The world of daytime television is mourning the loss of a true icon, as Anthony Geary, the record-setting star of ‘General Hospital’, has passed away at the age of 78. Geary, best known for his defining role as the troubled anti-hero Luke Spencer, died on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Amsterdam due to complications following a scheduled surgical procedure. His death marks the end of an era defined by his legendary pairing with co-star Genie Francis, forming the iconic super-couple, Luke and Laura.

The immediate details of the star’s passing were confirmed by his husband, Claudio Gama, and the executive producer of ‘General Hospital’, Frank Valentini, who called the actor "a brilliant actor" who "set the bar." Anthony Geary’s career on the ABC soap opera spanned nearly four decades, beginning in 1978. His final appearance as Luke Spencer before his retirement was in 2015. His passing comes as a shock to the soap community, which revered him not only for the character he created but for the unparalleled success he brought to the genre.

A key marker of Anthony Geary’s career was his record-breaking recognition by the industry. He holds the distinction of winning an unmatched eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work as Luke Spencer. This extraordinary achievement solidifies his status as the most critically decorated actor in daytime television history. His numerous nominations and wins reflected his unique ability to portray the complexity, vulnerability, and darkness of his iconic character.

Understanding the cultural phenomenon of Luke and Laura underscores Anthony Geary’s impact on television history. His tumultuous relationship with Genie Francis’s character, Laura Webber, propelled ‘General Hospital’ to unprecedented ratings. Their 1981 on-screen wedding remains the most watched episode in soap opera history, drawing an estimated 30 million viewers and cementing their place in pop culture history. The storyline transcended the genre, appearing on the covers of major news magazines and receiving attention from mainstream media.

The enduring legacy of Anthony Geary is one of transformation and artistic passion. He took a role initially written for a short arc and turned Luke Spencer into a complicated, multi-layered anti-hero whose controversial storylines resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft, even amidst the grueling demands of daytime television, left an indelible mark on the landscape of serialized storytelling, inspiring generations of actors and writers within the industry.