Genie Francis Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Anthony Geary Following His Passing: ‘I Felt Him Leave Last Night’

Genie Francis and Anthony Geary on ‘General Hospital’ in 1981.
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NEED TO KNOW

• Genie Francis is remembering Anthony Geary
• Geary, who played Luke Spencer on General Hospital, died at 78
• The pair’s on-screen wedding was a hit for the series, with 30 million fans tuning in back in 1981

Genie Francis is mourning the loss of her General Hospital co-star and on-screen husband, Anthony Geary. On December 15, Francis shared a heartfelt tribute to Geary, who passed away at the age of 78 on December 14. The news was first reported by TV Insider, citing Geary’s husband, Claudio Gama.

In her tribute on Facebook, Francis recounted a poignant moment before learning of Geary’s passing. She described waking up in her husband’s arms, feeling a sense of dread, followed by a call from General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini, informing her of Geary’s death.

“I immediately felt remorse. I hadn’t spoken to him in years, but I felt his life end in my sleep last night, and with it a big part of me, and mine,” she wrote. Francis praised Geary’s talent, stating, “He was a powerhouse as an actor. No star burned brighter than Tony Geary. He was one of a kind.”

She also highlighted Geary’s artistic passion, noting, “As an artist, he was filled with a passion for the truth, no matter how blunt, or even a little rude it might be, but always hilariously funny.” Francis reflected on their time working together, recalling it as “always exciting,” as “you never knew what might happen.”

Expressing her deep loss, she shared, “He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life. I am crushed; I will miss him terribly, but I was 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.”

Francis and Geary portrayed one of daytime television’s most iconic couples, Luke and Laura Spencer. Geary originated the role of Luke in 1978, and their wedding episode in 1981 was viewed by 30 million fans, setting a record for daytime television.

Anthony Geary and Genie Francis on ‘General Hospital’ in 2015.

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Geary’s passing followed complications from surgery conducted three days earlier, as reported by TV Insider. Gama expressed his shock, stating, “It was a shock for me and our families and friends. For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

In a statement released by General Hospital executive producer Valentini, he emphasized the heartache felt within the show’s community. “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken,” he said. “Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for.” He extended condolences to Gama and Geary’s family and friends, wishing for his peace.

Geary was a 16-time Daytime Emmy nominee, securing eight wins throughout his illustrious career. He became a household name with his portrayal of Luke, who famously met Laura in 1979, embroiling the couple in a tumultuous romance that captivated audiences.

Their wedding episode on November 17, 1981, made headlines and even featured a cameo by Elizabeth Taylor. Despite welcoming two children, the marriage ultimately ended in 2001.

Reflecting on his legacy in an interview, Geary remarked, “People still see daytime television as the bastard of the industry, but the fact that Elizabeth Taylor chose to come here because she’s a fan must mean we’re doing something right. It validated General Hospital for me.”

Genie Francis and Anthony Geary in ‘General Hospital’ in 2013.

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In a 2015 interview, Francis remarked that Luke and Laura’s relationship was “always very real.” Geary himself acknowledged the complexities of being best known for his role as Luke, saying at times, it was “once very difficult” for him to accept.

“It’s not my favorite time of my life,” he reflected. “Still, it’s been a really exciting ride. In the end, it’s been well worth it.”