Anthony Geary, who played Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at the age of 78.
Her husband, Claudio Gama, told TV Insider that Geary died in the Netherlands on Sunday from complications from surgery three days earlier.
“It was a shock to me and to our family and friends. For over 30 years, Tony has been my friend, companion and husband,” Gama said.
Geary began his soap opera career on The Young and the Restless and Bright Promises and joined General Hospital in 1978, playing the role of Luke Spencer on and off for about 40 years.
He left the show in 1984 and returned in 1991, playing a cousin who looked a lot like Luke. According to executive producer Frank Valentini, viewers didn't like it, so the Cousins role was dropped, and Geary returned as Luke in 1993, but Geary left the show in 2015.
Geary holds the record for most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work as Luke, winning eight times in total.
Geary told TV Insider in 2015 that he was tired of the monotony of his 20-year career.
“After my spinal surgery last year, there was a moment when it became clear that my time was not unlimited,” he said. “And I don’t want to die on the set of General Hospital one day.”
Jeannie Francis, who played Geary's longtime partner on General Hospital, responded to the news of his death on social media.
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“This morning I woke up and went into my husband's arms. As I slept, my life unfolded before my eyes and I was afraid of death,” Frances, 63, wrote. “An hour later, Frank Valentini called me and told me Tony had passed away.”
“I immediately felt a twinge of remorse. I hadn't spoken to him in years, but last night while I was sleeping I felt his life ending. And it took a big part of me and me,” she continued. “He was a great actor. He rubbed shoulders with great actors. No star shone brighter than Tony Geary.”
Francis said the actor was “one of a kind.”
“As an artist, he was filled with a passion for the truth, no matter how frank or a little rude, it was always cheerful and funny,” she wrote. “He was an anti-hero, always irreverent, but forced even the most conservative person to smile. It was always inspiring to work with him.”
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Francis said she was “devastated” by the news and said she would miss him terribly.
“I was so lucky to be his partner. I felt him leave last night, so somehow somewhere we are connected. Good night, my lovely prince,” she added.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement that “the entire General Hospital family is heartbroken” after hearing of Geary's death.
“Tony is a great actor and has set a standard that we all continue to strive for,” Valentini said in a statement. “His legacy, and that of Luke Spencer, will live on through the generations of GH cast members who have followed in his footsteps. We send our deepest sympathies to his husband, Claudio, his family and friends. We may rest in peace.”
— With files from The Associated Press
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