“General Hospital” is honoring beloved actor Anthony Geary (Luke) with a special standalone episode two months following his death. The episode featured a handful of cast members who had the privilege of working with Geary for years, and one who was tasked with a key role but had never met Geary.
Jane Elliot, Maurice Benard, and Genie Francis Remember Their Beloved Friend
In a special interview with Access Hollywood, the “General Hospital” stars in the episode sat down to reflect on filming and their time with Geary, including three of his good friends.
Genie Francis (Laura) was half of the Luke and Laura phenomenon that has lasted for decades. The actress admitted that she “really wanted to pay tribute to him, the way he deserves to be,” and hoped that “General Hospital” fans see that.
“I think he was a genius as an actor. I think he was magical, and he raised the bar for daytime, like nobody has in the past,” Francis expressed, adding, “I got to learn from one of the greats.”
The actress got choked up, revealing that she’s “heartbroken” she didn’t get to say goodbye to him or to work with him again after his exit from the ABC soap in 2015.
Jane Elliot (Tracy) was also fortunate to play opposite Geary as Luke’s other great love. The daytime legend gave the writers mad props for handling the tribute so beautifully.
“They’ve done a masterful job to mount a story and dialogue around these clips that give the audience a wonderful experience of the character of Luke Spencer and the actor Tony Geary,” she shared.
Maurice Benard (Sonny) teared up, honoring his friend, saying, “We respected each other. He’s a sweet man,” before his emotions got the best of him. The reaction is on par with how the cast felt filming this episode weeks after Geary’s unexpected death.
The episode also features Laura Wright (Carly), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), and Alexa Havins (Lulu).
‘General Hospital’ Star Faced A Different Challenge Than Her Co-Stars
Unlike Francis, Elliot, Benard, Herbst, and Wright, who all spent years working with Geary, Havins never met him since she is a recast.
Lulu was in a coma when Luke died on the show, so the episode focuses on Sonny, Tracy, Elizabeth, Carly, and Laura coming together to help her with her grief. Havins felt immense pressure, being a key force in the tribute episode, and not having worked with Geary.
“Not knowing him, I felt humbled to be included, and putting a lot of pressure on myself just to execute for the cast and crew that loved him, for the fans at home, for his family,” Havins stated.
Havins stepped into the role of Lulu in 2024 when the character woke up from a four-year coma. Emme Rylan and Julie Marie Berman previously played Lulu.
