General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ to Pay Tribute to Anthony Geary by Rebroadcasting Farewell Episode as Luke Spencer
On the heels of the heartbreaking news that eight-time Daytime Emmy winner and soap opera icon, Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer) passed away on December 14 at the age of 78, comes word from ABC and General Hospital, via TV Insider hat the daytime drama plans on honoring him by rebroadcasting his final episode as Luke Spencer.
Originally airing on Monday, July 27, 2015, Geary’s last episode will run this coming New Years Day on January 1, 2026. The encore presentation previously marked Tony’s nearly four decades with the soap opera in which he became household name and a part of pop culture when he and Genie Francis (Laura) became the most popular soap supercouple of all-time as Luke and Laura in GH’s early 80s heyday.
After winning his record-breaking 8th Daytime Emmy as Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series at the 42nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in April of 2015, the following month in May, Geary announced his retirement and that he was leaving the show. His departure came at a time when the month prior, Tony delivered which may have been his finest performance during GH’s 52nd anniversary episode which aired on April 1, 2015. In the now classic episode, the reason behind the Luke/Fluke personality shift fully came to light. In the standalone episode, Luke remembers not only did he kill his father, but he had accidentally killed his mother.
Photo: ABC
The Luke/Fluke story revelation was a culmination of a year of story where Luke was acting very out of character and where his dark side “Fluke” (which stood for “Fake Luke”) would emerge. In Geary’s final story arc, after his release from a sanitarium, Luke reunited with Laura for one last adventure, rescuing Lucky (Jonathan Jackson), Ethan (Nathan Parsons) and a young Jake (James Nigbor) who he thought he killed in a hit and run, thanks to Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers). Later, returning to Port Charles, Tracy (Jane Elliot) had annulled their marriage. Sadly, Luke returned to his childhood home with its haunting memories, said goodbye to his family, and made the decision to leave Port Charles solo.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times on his exit decision in 2015, Geary shared he had contemplated leaving GH for over 15 years, but now was the time, explaining “I feel very positive about my decision. That’s tempered by leaving a character that has been part of me for more than half my life. They’ve given me a terrific wrap for my character. He’s been a difficult, eclectic character to find a logical motivating conclusion for, but they’ve done that.”
Courtesy/ABC
Geary later clarified with EW.com that he was not sick of playing Luke and if something came up down the line he would return to Amsterdam for it. “He’s an infinitely fascinating character. I really don’t think we have exhausted what he can do. It depends on the writers and how far they want to look. We had just been repeating ourselves for a while. I had become a dad, a grandfather. There was no way I was going to stick around to become just another guy. If they come up with something, a twist, I would come for it.”
In 2017, Tony made a surprise appearance helping usher off Jane Elliot as she, at that point, had chosen to leave the show. In the story, Tracy met up with Luke in a coffee shop in Europe, signaling the two would go off of into the sunset together. Jane Elliot later returned to the show and Tony did not.
Then in 2022, GH decided to kill-off the character of Luke off-screen when Tracy revealed on New Years Day, that he has been killed in a cable car accident in Austria which later was revealed to be at the hands of Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy).
When Tony won his 8th Daytime Emmy in 2015, Michael Fairman TV spoke to the legendary star immediately following, where he spoke of winning the gold for the Luke/Fluke story, the 52nd anniversary episode, and heading back to work for what would be his final months before his ultimate exit. You can watch that below from the Michael Fairman Channel archives.
Now let us know, are you looking forward to seeing Tony Geary’s final episode as Luke Spencer again when its rebroadcast on New Years Day? Make sure to bring the hankies! Share your thoughts in the comment section.
This is a rare occurrence for a show that rarely pays former performers for older episodes. Look forward to reliving the ending to a somewhat controversial storyline.
Yes I’m excited
Oh, yes…the episode where Luke did not have a goodbye scene with Laura. I’ll pass.
The irony of them airing it at all. Tony hated that final storyline and he gave that scathing interview when he left.
Yes! Tony complained about some fans who continue to believe that Luke’s actions towards Laura on October 5, 1979 was only seduction.
And viewers never got to see what was in that letter Luke left for Laura.
I was thinking about that letter the other day. The envelope addressed to “angel.”
I already watched it so I’ll pass.
Copy that. Lol
Alrighty then.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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