Anthony Geary’s life after ‘General Hospital’: why he walked away from Hollywood

Anthony Geary, the Emmy-winning actor best known for playing Luke Spencer on General Hospital, has died at the age of 78 following complications from surgery. His death was confirmed this week by his husband, Claudio Gama.

Geary’s passing has prompted tributes from across the soap opera world, where his portrayal of Luke Spencer helped reshape daytime television. Yet in the years before his death, Geary had already stepped away from the fame that defined much of his career, choosing a quieter life far from Hollywood.

After retiring from General Hospital in 2017, Geary relocated full-time to Amsterdam with Gama. The move marked a deliberate shift away from the industry that had consumed nearly four decades of his life, and towards a lifestyle centred on privacy, companionship and personal fulfilment.

In interviews following his retirement, Geary spoke candidly about what the change meant to him. Despite winning a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, he said professional success had not always translated into happiness.

“I live in the city I’ve always wanted to live in and I have somebody who loves me,” Geary said in a 2023 interview. “I have a life now that I didn’t have before. Everything happened at the right time.”

That life was built alongside Gama, whom Geary met in the mid-1990s. The pair were together for more than 30 years before marrying in 2019. Friends have described their relationship as deeply grounding for the actor, particularly during his transition away from television.

While Geary’s on-screen romance with Laura Spencer became one of the most iconic love stories in television history, he kept his private life largely out of public view during his career. It was only after stepping away from General Hospital that he spoke more openly about love, contentment and redefining success beyond fame.

Geary first joined General Hospital in 1978, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable figures in daytime television. His character evolved from a controversial anti-hero into a cultural touchstone, influencing storytelling conventions across the genre. He retired from the role after nearly 40 years, saying it felt like the right moment to close that chapter.

In Amsterdam, Geary embraced a slower pace of life, enjoying travel, time at home and moments away from the public gaze. Gama occasionally shared glimpses of their life together, including quiet celebrations and everyday routines.

Confirming Geary’s death, Gama said the loss had come as a shock. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband,” he said.

As fans reflect on Geary’s impact on television, those closest to him remember a man who chose peace over permanence in the spotlight. For Anthony Geary, walking away from Hollywood allowed him to find a sense of fulfilment beyond the role that made him famous.