General Hospital
Genie Francis On Her GH Return To Work With Tony Geary One Final Time Asked: “Are You Sure He Wants Me To Be There?”
Courtesy/ABC
General Hospital fans will get their fill of some of the most beloved and familiar faces returning to the ABC soap opera for Tony Geary’s (Luke Spencer) final story before he exits the series for the last time. The show has promised a final hurrah for longstanding icons Luke and Laura played by Geary and the just returned Genie Francis (Laura Spencer)
Francis spoke to TV Line and admitted she already shared scenes with her on-screen son, Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) and Geary, and is set next week to tape her final scenes with her long-time on-screen partner in what will be an emotional moment for all.
Over the years, Tony had made no bones that he has not wanted Luke and Laura to get back together, so Francis admitted that when got the call to return to GH, and learned that Geary was exiting for good, she wanted to make sure it was truly OK with Tony for her to be a part of this. Genie related that her initial reaction to the news was like: “Really?’ [Laughs] Really really?’ And they said yes. The next question I had to ask was, ‘Are you sure he wants me to be there?’ Because he’s been very vocal about not wanting it to be Luke and Laura reuniting. My next question was, ‘Is this what Tony wants?’ And they said, ‘Absolutely.’
Francis when on to explain that fans should look for some very emotional scenes when Lucky returns in scenes with Luke and Laura: “The Lucky moments are so, so nice. There are some amazing, not-to-be-missed scenes with Jonathan Jackson and with Tony. You can’t miss them.” Genie went on to elaborate: “Oh my god, there’s some good stuff there. And the feeling when Jonathan came back on the set was, everyone was so happy. It was like he came home. They all rushed to embrace him, and then we were all so happy, we embraced each other! (Laugh) It was really an amazing moment. The crew, the directors. It was just an amazing moment.”
So what do you think of Genie checking to see if it was OK that Tony wanted him back for his swan song on GH? Are you looking forward to seeing Jonathan Jackson with Genie and Tony? Do you feel in a perfect world the end game for Luke should be Tracy or Laura, or just for him to be by himself? Share your thoughts below!
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Ive tried for years to convince folks there was animosity between TG and GF to no avail. Nice for the truth to finally come out.
Her comments have nothing to do with animosity between the two. It was all about the storyline.
I’m sorry Eileen, but I have first hand knowledge that’s completely not true. Tony has gone on record saying that Luke and Laura should not re-unite (and so has Genie for that matter) but they’ve always gotten along personally as well as professionally and he has no animosity toward her.
Then explain if the character of Laura was what he objected to so muck, he actively tried to prevent the show show bringing her back. She could be Laura on GH and not intersect with him at all. But he didnt want Genie back not as Laura or anyone else. She has been vocal about the way he feels about her. If u think otherwise, stay in lala land.
Never got there was any animosity between them, Geary just felt the couple had run their course, and I agree.
I still don’t hear the animosity you do. Obviously it’s in interpretation. But, what I’ve heard, and continue to hear, from both Geary & Francis is that neither one sees Luke as a picket fence, happily-ever-after kind of guy, & Laura might as well be dead if all anyone wants to see is her babysitting the younger generation. BOTH of them are excellent actors IMO working in a genre that depends on characters being in constant turmoil. Neither would have been served with the “aren’t we cute, happy parents” scenes that their fans rabidly wanted for decades. It would have… Read more »
Not sure where you are getting that there is animosity between the two actors. Tony Geary has always been vocal that “the characters” should not end up together. They had a history and it is over. Tony Geary felt it was time for the characters to move on and not be the cliche couple that goes off into the sunset. There has never been anything saying that Genie and Tony don’t get along.
Obviously u havent kept up with Genies interviews.
Agreed. I’ve sensed that, as well. They both seem like very polar opposite, strong personalities, and that can be an issue. In my experience, many actors can be “too much to take” over the top personalities, a little nuts to to speak. Especially the really talented ones. I’m sure that’s the case here. No offense intended, different strokes for different folks. But, in this case, that seems pretty evident.
