'It was a shock': General Hospital icon Anthony Geary dies, aged 78
General Hospital star Anthony Geary has died. He was 78.
The actor, who played the character Luke Spencer in the popular drama, died on Sunday 14 December, US outlets have reported.
"It was a shock for me and our families and our friends," Geary's husband, Claudio Gama told TV Insider of his death.
Anthony Geary pictured as his character Luke Spencer alongside Genie Francis who played his wife Laura Spencer in the show. Disney General Entertainment Con
"For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband."
His death was a result of complications from a scheduled operation he underwent three days prior to his death, per the publication.
The TV icon's screen career spanned more than five decades.
He started his career in the 70s with regular roles on daytime dramas Bright Promise and The Young and the Restless. He also starred in a number of guest roles on shows like All in the Family, The Partridge Family and Shaft.
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Geary appeared on the popular TV drama on-and-off for four decades. Getty
In 1978 he made his debut on General Hospital – the show that would go on to launch him into soap opera stardom.
Geary starred in the TV drama on and off for four decades, appearing in almost 2000 episodes.
He also featured in the 1996 General Hospital TV movie titled General Hospital: Twist of Fate and the 2008 spin-off General Hospital: Night Shift.
He won a record of eight daytime Emmys. Getty
He finally left the show with his final episode airing in 2015.
"This show has been a huge part of my life for over half my life, and Luke Spencer is my alter ego," he told TVLine ahead of his final episode.
"I'm just weary of the grind and have been for 20 years ... I really don't want to die, collapsing in a heap on that GH set one day," he added.
Geary was nominated for the Daytime Emmy sixteen times for his lead role in the series He won a record of eight times.
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