‘General Hospital’ spoilers reveal that soap and Hollywood stars are mourning the loss of daytime legend Anthony Geary, who played the iconic role of Luke Spencer. He passed away on December 14th.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: “Daytime Wouldn’t Be Here If It Wasn’t for Luke and Laura”
Tributes to the late actor have been pouring in. Maurice Benard, who plays Luke’s longtime business partner and close friend, Sonny Corinthos, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote,
“What can I say that’s not been said?”
He continued,
“Two things about Tony, He was one of the funniest people I knew. I saw Tony in a one-man play, and I said it then, and I’ll say it now: I never saw better acting in my life. I owe a lot to Tony. Daytime wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Luke and Laura.”
Jonathan Jackson, who played Luke’s son, Lucky Spencer, told TV Insider,
“My heart is broken at the news of Tony’s passing. As an 11-year-old kid, he took me under his wing, with a depth of grace, respect, and belief that I certainly didn’t deserve.”
He continued,
“He was my father in the arts, my mentor in the world of learning to trust one’s instincts and always believe in the power and beauty of story and performance. There were many moments, over the years working together, that I can always describe as transcendent. I will cherish each and every one of them.”
Laura Wright, who plays Luke’s niece, Carly Spencer, posted on Instagram,
“One of my first scenes with Tony we were in Kelly’s, and he said, ‘Just so you know, I like to juggle, tap dance, and sing, all at the same time,’ and I laughed and said, let’s go.”
Wright continued,
“I grew up watching the incredible Luke Spencer. I fell in love with daytime because I fell in love with Luke and Laura. My heart is so sad. Daytime lost the one that changed it all! RIP.”
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: “I Wrote About Him In My Book Because He Is Part of My Foundation as an Actor
John Stamos, who’s career took off when he played Blackie Parrish on GH in the 80s, had some kind words to say about Geary,
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and former co-star, Tony Geary. Coming on the heels of the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, whom I admired immensely, this feels like a heartbreaking moment for so many of us who grew up watching and learning from these giants of our craft.”
Stamos continued,
“I was only 19 years old on my first job, General Hospital, and Tony could not have been kinder or more welcoming. At that age, everything feels big. He made it feel safe. I was mesmerized by his acting. Watching Tony was like watching someone rewrite the rules in real time.”
The actor explained,
“He changed the face of daytime television. And in very real ways, he changed my life. What always stood out to me was how real he was. He never fell into traps or tricks that can happen when you’re doing the volume needed for an hour show every day. He attacked every character and every script with honesty, intelligence, and fearlessness. There was no autopilot with Tony, ever.”
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: “You Will be In the Hearts and Memories of So Many”
He added,
“He was truly one of a kind. When he showed up for me when I got a star on the Walk of Fame, it meant the world to me. That was Tony. He showed up quietly and generously. I wrote about him in my book because he is part of my foundation as an actor. He will always be a part of my work. The way he committed, the way he listened, the way he elevated everyone around him, I carry that with me still. Thank you, Tony, for your brilliance, your kindness, and for setting the bar so impossibly high. You really stood out. Rest easy, my friend.”
Susan Lucci, who is a daytime legend in her own right and best known for playing Erica Kane on All My Children, said,
“My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tony Geary, his GH family, and the legions of fans who loved him. I cherished the time we spent doing a documentary in Kenya, on behalf of children. I remember we were both so touched and impacted by our experience there. Tony was such a talented actor and a wonderful man with a big heart. RIP Tony, knowing you will be in the hearts and memories of so many.”
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: “He Gave Me Confidence as An Actor”
Rick Springfield, who played Dr. Noah Drake on GH in the 80s, wrote on Instagram,
“Sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He was the reason GH went where it went in the early ’80s. The rest of us rode along with him and did our part, but Tony was the driver, along with the great Gloria Monty. Had a really great evening with Tony and my guys in Amsterdam years ago. Such a good guy who deserved all the accolades he received. Love to those he left behind.”
Emma Samms, who played Holly Sutton on GH, was a love interest for Luke when Laura was presumed dead. She admitted,
“I knew that Luke and Holly would never be Luke and Laura, we all knew that, but he didn’t allow comparisons. He gave me confidence as an actor and a person, listening to my trials and tribulations with a sympathetic and encouraging ear. Always.”
Frank Valentini, executive producer of GH, wrote,
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken over the news of Tony’s passing. Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for. His legacy, and that of Luke Spencer’s, will live on through the generations of GH cast members who have followed in his footsteps. We send our sincerest sympathies to his husband, Claudio, family, and friends. May he rest in peace.”
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Genie Francis: “He Spoiled Me for Leading Men for the Rest of My Life”
Of course, Genie Francis, who plays Laura Collins on GH, was Geary’s leading lady for years, penned a heartbreaking tribute to the actor. Soap fans recall the epic love story of Luke and Laura. It gave Francis memories she will always treasure.
Francis said that she woke up yesterday morning in her husband’s arms and felt Geary’s life end in her sleep. Her life flashed before her, and she was afraid of death. Then, Frank Valentini called her to tell her that Tony had passed.
The actress called Geary a “powerhouse.” She said,
“No star burned brighter than Tony Geary.” Francis admitted, “He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life. I am crushed. I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner. Somehow, somewhere, we are connected to each other because I felt him leave last night. Good night, sweet prince. Good night.”
We here at Daily Soap Dish express our deepest sympathies to Tony Geary’s husband, Claudio Gama, his family and friends, his GH co-stars, and the zillions of fans whose lives he touched. Geary was invaluable as an actor and a person. He will be incredibly missed.”
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