SOD quote unquote
“for a long time, I kept banging into myself coming and going… when I decided to come back… in 1991, as Bill. I decided to give up the thought that i was on my way to somewhere else… this is my destination. my first time around, GH was a stop on the way to some grander illusions… i learned over the eight years away that nobody wants luke spencer in their movies and stuff like that” 12/29/03
Hmmm. I have to agree I don’t actually see it there (and I haven’t really seen it in Genie’s other interviews, either). But Eileen’s comment and the other reactions on here got me to thinking about it, and I think you could make the case that it’s there in what she doesn’t say. Genie has ALWAYS, through the years, been a class act in interviews–diplomatic and gracious, even in the ways she’s expressed her disappointment with ABC. Given that, I think what she doesn’t say speaks volumes. Go look at the TV Line interview (if you haven’t already): she gushes… Read more »
Not that its important but Genie emailed me and thanked me for my comments about her!
They should have had Tracy end it with Luke after the Fluke story. That way, and I know Mr. Geary doesnt want this BUT, the Spencer’s should have ALL left together, whether they walk off into the sunset together or jump over Niagara Falls as a family. Put an end to it and move on. And I say this with the utmost respect to all the characters.
Fine with me, but as long as we get to keep Lulu!
in an ideal world, tony wouldn’t be lieaving, genie would be back full time, and who cares who luke ends up with, that should be left for the last episode of the show, wish would be NEVER! , But seriously, ideally luke would end up with laura considering everything they went through. its really hard because Tracy should be happy too, so maybe this is the best ending for now, later down the road maybe we will all learn that luke ended with both and moves to utah…..
Genie is awesome and Geary just needs to go already. She’s been kept off the show for too long because of his resentment for Luke and Laura. Without Laura, Luke would never have become as big. He’s an ingrate with a ridiculous ego. He’s a good actor, not great, and would have never achieved the level of success elsewhere. He didn’t exactly have movie star looks or appeal. He has somehow convinced himself that GH and Genie have held him back from greater things. Delusional! Without Luke AND LAURA, Geary’s IMDB page could have easily ended with his last appearance… Read more »
Amen! I agree with everything you said. I’m tired of TG getting everything he asks for and Genie getting slighted. Roger Howarth is a better actor.
Roger Howarth is thee: “Dream”
Amen sistah!
Amen! Couldn’t have said it better myself! Don’t let the door hit you in the a$$ Tony.
Oh wow, how I disagree with this.
BEAUTIFULLY said, Matilda!
Matilda, as Gail specified; your synopsis into ‘the world of Geary’ was eloquent, soul-baring and succinct
I would also like to point out, as I am sure Harry will agree with me, that your grammar and phraseology are impeccable. I know, I know….so what, right? Perhaps, grammar is not important in communicating one’s thoughts. I am just one of those annoying people who goes out of her way to try to use perfect grammar. You are, indeed, a rare gem. I appreciate it.
Okay, I will now stop boring everyone.
You make a very valid point, Genie got the short end of the stick…
I agree Fanny, I am so happy Genie will stick around. The rumour is Genie signed a 6 month contract. I hope she stays longer at General Hospital. Give Laura a storyline and a new man.
Love this comment! I’ll never understand why Geary is so pandered to and Genie is treated like a 2nd class citizen. Geary has NEVER been in demand outside of GH, whereas Genie has made several successful TV movies, miniseries etc. I also look forward to a Luke-less GH and his never ending vacation steered storylines. Geary just gets on my nerves.
Agree completely!! Thank you.
Matilda: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are entirely correct!
I agree with most of what you’ve said, regarding Genie’s place on the show .She was great when she was just a teenaged Laura and kept getting better as she got older. I love seeing her on the show. and hope there she gets a long tern contract. I agree with some of the points you brought out i.e. Tony’ s ego(which I think may have mellowed a bit) and his small rather than large screen appeal However, I don’t think it’s fair to lay blame on Tony entirely for keeping Genie/ Laura off of G.H. I personally hold the… Read more »
Matilda… “beautiful” just…. so…. ON! have to gavel… echo…. and stand : “… He’s a good actor, not great, and would have never achieved the level of success elsewhere. He didn’t exactly have movie star looks or appeal. ” I think he became embittered… that success… didn’t .. follow him to prime time.. and the big picture shows and took on TPTB (gh) what his show … should he has rattled my last nerve.. even if it was a lie.. to see Traci dumbed down duped and emptied as for Lulu : call her cupcake again… she’s not Julie Marie… Read more »
You must be on a muscle relaxer? Tony Geary is an excellent actor. He chose to stay on GH. His looked changed in the 90’s. He could have done MANY other acting projects. He stayed with GH because he loved the job and the people he worked with love him! As far as looks and appeal, there are people of all shapes and sizes who look differently and thats why they are called “Characters.” He has appeal. You cannot help but look and listen when he is on screen. Are you a fan of GH? Did you see the black… Read more »
Matilda You said it all. The last time Luke and Laura returned Genie was on AMC and living very happily in N Y. ABC had her fired from the show, so if she wanted a job it had to be GH. No one would accept Tony as Bill ,and that took his ego down. That was all his idea . I am very happy to see Genie return and we know she has done other things. Right now Tony looks like he should be her father. I will be looking forward to the departing Tony don’t let the door hit… Read more »
Exactly, Matilda! In the ’80’s, when the L&L craze was at its peak, the beautiful, telegenic Genie Francis was courted by the networks for all sorts of primetime work, including being offered a place on “Dynasty.” Although she never appeared on that nighttime soap, she did star in another one, “Bare Essence,” and in numerous miniseries (North and South I,II and III) and other guest spots galore. Balance that with what Tony Geary got…”Intimate Agony,” an ABC Movie of the Week (1983) that was a not-so-scintillating STD saga on the herpes epidemic co-starring Judith Light. No disrespect intended, but as… Read more »
How wonderfully and honestly written, Shay! Kudos!
