‘General Hospital’ star Genie Francis reacts to Anthony Geary’s death

Soap actress Genie Francis is paying tribute to her former General Hospital costar Anthony Geary, a day after his death.

Geary’s husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news of his death to TV Insider, sharing that the soap star died Sunday in the Netherlands following an operation three days earlier. “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” Gama told the outlet. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

Francis took to X on Monday afternoon to honor Geary, writing, “This morning I woke up and went into my husband’s arms. In my sleep, my life was flashing before me and I was afraid of death. An hour later, I received a call from Frank Valentini, he told me Tony died. I immediately felt remorse, I hadn’t spoken to him in years, but I felt his life end in my sleep last night, and with it a big part of me, and mine.”

She continued, “He was a powerhouse as an actor. Shoulder to shoulder with the greats. No star burned brighter than Tony Geary. He was one of a kind. As an artist, he was filled with a passion for the truth, no matter how blunt, or even a little rude it might be, but always hilariously funny.”

Francis went on to call Geary the “anti-hero,” similar to his onscreen character Luke Spencer, who was known for his roguish charm.

“Working with him was always exciting,” she added. “You never knew what might happen. 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.”

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Geary originated the role of antihero Lucas Lorenzo Spencer on General Hospital in 1978, for what was supposed to be a 13-week run. Viewers responded well to the complexity of the character, to the surprise of many, including Geary himself. In response, the writers scrapped plans to kill off Luke and instead capitalized on the popularity of the pairing between Luke and Laura Webber (Francis), despite their highly controversial beginning — Luke’s rape of Laura. 

The soap supercouple’s 1981 wedding drew 30 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode in soap opera history and one of 20th century television’s most memorable moments.

“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken over the news of Tony Geary’s passing. Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “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.”

ABC, home of the mega-soap, also paid tribute to the late actor in a statement, writing, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television. Anthony captivated audiences for decades and earned a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards.”

The statement added: “The 1981 Luke and Laura wedding was a landmark moment that drew tens of millions of viewers and became part of television history. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and colleagues.”

Geary had a love-hate relationship with the character of Luke; the actor continually took hiatuses from the show during his time playing the Spencer family patriarch until his official exit in 2015 — although he would return for one final appearance in 2017. The role earned Geary eight Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, a record that still remains in that category.

“It was once very difficult for me to realize that more than likely my obituary in the paper will read, ‘Luke of Luke and Laura fame died today.’ It was very upsetting when I came to that realization,” Geary told EW during the filming of his final episode.

“It’s been a really exciting ride,” Geary said at the time of his and Luke’s final bow. “In the end, it’s been well worth it.”