Anthony Geary, the eight-time Daytime Emmy winner best known for his role as Luke Spencer on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, died at 78 from complications related to a medical procedure.

The news was confirmed by his husband, Claudio Gama, in a statement to TV Insider. “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends. For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

Anthony Geary was an acclaimed American actor best known for his decades-long portrayal of Luke Spencer on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital, a role that made him one of the most iconic figures in soap opera history. Born on May 29, 1947, in Coalville, Utah, Geary developed an early interest in acting and studied theater at the University of Utah before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career.

Geary joined General Hospital in 1978, initially hired for a short-term role. His portrayal of the charming, rebellious Luke quickly captured viewers’ attention, and his on-screen chemistry with Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber, became legendary. The Luke and Laura romance grew into a cultural phenomenon, culminating in their 1981 wedding episode, which drew more than 30 million viewers and remains one of the most-watched moments in daytime television history.

Throughout his career on General Hospital, Geary earned eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a record achievement that underscored his impact on the genre. Known for bringing depth, complexity, and vulnerability to Luke Spencer, Geary helped elevate daytime drama storytelling and influenced how male leads were written and portrayed on soap operas.

Beyond General Hospital, Geary appeared in a range of television shows and films, including roles in All in the Family, The Young and the Restless, Hotel, Murder, She Wrote, and the films UHF and Teachers. Despite his success, he often expressed ambivalence about fame and preferred a quiet, private life away from the spotlight.

Geary retired from General Hospital in 2015, choosing to step away from acting and relocate to Amsterdam, where he focused on travel, writing, and personal pursuits. He was known among colleagues as thoughtful, disciplined, and deeply committed to his craft.