@CeeCee….Thank you! Your words are high praise indeed!!!!!
Prego, cara.
I really love tony geary’s Luke but he wouldn’t be one of the most memorable soap stars without laura and Genie. Luke and Laure were the shit and for her to feel like she had to ask is really sort of sad. As much as I love Luke I’m always surprised at how much of tonys demands the show put up with over the years. Laura is a legend who really should have been treated better and that’s not on Tony but I don’t think he helped.
Sing it, Kel! Laura and Luke were always a mediation between heaven and earth and the result was pure magic.
Without light there is no shadow–Laura provided that light for Luke making him soap’s most memorable and intense anti hero.
Absolutely truuuuuuuuue❗️
Amen. I’m with you Kel. I am shocked that producers over the years gave Tony such a voice in his character. I wonder if Susan Lucci had that much power.
Well said Harry!
Thats true Harry but Luke’s light never faded, Laura’s did.
Totally agree Kel. Sorry Tony, you will always be known as Luke and Laura!
LOL
yes
“… Tony, you will always be known as Luke and Laura! ”
humility and appreciative of fans shared comaraderie elevated ALL
As always, a class act.
in a perfect world..Of course! Luke and Laura ride off into the sunset. Anything less would destroy the dream..and we soapers are dreamers through and through. We don’t want Luke and Tracey, well matched as they may be in the real world. This is fantasy, and only Luke with Laura makes any sense. I don’t want a world where they aren’t together in the end. We need this fairly tale ending..Please give us what we’ve waited all these years for..
Luke and Laura was a fantasy. A rapist and his victim falling in love. Even the actors playing the roles didnt like it. The show wont have L and L riding off into the sunset cause there are many who dont want it.
Amen Eileen!
If its ok with Genie, its ok with me…enough said!!!
yeah, in the realm of wanderlust…
it’s just time for Genie Francis to share another chapter of Laura
or..
for the duration and everlast of General Hospital
I always felt that Genie Francis was the superior actor of the two. She brought out something wonderful in Tony and when he occasionally overacted, she always brought him back to some semblance of reality. His acting on GH for quite awhile has become wooden and boring. I think it’s best that he leaves and hopefully Genie will have an opportunity to show her chops and stay on the show. He admittedly has been able to drive his storyline to fit his own needs for many years, regardless of how the audience and his fellow cast members felt. He has… Read more »
Genie is a class act. I love her comments about Emma. As for Tony, I’m beyond ready for him to leave. I still can’t believe how much power and control TPTB have allowed him to have.
Laura and him should walk off together with Fascination playing in the back ground. There was no greater love story.
Luke should be with Tracy!!!!!!!!!! She is his true soul mate. I don’t think Luke wouled keep the secret from Tracy. I hate this.
Can’t wait to see all this
Why is it so much about what Tony Geary wants? What about the fans want?
And Genie is a class act all the way. She has said in other interviews that she respects the fact that Luke is “deeply in love with Tracy.”
There’s a sense that she is walking on egg shells when it comes to Tony.
It’s a crying shame that Genie’s been made to feel this way… Just shameful.
Nobody held a gun to her head to return. She knew before she resigned where they were going with Tony’s exit.
