The world of daytime television is in mourning following the shock death of iconic actor Anthony Geary at the age of 78. His passing on Sunday has prompted a wave of grief, most poignantly from his legendary on-screen partner, Genie Francis.
A Bond Felt Beyond the Screen
Francis, who famously played Laura Spencer to Geary's Luke on the long-running soap General Hospital, took to Facebook on Monday to express her profound sorrow. In a deeply personal post, the 63-year-old actress revealed she experienced a disturbing premonition. She described waking from a sleep where her 'life was flashing before me and I was afraid of death,' seeking comfort in her husband's arms.
It was shortly after this unsettling moment that she received the fateful phone call from the show's executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirming 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,' Francis wrote, suggesting an enduring, almost spiritual connection to her former co-star.
Tribute to a 'Powerhouse' Actor and Unique Spirit
In her tribute, Francis lavished praise on Geary's exceptional talent and unforgettable character. She called him a 'powerhouse as an actor' whose star burned brighter than any other. She celebrated his fierce commitment to artistic truth, even if it came across as blunt or 'a little rude,' and recalled his irreverent, anti-hero charm that could make anyone smile.
Reflecting on their professional partnership, which defined the 'supercouple' phenomenon of the 1980s, Francis stated that working with Geary was 'always exciting' and unpredictable. She credited him with setting an impossibly high standard, writing, 'He spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life.' Her final farewell echoed Shakespeare: 'Good night sweet prince, good night.'
The Legacy of Luke and Laura
The characters of Luke and Laura, played by Geary and Francis, became a global television sensation. Their on-screen wedding in 1981 remains a landmark moment in soap opera history, drawing a staggering 30 million viewers. The pair defined the term 'supercouple' and left an indelible mark on popular culture.
According to a report by TV Insider, Anthony Geary died following complications from an operation he had undergone just three days prior. His husband, Claudio Gama, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, 'It was a shock for me and our families and our friends... For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.' The entertainment world has lost a true original, remembered not only for his iconic role but for the profound impact he had on those who shared his spotlight.
