Anthony Geary passed away on Sunday, December 14. He was 78. He died as the “result of complications from a scheduled operation three days earlier,” TV Insider reports. Tributes have poured in for the actor, beloved for his role as Luke Spencer on “General Hospital.” Among the reactions is one from his former co-star, John Stamos.
John Stamos Shares His Heartbreak
One of Stamos’ earliest roles was as Blackie Parrish on “General Hospital.” He played Parrish from 1982 to 1984. During his time on the show, he bonded with Geary, and in his tribute to the late actor, he posted several photos on Instagam of them together in happier times. The first picture is a throwback to their younger years, but there are also more recent photos taken from Stamos’ induction ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009. In the caption, he shared his thoughts in a long and heartfelt message about what the actor meant to him.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and former co-star, Tony Geary,” Stamos began his message. “Coming on the heels of the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, whom I admired immensely — this feels like a heartbreaking moment for so many of us who grew up watching and learning from these giants of our craft.”
Stamos then reflected on how he was only 19 when he joined “General Hospital,” and he praised Geary for his warmth. “Tony could not have been kinder or more welcoming. At that age, everything feels big. He made it feel safe,” he wrote. “I was mesmerized by his acting. I would stay after my scenes were finished just to watch him work — not because I had to, but because I wanted to learn. Watching Tony was like watching someone rewrite the rules in real time. He changed the face of daytime television. And in very real ways, he changed my life.”
Stamos went on to celebrate Geary for being someone who approached his character with “honesty, intelligence, and fearlessness” and referred to him as “truly one of a kind.”
John Stamos’ Fans Show Their Support
GettyStamos ended his message with gratitude, thanking Geary for the tremendous impact he had on his life and career. “Thank you, Tony, for your brilliance, your kindness, and for setting the bar so impossibly high,” he wrote. “You really stood out. Rest easy, my friend.”
“What a beautiful tribute to your friend, mentor, and obviously a truly wonderful person,” a fan wrote. “Very sad news, so heartbreaking. My condolences,” another person shared.
“My condolences to you John. That was beautiful. It was desperately needed,” a third comment reads.
Geary is survived by his loving husband, Claudio Gama and their beloved cat, little Max. “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,” Gama told TV Insider in a statement following Geary’s death.
