Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber to Geary’s Luke Spencer—the supercouple known as “Luke and Laura” whose 1981 wedding was watched by 30 million viewers—recalled her former co-star in a deeply emotional post on X (formerly Twitter).
Francis spoke to the intense, almost supernatural connection they shared both on and off-screen:
“He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life. I am crushed, I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner. Somehow, somewhere, we are connected to each other because I felt him leave last night. Good night sweet prince, good night.”
The actress noted the surreal timing, stating she “felt his life end” in her sleep, hours before she received the call confirming his death in Amsterdam following a scheduled operation.
Other Notable Tributes from the General Hospital Family
The news sent shockwaves through the cast, with many stars highlighting the record eight-time Daytime Emmy winner’s immense talent and impact:
- John Stamos (Former GH Star): Stamos, who was famously inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Geary present, was among the celebrities who quickly paid tribute, recalling the profound mentorship and influence Geary had on the set.
- Ian Buchanan (“Duke Lavery”): Buchanan was one of the General Hospital stars, along with Kelly Monaco and Finola Hughes, who made the effort to visit Geary in Amsterdam, where he had lived since 2015, highlighting the enduring friendships Geary maintained overseas.
- Kin Shriner (“Scott Baldwin”): Luke’s longtime on-screen rival was noted for paying his respects, acknowledging the deep professional bond forged over four decades.
- Frank Valentini (GH Executive Producer): “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken… Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for. His legacy, and that of Luke Spencer’s, will live on…”
Farewell, Luke: Soap Icon Anthony Geary Dies at 78; Genie Francis and Co-Stars Pay Tribute
The world of daytime television is deeply mourning the loss of Anthony Geary, the record-breaking, eight-time Daytime Emmy winner who passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 78. Geary died from complications following a scheduled surgery.
The Legacy of Luke and Laura
Geary joined General Hospital (GH) in 1978 as the hitman Luke Spencer and was soon paired with Genie Francis’s Laura Webber. Their coupling quickly became the gold standard for the supercouple phenomenon of the 1970s and 80s, driving ratings and bringing unprecedented national attention to daytime TV.
Their story, however, was defined by its immense controversy:
- The Controversy: The romance spurred intense criticism when the storyline included Luke raping Laura. The writers initially glossed over the incident and had Laura forgive him, creating a narrative that was heavily panned by critics but, controversially, resonated with audiences who focused on the subsequent redemption and adventure.
- The Climax: Their 1981 wedding was a global media event, watched by an estimated 30 million viewers.
Emotional Tributes from the GH Family
Tributes poured in, focusing on Geary’s talent and the deep personal connections he fostered over his four decades on the show:
- Genie Francis (“Laura Webber”): Geary’s legendary co-star posted an emotional tribute on X, speaking to their profound connection: “He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life… I am crushed, I will miss him terribly, but I was so lucky to be his partner. Somehow, somewhere, we are connected to each other because I felt him leave last night. Good night sweet prince, good night.”
- Frank Valentini (GH Executive Producer): Valentini emphasized Geary’s enduring influence in a two-part post on X: “The entire #GeneralHospital family is heartbroken… Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for. 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.”
- Emma Samms (“Holly Sutton”): The former GH star, who played Holly Sutton from 1982 to 1985, noted her double sadness, writing: “My heart was already breaking about the Rob Reiner news.. but now…” followed by a broken heart emoji. (Note: This reference suggests another major industry figure, Rob Reiner, passed away recently, compounding the grief within the Hollywood community.)
Daytime Emmy Recognition
Rachel Schwartz, Head of Daytime / Children’s & Family Emmys for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, highlighted Geary’s professional achievements:
“Our condolences are with our friends at ‘General Hospital’ on the passing of Anthony Geary, who won a record-breaking eight Emmys in the Lead Actor category. As one half of the power couple ‘Luke and Laura,’ their popularity brought daytime television into the zeitgeist and created one of the genre’s most beloved super-couples. Our sympathies are with his family, colleagues, and loved ones.”
