‘General Hospital’ Actor Anthony Geary Passes Away – Cause of Death Revealed

Anthony Geary, the legendary actor best known for his role as Luke Spencer on “General Hospital,” has died at the age of 78.

TMZ confirmed that Geary passed away on Sunday in Amsterdam. According to reports, his death was linked to complications from a planned surgery, though an official cause has not yet been confirmed by the family.

Geary’s career spanned decades in television, film, and theater. He became a household name for his portrayal of Luke Spencer, one half of the iconic soap opera couple Luke and Laura. Their 1981 wedding episode drew an astounding 30 million viewers, with Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor making a cameo, cementing the moment as the highest-rated soap opera episode of all time.

Born in Utah and raised in a Mormon family, Geary earned a theater scholarship to the University of Utah and began his acting career on stage. He later moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, appearing in television shows such as “Room 222,” “All in the Family,” “The Mod Squad,” “Mannix,” “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “The Partridge Family,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” and “Barnaby Jones.” His first daytime role came on the NBC soap “Bright Promise” in 1971, and he later appeared briefly on “The Young and the Restless.”

Geary joined “General Hospital” in 1978 for a short story arc as Luke Spencer, a hitman who eventually falls in love with and marries his victim, Laura Webber, played by Genie Francis. The role became permanent, and Luke and Laura became one of the most celebrated couples in daytime television history.

Over his career on “General Hospital,” Geary won a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor, first earning the honor in 1982 and most recently in 2015. He left the show in 2015 but returned for occasional guest appearances, including a cameo in 2017 to facilitate the retirement of co-star Jane Elliot.

Outside of soap operas, Geary appeared in films such as “Disorderlies” (1987) and “UHF” (1989), where he played the eccentric scientist Philo. He also remained active in theater, performing in over 50 plays, including a one-man show titled “Human Scratchings” in 1996.

Geary also collaborated with his son, Charles Geary, on the semi-autobiographical film “Being Charlie” in 2016, which drew on personal experiences and their relationship.

Anthony Geary’s contributions to daytime television and popular culture were immense. His work on “General Hospital” helped shape the modern soap opera, and his portrayal of Luke Spencer remains one of the most memorable in television history.

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