General Hospital Pays Tribute to Anthony Geary & Luke Spencer

Today, ABC’s General Hospital will air a special episode dedicated to the memory of Anthony Geary, who passed away on December 14 at the age of 78, and his iconic character, Luke Spencer. The episode promises to be an emotional tribute to the actor and the character that became a daytime television staple.

A Legacy Remembered

Luke Spencer was previously written off the show in 2022. Today’s tribute will feature performances from key cast members including Genie Francis (Laura Collins), Jane Elliot (Tracy Quartermaine), Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos), Laura Wright (Carly Spencer), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber), and Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer).

A Show of Support

“Every memory leads back to Luke Spencer,” the show tweeted earlier today, encouraging viewers to tune in for the special episode. A preview of the episode shows a candle lighting, flashbacks to Geary’s appearances, and a visibly moved Genie Francis, who shared a celebrated on-screen romance with Geary as Laura Webber, stating, “Thank you for the love of a lifetime.”

Did You Know? The wedding of Luke and Laura in 1981 set daytime ratings records and garnered national media attention.

The preview also includes a clip from Geary’s final episode in 2016, where his character walks away and says, “It’s time to let go.” Maurice Benard’s character, Sonny, is shown saying, “He was more than my friend, he was my brother,” while Francis’s character is seen in a church pew, saying, “Luke, you never left me.”

Honoring Luke’s Memory

The episode begins with Lulu Spencer discovering an old photograph of her father, Luke, which prompts a conversation with Luke’s partner, Tracy Quartermaine. This discovery leads to a collective effort among the characters to share memories and anecdotes honoring the late Luke Spencer.

Expert Insight: This tribute episode demonstrates the enduring impact of long-running characters and actors on daytime television, and the strong emotional connection forged between performers and their audience over decades.

Anthony Geary joined General Hospital in 1978 and quickly became a central figure, particularly through his pairing with Francis’s Laura Webber. Throughout his career, Geary received eight Daytime Awards for his work on the show, in 1982, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2015.

General Hospital airs at 3 p.m. In New York and 2 p.m. In California, with local listings available for other time zones. The show is also available for streaming on Hulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Anthony Geary pass away?

Anthony Geary died on December 14 following an operation three days earlier.

Who will be featured in today’s tribute episode?

Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Rebecca Herbst, and Alexa Havins will be among the cast members participating in the tribute.

When did Luke Spencer leave General Hospital?

The character of Luke Spencer was written off the show in 2022.

How will you remember the impact of long-running television characters and the actors who bring them to life?