“….There’s a sense that she is walking on egg shells when it comes to Tony. ”
thank you
I kinda got the same feeling… as Genie Francis premiered.. as she walked in to the “Haunted Star”
hint hint FV/RC
this has got to change…
Laura , fans plus… will banner… Laura Lives in Port Charles… her own story
Days of Our Lives… please hire Michael Muhney
Harry, do you like the way CSI ends every episode or Law and Order. The fans dont always get what they want.
How ridiculous that one employee has to ask if another employee is okay with them returning to work.
I’ve always thought Laura was more important to GH than Luke ever was so I don’t care how he leaves (but he can feel free to take LuLu with him…)
Well I’ll agree with Lulu’s exit. Emme is horrible as Lulu!
Why Genie Left General Hospital; General Hospital had divorced them, paired them up with other lovers and even killed them off. Yet it still seemed like Luke and Laura’s honeymoon would never really be over – until now, that is. Earlier this month, after acting opposite Anthony Geary off and on for a quarter of a century, leading lady Genie Francis quit in a bitter dispute with her soap’s brass over what she considers to be their preferential treatment of her co-star. (According to sources, Geary is allowed to take extended vacations, rewrite dialogue and improvise at the drop of… Read more »
You are really so full of shit please shut up!
“OH Shut up.”
Jack Benny.
“Shut up, Meg.”
-Peter Griffin
It’s very sad that in a genre that is mostly geared to a female audience, so much sexism exists behind the scenes. I get that Tony Geary does have a fanbase but so do many others. Genie Francis should not have been treated like something TG stepped in. TG would be nothing without the LnL pairing. Heck he would have gotten to sleep with Liz Taylor had it not been for the popularity of LnL. TG has an ego (not unusual in the soap business I know) and a distain for the soap genre that has kept him employed and… Read more »
I find it horrible that GF has to be vulnerable and bare her soul in her work with someone who had previously not wanted to work with her. Acting is hard work without having to deal with that.
Agreed! Plain and simple – without Laura there would not have been a Luke.
Les..
There would be no Laura without Luke..
Tony stayed with GH, he contributed to GH for 38 years and Genie left soon after their wedding and she did not contribute much at all to GH thereafter ..
Tony rose up and became an 8 time Emmy winner..
I do not believe Genie was ever nominated for an Emmy..
Tony put in half of his lifetime with GH..
Genie, not even close, not at all..
Genie quit GH ..Tony gave his all to GH, to this day..
Me, too
AG was the highest paid actor. He took 3 6 week vacations while others in his storyline didnt work nearly as much. He won 8 Emmys simply because the writers gave him front and center storylines. Hes a great actor but so are many on the show who if given what he had, would shine also. He distained his partner GF who was equally responsible for his success. He might be looked up to by many, but also looked done on in equal numbers. Success at the top should make one humble, not pompous. It takes a village but he… Read more »
Su0000,
Laura and Scotty drew a lot of us younger folk to the soap opera genre long before Luke showed up on the scene. As well, there is a whole back story as to why Genie left the show and why she came and went and why she didn’t get the Emmys she so richly deserved… Seems to me her returns always generate a great deal of interest for GH as well. Having said all this, I acknowledge that without Luke she would not be the iconic character she is today…but it does go both ways.
I love you su0000!
Totally agree. Laura was already a regular character on the show. Luke was a short term, storyline mover that was supposed to be there a few days or weeks at the most.
Ms. Francis is indeed a class act, I hope GH gives HER whatever the lady wants, post-Geary, too. I think her work has grace and intricacy. And yes, how nice to have the original Lucky with “Luke and Laura.”
As far as I’m concerned AG can find the door and not come back! I watched the Daytime Emmy’s and that was it for me. The way he treated GF was disgusting,,he acted as if he couldn’t stand for her to even be near him. Does he not understand that Luke AND Laura made him who he is today with his career?
So with that being said,,I hope GF stays for a very long time and
TG leaves alone and broken,,, maybe he should watch how he interacts with people. Bye bye Luke,,, don’t come back
It was very telling how awkward that was for the both of them. He could barely touch her or stand beside her. His body language was screaming!!! Yeah, theres no animosity there, right!
I don’t think they dislike each other, TG just wanted it to be more than the Luke and Laura show. Especially since she wanted a home and normality and Luke still wanted ADVENTURES. He and Tracy were a good match, I will miss them together. I’m very happy that GF and JJ came back to say goodbye. I hope Lucky hangs out with Laura and his son for a while. Maybe he can straighten out Liz
I think Genie wanted more than the Luke and Laura show too. So why wasn’t see able to have the same as Geary?
i agree. I dont think tony dislikes genie, he has been over l&l for years. I think the fans should get what they want now. Both are class acts but people move on. That said, i dont believe tony would have lasted this long without the l&l history.
