources speaking to various outlets about the manner in which the Nashville and Guiding Light alum died, but nothing was certain until now.

The Greenville County Coroner’s office shared that fentanyl, combined with 4-ANPP, Alprazolam (also known as Xanax), Methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) and Quetiapine (used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but is sometimes prescribed to treat depression), were all found in Hayden’s system.

Hayden Panettiere Guiding Light

Photo: CBS

GUIDING LIGHT ALUM’S DEATH IS STILL UNDER AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION

Meanwhile, the Greenville Police Department shared there is still an ongoing investigation into this case. “Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case,” the department shared.

That is, because despite Panettiere’s death being ruled accidental, authorities continue investigating whether anyone might be criminally responsible for providing the star with a lethal substance. It is being shared that this is  “cross-country investigation” stretching from as far as South Carolina to California.

As we previously reported, TMZ shared on September 14 that law enforcement officials believe Hayden’s “long time drug dealer” may have been the person responsible for supplying her with an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl which she took the morning of her death.

Panettiere “had been temporarily staying” at the apartment in Greenville, the coroner’s office said in August. Authorities did not say whose apartment it was but it was said to later be an Airbnb. It was Hayden’s on-again off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach who called 911 the afternoon of August 16 to say Panettiere was unresponsive, according to police reports.

Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Nashville

Photo: ABC

HAYDEN PANETTIERE IMPRESSED IN EVERY ROLE SHE PLAYED

Soap opera fans still remember Hayden’s as a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live from 1994 until 1997, and then her signature daytime role as Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light from 1996-2000.

She later went on to star on the Music City primetime soap opera, Nashville from 2012-2018 on ABC and CMT where she played country and western singer, Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer), who played her love interest, Avery Barclay.

Over this past weekend, Jackson, Charles Esten (pictured above), Connie Britton, and others from the cast of Nashville gathered for a memorial service in Hayden’s honor to pay their respects for their beloved co-star.

So, what do you think about the ruling in the death of actress Hayden Panettiere that it was an accident involving toxic effects of fentanyl combined with other drugs and medications she was taking at the time? Share your reactions via the comment section below.

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Soap Alums Remembered During In Memoriam Segment at 78th Emmy Awards; Patrick Muldoon Omitted

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In Memoriam Emmys 2026

During last night’s 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, as it does every year, the television academy paid tribute to those in the industry that they’ve lost over the last year; since the previous Emmys held each year in September.

Starting with an emotional tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara by three of her co-stars, Schitt’s Creek’s Annie Murphy and Dan Levy and Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin, the segment then dovetailed into Noah Kahan performing “Bridge over Troubled Water” as the faces and the names of those being remembered were shown on the screen.

Daytime soap alums, who either stayed in the genre for the majority of their career, or went on to primetime success as well, were honored including: Anthony Geary (Luke, GH), Hayden Panettiere (Sarah, OLTL, Lizzie, GL, Juliette, Nashville), James Van Der Beek, (Dawson, Dawson’s Creek, and Stephen, ATWT), Gil Gerard (Alan, The Doctors), June Lockhart (Mariah, GH), Patricia Crowley (Mary, Port Charles and GH), Randolph Mantooth (Clay/Alex, Loving and The City, and Richard, GH) and Jon Cypher (Alex, ATWT and Arthur, Santa Barbara).

Photo: TVAcademy

THOSE HONORED AND THOSE WHO WERE NOT

However, in a glaring omission, the producers of the In Memoriam failed to include Days of our Lives beloved star, Patrick Muldoon who played the OG Austin Reed and also Richard Hart on Melrose Place. Muldoon passed away in April of this year at 57.

After Kahan concluded his performance, a special tribute to Rob Reiner began with Jamie Lee Curtis taking to the stage to share some warm words about her late friend.

In a ironic and sad twist, Curtis shared ,“Last week, Robbie won an Emmy for guest actor in a comedy series for his beautiful work on The Bear, and he now holds the record of 48 years for the longest gap between acting Emmys, which was previously held by his father Carl Reiner, at 37 years.”

Reiner, who along with his wife, Michele Reiner were killed by their son, Nick Reiner, is currently awaiting a decision if he will stand trial. Prosecutors on Tuesday, shared they will not seek the death penalty if he is convicted at trial, but instead life in prison. Curtis said of Rob, “He was generous and kind and funny as hell, and a friend to all. We all miss Rob and Michele and all those we lost this year.” The Emmys then faded to black and went to commercial break.

So, were you happy to see those who you know from their work in soap operas included in the 2026 In Memoriam tribute at the Primetime Emmys? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, in case you missed it, you can watch it below.

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