Anthony Geary, best known for his portrayal of Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at the age of 78.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthony Geary, whose portrayal of Luke Spencer helped define General Hospital and daytime television,” ABC said in a statement confirming his death.

Geary died on Sunday in Amsterdam due to complications from a surgical procedure performed three days earlier.

“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken over the news of Tony Geary’s passing,” said executive producer Frank Valentini in a statement released on Monday. 

“Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for.”

Geary joined General Hospital in 1978, beginning a career-defining run that spanned more than four decades. He earned eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance as Luke Spencer, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in daytime television history.

His on-screen pairing with Genie Francis as Laura Webber Baldwin became a cultural phenomenon, propelling the characters – and the actors – into the cultural mainstream. 

The 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura aired as a two-part television event and drew an estimated 30 million viewers, with guest appearances including Elizabeth Taylor.

Beyond his signature role, Geary appeared on other daytime dramas including The Young and the Restless and Bright Promise. He played Luke Spencer on and off until 2015 and later returned for a cameo appearance in 2017.

Geary also maintained an extensive stage career alongside his television work. 

He lived privately in Amsterdam with his husband, Claudio Gama.

Born in Coalville, Utah, to Mormon parents, Geary was discovered while studying at the University of Utah and performing in stage productions. 

He later joined a touring company of The Subject Was Roses, which brought him to Los Angeles and led to his television career.

His first television appearance was as Tom Whalom on Room 222. 

He went on to appear in numerous popular series, including All in the Family, The Partridge Family, The Mod Squad, Marcus Welby, MD, The Streets of San Francisco and Barnaby Jones.

Images: Instagram