Anthony Geary, who was known for his role of Luke Spencer on the soap opera “General Hospital,” has passed away. He died in Sunday at the age of 78. His longtime co-star, Genie Francis, played Laura Spencer opposite Geary for 37 years. Immediately following his death, she published these beautiful reflections about him. Francis, now 63, spoke of her profound sorrow at the loss. She was very complimentary about that man, saying that he’s not only been a wonderful and gifted actor, but a wonderful warm and sensitive guy.
Geary’s performance as Luke Spencer and Francis’s performance as Laura sent viewers into a frenzy and won both performers Daytime Emmy Awards. Their brilliant comic repartee and on-screen chemistry turned them into television legends. When they got married in 1981, a record-breaking 30 million viewers watched the miraculous union. This groundbreaking episode nursed their reputation as one of daytime television’s most adored couples.
Francis stated, “I am so lucky that I got to have this man as my first leading man. He ruined me. He ruined me for leading men for the rest of my life basically. Because I started with the best.” This expression of feeling captures just how deep an influence Geary had on her professional and personal journey.
Both actors earned accolades, with particular notice for their impressive skills. Their give-and-take, tell-no-lies creative chemistry captured the world’s imagination and perhaps best described as “lightning in a bottle.” Gloria Monty, a key figure in the show’s history, once remarked that Francis and Geary were destined to change the face of daytime television. Their meteoric success story began when “General Hospital” teetered on the edge of cancellation. Not knowing what lay ahead, they took that chance and wowed audiences while making a legendary show come to life.
Cameron Mathison, another actor from the series, recalled, “The Luke and Laura days … they were huge. They were massive celebrities. They could barely walk outside.” The cultural influence of their archetypes echoed long past the walls of the studio, earning them the title of household names.
Geary, who was a professional partner of Francis’s that later became a protective figure early in her life when Francis was a minor. Their connection went deeper than the screen pair’s ecosystem, capturing the moment in time for both actors.