Genie Francis is such a class act. I love her. I’m sure her late father, Ivor Francis, would be so incredibly proud of her.
I want to put a couple of things out there before I get to the matter at hand – I love me some Genie Francis. Despite me being gay and realizing it at a young age, I had a huge crush on her, and the adventures of Laura – first with Scotty and then Luke, captivated me. It may have been Luke and Laura to the rest of the world at the time, but to me, it was Laura, with co-star Luke. As for Luke, I was never fond of the character – he was a scoundrel and loud and… Read more »
Bravo Mike. The first GH episode I saw was when Laura killed David Hamilton (not sure what year that was). I’m a Laura fan too. I agree with you 100%!
Mike : Hello, tip my hat… thank you… for sharing when telee first came to our community… AMC and GH were the first serials in my life I watched both… but what entranced … entrenched me to the gills… was AMC all those families… all those “relationships” how to be… LOL… tears… when one is struggling coping and living with that hidden arena and helming as best he can… sexual identity… being gay is at best one’s own flight plan.. that I wouldn’t wish on any one… that being said… All My Children… had it in spades… rich storylines.. replete… Read more »
ok.. long in the tooth
but … men… be it straight or gay… have enjoyed right along with… and yes… !!!! if this site features menfolk… in the mix
Patrick – I started watching GH because of my babysitter at the time. She was all ABC – but the only show I took to was GH (and again, it was ALL because of Laura). I tried AMC for a while when there was a gay character played by Chris Bruno and tried it when Genie was on it – but I never took to the show. I dipped in and out of OLTL but only really started enjoying it the last few years it was on (and frankly, welcome the OLTL transplants to GH – I regret their characters… Read more »
Yes! I loved Laura with Stefan. They had great chemistry. It would be wonderful if they could resurrect him somehow. Soaps can do anything! I would suspend my disbelief easily….
Wow there is the proof that Tony Geary didn’t like or want Genie Francis working with him at GH, it’s only now that he’s leaving that she’s allowed to be on the show full time again. And didn’t Tony have say in his storylines also?
Well I already didn’t care for Tony but now I can’t wait for him to leave GH, I hope he never comes back at this point and I really hope that Genie is on the show for good until the end.
The very notion that this lovely and gracious actress had to ask if she had AG’s blessing to return to the GH canvas speaks volumes….as if! I truly believe the only reason he even relented to the fans’ wishes for an L&L send-off is the bitter aftertaste the “Clusterfluke” storyline left for so many. This is the actor’s last shot at redeeming himself for that utter mess, and if it took the presence of GF, then so be it! Having said that, the fact that she accepted and brought Laura back to Port Charles to send Luke off into the… Read more »
Shay, first, “Clusterfluke” … brilliance!
Second, you know we’re on the same page regarding Genie Francis. Thanks for your kind comments regarding “this lovely and gracious actress.”
Genie is a lovely and gracious actress, that is true… but she it is not a star,, that status left her decades ago.. She is not even a soap regular.. What she once was in now held in the 80’s.. She is not a star of GH, she is merely a returning vet.. Genie has been out of the soap business and GH a long time .. what once was is no longer.. GH has many stars who have been with GH for decades earning their stardom.. Luke is legend and earned his 8 Emmy’s . He is a true… Read more »
I am a patient, disciplined man. There is a comment in reply to mine that again disparages Genie Francis. I know this because all I needed to read was a word or two. Actually, all I needed to read was the name of the poster. I have such discipline that I didn’t bother reading the entire dissenting rant, which I have seen and heard before. I don’t feel the need to use curse words in response, as I have seen here. I am comforted by seeing the incredible outpouring of support for Genie Francis, here and elsewhere. And that makes… Read more »
It was my pleasure, James! Anyone with even a modicum of knowledge regarding GH’s glorious past recognizes the massive contribution GF has made to both the show and the soap genre. I’m delighted that she is back gracing the Port Charles canvas….those rare moments we’ve already enjoyed of her waxing nostalgic with Luke at the Triple L Diner were pure magic and bliss!
You go, James…SMILE, and I will smile with you. I love Genie…not so much Tony. I am well versed with their history, albeit not around during their escapades….but, I do glean a modicum of power given to Geary regarding Genie’s presence on the soap.
“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse”. Edmund Burke.
