In a shocking twist, the longest-running soap opera has just killed one of its longest-running characters during Monday’s episode.
The new year began with characters learning about the tragic death of Luke Spencer at “General Hospital”. Spencer was first seen in Port Charles 44 years ago by actor Anthony Geary. He has been a beloved and highly decorated member of the cast since then.
According to The Wrap Tracy Quartermaine, played by Jane Elliott, was brought back to the soap opera to tell Francis’ Laura Webber (Genie Francis) the news.
After midnight, Tracy arrived at Laura’s house to inform her of the tragic accident that had claimed Luke’s life in an Austrian cable car. In true soap opera fashion, however, it was implied that Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy), may have orchestrated Spencer’s death.
Anthony Geary, the actor who played the role of Anthony on “General Hospital”, was killed off-screen. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Although the passing of such a beloved and long-standing character is a sad day for fans of “General Hospital”, it’s not surprising considering Geary left the show in 2015. Spencer was still a prominent figure on the show. However, he has remained mostly off-camera ever since. Elliot left the show in 2017.
Entertainment Weekly reports that he first joined the show in 1978, for a run of 13 weeks. His character and his passionate relationship with Laura were well received by the audience. The episode, which featured the couple finally getting married, was watched by a staggering 30 million viewers. It is the most-watched episode of any soap opera in history.
Genie Francis and Anthony Geary, actor and actress on “General Hospital”, were in a love affair that led to one its most beloved episodes. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Geary also broke other records for his role in Luke Spencer. With eight wins and 17 nominations, he holds the record for most daytime Emmy Awards as lead actor in drama series. Geary has always been reluctant to play Spencer despite his great success.
According to the outlet, he briefly left the show in 1984 to pursue other projects. After finding that his name was too closely associated with the character, he returned to the show in 1991. He played Luke’s cousin Bill Eckert in an attempt to break the mold. However, that was soon abandoned by him when he returned to Luke Spencer in 1993.
“It was very difficult for me once to realize that my obituary will likely read, “Luke of Luke & Laura fame died today.” Geary spoke out to EW about that moment in an interview with EW at the time he retired from General Hospital.
The world of soap operas is a place where death can be easily reversed by clever writing and plot twists. It seems unlikely that Spencer will reprise the role anytime soon. However, Luke Spencer may return to “General Hospital” sometime in the future.
