Before his iconic run on “General Hospital” as Luke Spencer, legendary actor Anthony Geary starred as George Curtis on “The Young and the Restless.”
Geary, who made his daytime debut in 1971, joined the CBS soap for a six-month stint. His character, George, raped one of the show’s main heroines, Chris Brooks (Trish Stewart).
According to “The Soap Opera Encyclopedia” (via Soap Opera Digest), this marked daytime’s “first (non-marital) rape.”
‘The Young & the Restless’ Stars Honor Anthony Geary
Shortly after news of Geary’s passing, “The Young and the Restless” paid tribute to the legendary actor.
The soap’s official Instagram page shared a photo of Geary, along with a touching message honoring his legacy.
“The entire ‘Y&R’ family mourns the loss of the incomparable Anthony Geary, who appeared during the show’s inaugural season in 1973,” the caption reads. “His remarkable talent and lasting impact on daytime television will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and our colleagues at ‘General Hospital'”.
Some of the show’s cast members took to the comment section to pay tribute to the eight-time Emmy winner.
Michael Damian, who plays Danny Romalotti, wrote, “So devastated and sad to hear this news of Tony’s passing …he will always be in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers always.”
Tracey Bregman, who portrays Lauren Fenmore, commented, “What a great man and amazing talent. He will be so missed.”
Kate Linder, who plays Esther Valentine, wrote, “My heart goes out to his family and friends. He was an amazing talent and will be missed!”
Sean Dominic (Nate Hastings) paid his respect with a simple praying hands emoji.
Anthony Geary’s ‘General Hospital’ Family Mourns Tragic Loss
Meanwhile, current and former “General Hospital” cast members poured out touching tributes to Geary.
Genie Francis (Laura Spencer) penned, “No star burned brighter than Tony Geary. He was one of a kind. 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. He was the anti-hero, always so irreverent, but even the most conservative had to smile. Working with him was always exciting. You never knew what might happen.”
Antonio Sabato Jr. (Jagger Cates) said, “My dear friend, Anthony Geary, has passed away at 78. I had the privilege of working with him and Cherie every moment. He was a true legend, a mentor and like a big brother to me. His spirit and talent will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Anthony.”
Kristen Alderson (Kiki Jerome) wrote on Instagram Story, “Rest in peace Tony! I was so grateful to have scenes with you, always a pleasure.”
Mark Anthony Samuels (Felix DuBois) wrote, “Rest well sir. Thank you for making my first years of my daytime job a welcome and fun place to be.”
Geary passed away on Sunday after suffering complications from a surgical procedure he underwent three days prior, TV Insider reported.