In this case, the abuse is mental. As Shay said, for Genie inquiring if her return had Tony’s blessing is a form of apprehension. To me? That is mental abuse.
You, James, are a true gentleman…so gallant!!!!!
@ Shay: You are so right about GH’s “glorious past” and Genie’s “massive contribution.” Genie’s current tenure has been a fun ride!
@ CeeCee: Thanks for your kind and encouraging words! I share your sentiments regarding Genie. She’s terrific! You and Shay are onto something about the “mental abuse” and “apprehension.” For me, it’s sad to hear these details; they tarnish Geary’s legacy as he leaves the stage…
“Oh, Shay” LOL “thank you” Marquee : feature this! “ClusterFluke” i’m embroiled in this headline! damnation! Genie Francis carried I do not like, Luke… never have… oh, yes… for the few scenes.. that were emmy worthy… he deserved his 8th. but, no more I’m ready for his exit I’m ready for the Cassadine to re-ignite… re-invigorate.. and helm… Port Charles all of it! Nikolas is behind the Lucky kidnap… Tyler Christopher is brilliantly portraying his take over LOL… i am captivated by this nuMAN ! Laura even said herself.. she has some corporate experience … when she worked for Edward… Read more »
Great stuff, Patrick! Your parting shot about bringing back certain actors in lieu of Geary’s salary is astute and reasonable. There is a lot of good they can do with that money — if they so choose!
Glad you liked it, Patrick!!! I’ve never had anything against the character of Luke, per se, but this last year watching AG in his signature role has been a trying one….it would seem that “Fluke” left a great many of us with a feeling of deep dissatisfaction despite the well-acted manner in which he was presented. Rather a shame for long-time GH-ers who wanted to see both Luke and Mr. Geary leave on a happy-high note. But it is what it is….I’m going to savor the waning days of the iconic Mr. Spencer, celebrate the return of his true lady… Read more »
Can someone remind Mr. Geary that the Laura character has been there since 1975. So many people have adored this character from her rebellious teen yrs, to the Scotty romance, The Luke/Laura yrs, to the Post Luke Cassadine era. To be honest I’ve loved the Laura character even more than the Luke/Laura phenom. I wasnt even born yet during Laura’s teen yrs, but I was always fascinated with her backstory Pre-Luke. My grams gave me the entire history of the character which is why I like seeing a strong Laura, the one that made decisions for herself and isnt protrayed… Read more »
Realizing that Tony Geary has been so awfully selfish when it comes to Sharing the spotlight with Genie makes me sad to say the least. He had always been ego centric but I never thought even if they are not friends in reality that he would treat her so disrespectful.
People have face the truth.. Tony is indeed much better than Genie.. Tony went on to win 8 Emmy’s, no other has done that. Genie has won zero Emmy’s, I don’t believe she was even nominated for an Emmy. Fact is; Tony worked his way up, he didn’t quit and run from GH he stayed and became a legend.. Tony has been with GH 38 years, Genie has been out of the soaps with the exception of some in and out since the mid 80’s. Genie has not been a soap regular for a very long time, Tony has given… Read more »
@Su
LOL
you make us laugh with… i’m certain… after all is said and done
you will forever be heralded for your chutzpah… tell it like it is
my credence with : “…New viewers, the viewers who came in after the 90 or whenever do not know Genie and she a newbie to many but- they all know Tony ”
whew… this show must evolve… past Luke and the Quartermaines
LOL
YES! i’m so with you.. on the evolution… future.. that thee Cassadine premiere
ps: i truly meant to share… I share my glass of wine, on the weekends with fans
albeit
@su0000….You needn’t welcome Genie back to the GH canvas with the same open arms many of us have, but please give this talented actress her due: Not only was Miss Francis nominated on four different occasions for a daytime Emmy—once with AG for favorite soap couple—-but she actually won as Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2007 for her iconic role of Laura Spencer!!!!
su0000, I like Laura but she was nothing without Luke! Their wedding was monumental BUT it was her pinnacle and just the beginning of his climb. Man or woman aside, Laura has no drawing power, Luke did and does.
Allen, you are absolutely correct. It’s sad to hear this news…
I think it shows what a class-act Ms. Francis is and how much admiration and respect she has for her on-screen partner-after all of these years. It seems that most of the actors on the show hold Mr. Geary in such high regard and with such high esteem. I hope that the viewers see a lot of flasbacks from the Luke and Laura adventure days next week. I was born in 1980-so I missed a lot of the hype-would be nice to see some of the history between the two legacy characters.
