Iconic ‘General Hospital’ Star Anthony Geary Dies At 78

Legendary soap opera actor Anthony Geary, best known for his long-running role as Luke Spencer on “General Hospital,” died Sunday at 78 following complications from surgery, according to TV Insider.

Geary originated the role in 1978 and went on to define a generation of daytime television, becoming one of the most recognizable stars in the genre during what fans regard as its golden era, the outlet reported. “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini said the “entire ‘General Hospital’ family is heartbroken,” according to People. (RELATED: Rob Reiner’s Son Reportedly In Police Custody In Apparent Double Homicide Investigation)

“Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for,”  Valentini said. “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.”

HOLLYWOOD – JUNE 20: Actor Anthony Geary arrives at the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on June 20, 2008 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Geary’s character became central to some of daytime television’s most memorable moments, including Luke Spencer’s 1981 wedding to Laura, played by Genie Francis. The episode drew roughly 30 million viewers, making it the most-watched soap opera episode in television history, according to People.

Geary departed the series in 2015 but later returned from retirement for a final appearance in 2017.

HOLLYWOOD , CA – APRIL 28: Actor Anthony Geary, winner Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “General Hospital” poses in the press room at the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on April 28, 2006 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Geary’s early career included guest appearances on television series such as “All in the Family,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Room 222,” “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “The Partridge Family,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and “The Young and the Restless.”

He was nominated 16 times for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, winning a record eight times.