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
‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ Actress Bree Williamson Mourns the Loss of Husband Michael John Roberts
In heartbreaking news, Bree Williamson (ex-Jessica Buchanan, One Life to Live, ex- Claudette Beaulieu, General Hospital) is mourning the loss of her husband Michael John Roberts who passed away after his battle with glioblastoma om Wednesday, November 11 and at just 48-years-old.
The Hollywood Reporter initially reported Roberts death sharing he died after a brief battle and was surrounded by loved ones and died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Michael was a well-known animator and director behind Comedy Central’s Trip Tank and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman among others.. He also created the YouTube Red series Dallas & Robo, starring John Cena and Kat Dennings.
Taking to her Instagram following the news of Michael’s passing, Bree Williamson expressed, “Thank you to everyone that has reached out. We are heartbroken and taking some time.” Bree and Michael share a son McGreggor, who is 16-years-old.
Photo: JPI
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM ONE LIFE TO LIVE CO-STARS
Williamson received an outpouring of love and support from many of her One Life to Live co-stars below:
Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers): “Michael Roberts. Words are clumsy. I watched the ways he was kind, and I admired him. I love him and his family, individually and collectively. He was so many things. He did so much. There would have been more.”
Michael Easton (ex-John McBain): “Michael was a beautiful spirit and he lives on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with you and Mac and your family.”
Kristen Alderson (ex-Starr Manning): “Beyond tragic, He was so kind, I only remember him with that exact smile every time I saw him. I remember when we met him & just knew you found the best partner. So deeply sorry Bree. We love you so much.”
Eddie Alderson (ex-Matthew Buchanan), “Sending you infinite amounts of love. He was so fantastic. He’ll be very missed by all who knew him.”
Others who sent messages included: Laura Wright (Carly, GH) and Finola Hughes (Anna, GH) and Martha Madison (Belle, DAYS).
MICHAEL JOHN ROBERTS INCREDIBLE TALENT REMEMBERED
The family shared a statement via an obituary that read, in part, on the gifted artist that Michael was and his remarkable gifts:
“Michael saw the world a little differently. A gifted artist with an extraordinary talent, he could find something worth exploring in what others might overlook. His creativity was not limited to what he put on paper; it shaped the way he thought, questioned, and understood the world around him.”
FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE LOVE MICHAEL HAD FOR BREE AND MCGREGGOR
The obituary also spoke on Michael’s family, love of Bree and their son McGreggor:
“Above all, Michael cherished the family he had built. His wife, Bree (Williamson), was his beloved partner, and the person he was so proud to have beside him. He treasured their shared journey, their everyday moments, and the simple privilege of walking through the world together. His son, McGreggor, was a source of immense pride. Michael wanted nothing but the best for him, and saw in the young man he was becoming, possibilities greater than he could ever have imagined for himself. He was already deeply proud of the life his son was building, and eager for all that lay ahead of him.”
It concluded with, “Although his illness came suddenly and the time that followed was heartbreakingly short, it cannot define the man he was. His life is better remembered through what he created, the conversations he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him.”
Michael is survived by Bree, their teenage son, McGreggor; sister, Jane; niece, Gwen and nephew, Vaughan. He was also close with his cousin Hrothgar, whom he saw as a brother, and his wife, Emily, and their children, Evie and Lili.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bree Williamson and McGreggor at this time on such a devastating loss of such an exceptionally talented man and beloved husband and father. Share your thoughts for Bree on the loss of Michael John Roberts in the comment section below.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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