I am so glad Luke is leaving for good. I do no think he added anything to the show for a long time. I hope they giveTrace y a. Good story line. She is a great actress.
Tony just got his 8th Emmy for ”not adding anything to the show”
.. sigh
AND his ninth is on the way for his black and white episode!
He got that Emmy for playing a dual role
Most times an actor plays 2 characters at once, they win an Emmy. Its double the work.
Yes, Tony did win his eighth Emmy. But, I must agree with Eileen Hargis here. He won because of his dual role. Yes, he killed it….he deserved it! I have said it all along. But, su, for you to say Tony is better than Genie is tantamount to speaking of apples and oranges. I suppose we can’t help who we like. The fact is. Tony Geary always struck me as if he has a deep, dark secret. I know, unreasonable, right? Unlike other actors, his life is a complete mystery. I tried searching…I found nothing tangible. I found that he… Read more »
You’re absolutely correct, Eleanor! He is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated!
I still don’t believe Tony has any bad feelings toward Genie. He just doesn’t think Luke and Laura should reunite as a couple. I’m loving the story so far. I can’t wait to see Lucky (the only Lucky for me is JJ) and Ethan. I am anxious to see how Tony will exit. It will be a sad day for me.
There will be tears on that day..
A moment I will never forget, for sure.. 🙁
(Luke and Laura can not reunite Tony is leaving Laura is staying there can not be a reuniting couple wise.. there will only be one left ..
Of course I would not mind if they reunited, then Laura would have to leave GH with Tony/Luke. Then they would both be gone.
Great post Cynthia!
Cynthia ur just not aware of all the goings on between the show and AG about trying to keep her off the show. Its isnt Laura he objects to, its Genie. Tho he did not ever wantvtgem together again, he also didnt want her around, period. She knows it.
Please dont get me wrong here. I liked the Luke and Laura story just fine and their wedding is soap history. But that was a couple of decades ago and their fans remain way back there with that coupling. Today is a whole new game and MOST GH fans are happy with Luke and Tracey, tho that might be history now, too. I just want Luke to have his final hoorah and go off the show. Hes had the majority of story for so long and I really believe there is plenty more there for the rest of the cast… Read more »
Considering how he treated Genie in all the scenes when GH was revised under Valenti/Carloti it’s completely hypocritical to pretend he’s now learned to “make nice.” Let him just go–but please GO! GH under the self-centered Geary’s demands has steadily gone downhill. I”m very sure that Jane Elliot will more than survive, as ill Genie Francis.
I began watching General Hospital when I was a child, and I remember Laura. Lesley finding out that her daughter had not died at birth … finding her daughter who had been adopted by another couple … getting Laura back … and Laura’s transition between the two families. Laura and Monica are the last of the characters who became my half hour to hour “community.” Laura deserves, for she has the talent, loveliness, and history, to be a matriarch in Port Charles. The writers have so much of her story life to use. Here’s a character who is the daughter… Read more »
Genie Francis is every bit as responsible for the Luke and Laura phenomenon as Anthony Geary is. There is no way that AG would have been such a hit with the viewers without Genie. No way. There are many really great actors out there but Genie Francis has the “it” factor. She has a uniqueness about her. There really is not another actress quite like her. She is memorable. She is real. Anthony Geary is amazing at portraying Luke Spencer when he is with Genie. He takes on a uniqueness as well. When Genie is not on with him he… Read more »
Meant to say in my first post that Anthony Geary doesn’t have that rare quality about him when he is not with Genie. He is amazing but there is something special when he is with Genie. I must say I can’t put my finger on it but it absolutely is there when he is with her. He becomes one of the greats of all time. Genie is one of the greats of all time as well. They have to know that. Millions of people were hooked on them.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
Friday’s episode of General Hospital brought the highly-anticipated story around the apparent death of Port Charles iconic, Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), although many fans, and even some of the cast of the show, are not sold that Luke is “dead” dead.
During the show, characters spoke of some of the history of Luke in Port Charles, most especially Luke’s sister, Bobbie played by Jackie Zeman. Throughout the years, Zeman is at her best when she is given material through the writing of the show to connect to the history of Luke and Bobbie. She did so when Bobbie was remembering how Luke came to Port Charles to help her break up Scotty and Laura, in a discussion with her daughter, Carly (Laura Wright).
Photo: ABC
As everyone is gathering at the Haunted Star to pay their respects to Luke, Curtis (Donnell Turner) arrives to support Laura (Genie Francis), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Anna (Finola Hughes) arrive together, Nikolas (Marcus Coloma) and Ava (Maura West), as well as Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez also show up. It is through Nikolas’ conversation with Laura that we learn why Luke’s sons, Ethan and Lucky, can’t make the funeral and, of course, we know why Luke’s daughter Lulu can’t make it because she is in a coma!
Victor (Charles Shaughnessy) shows up and snipes at everyone and then leaves. Tracy (Jane Elliot), who has arranged the memorial, is with an urn supposedly filled with Luke’s ashes and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) finds her on the deck of the Haunted Star and talks her into giving her planned eulogy.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) finds his dad, Sonny (Maurice Benard) drinking at Charlie’s, and later Scott (Kin Shriner) and Robert (Tristan Rogers) stop in and heated words are exchanged between Sonny and Scott. Victor shows up and instead of Scott and Sonny pummeling each other, they get into a fight against Victor.
Courtesy/ABC
As Scott and Robert are about to be on their way to the Haunted Star, Scott stays behind because of his past with Luke. Then, Sonny tried to patch things up with Carly before they head to the memorial.
Back on the yacht, Anna and Felicia find a note and a flash drive, after hearing a commotion on the yacht. When the note says “play me”, none other than Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers) addresses Luke’s friends and family from apparently the great beyond. As Helena spews her venom against Luke, Laura has enough and pulls the plug on Helena’s video speech. Tracy looks concerned, like she may want to hear whatever else Helena had to say.
Photo: ABC
Next, Tracy does her best in short order to eulogize Luke. That is juxtaposed with Scott trashing Luke. Later, by herself on the deck, Tracy spreads Luke’s ashes over the waters of Port Charles. Back on the pier, Scott relishes Luke being gone, and that he is still standing saying, “You lose you son of a bitch!” Just then Luke’s ashes blow in into his face. When Bobbie arrives, and see Scott full of ashes, she asks what happened. Scott says, “I caught the bouquet,” an obvious nod to the Luke and Laura wedding of the past, where Scott returned at their wedding and caught the wedding bouquet.
Courtesy/ABC
Back on the Haunted Star, Tracy then has a gift in hand for Laura, but she tells Tracy if that’s the Ice Princess she does not want anything to do with it, and tells Tracy to keep it. Spencer sees this go down and his interest on the diamond is instantly piqued.
Back at Charlie’s bar, Victor has an ominous toast to Luke saying, “The good people of your fair city are in for a big surprise!”
At the Haunted Star, dressed in black with black veil, Jennifer Smith reveals herself to a shocked Laura.
So, what did you think of Luke’s memorial episode? Favorite parts of it? Least favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, check out Helena’s videotaped speech and Tracy’s eulogy to Luke below.
General Hospital
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
General Hospital
FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Reveal They Want Brooke & Bridget To Deal with Their Shared Past with Deacon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Helena, Jennifer Smith & The Ice Princess: What Did You Think of Luke Spencer’s Memorial?
All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Brooke Reels When Hope Says Douglas Saw Grandma Kissing ‘Santa Claus’
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Michael at a Crossroads; What Did You Think of Christian LeBlanc’s 30th Anniversary Episode?
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Shocked Brooke Exclaims: “Oh, My God! I Was Drinking Last Night!”
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General HospitalJanuary 19, 2022FRIDAY: Luke Spencer’s Family and Friends Gather To Say Goodbye On General Hospital
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 24, 2022Days of our Lives Preemption Schedule During 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
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All My ChildrenJanuary 18, 2022TONIGHT: All My Children’s Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams Together Again on All-New Episode of ‘Our Kind of People’
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General HospitalJanuary 21, 2022(WATCH) GH’s Genie Francis Shares: “I Just Have a Hard Time Believing, In My Heart, That The Great Luke Spencer Died in an Accident”
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 19, 2022DAYS OF OUR LIVES: What Did You Think of the Life-Sized Duke and Ava Scene?
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General HospitalJanuary 18, 2022ESPN Sports Personality and ‘General Hospital’ Guest Star, Stephen A. Smith Reveals COVID-19 Nearly Took His Life
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Days Of Our LivesJanuary 22, 2022All My Children Alum William Christian to Debut on Days of our Lives
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General HospitalJanuary 17, 2022GH’s Kristina Wagner On Felicia’s Concern Over Maxie’s Emotional State