Anthony Geary Films Final Episode Of ‘General Hospital’

Anthony Geary shot his last episode of General Hospital on Tuesday, June 23, retiring from the soap opera after over 30 years.

Anthony Geary Retires From General Hospital

Geary spent three decades on the ABC soap playing Luke Spencer. He joined the soap in 1978 and was a regular until 1984. Geary spent almost 10 years away from the soap before returning in 1993. He is credited in over 800 episodes of the series, and has won eight Daytime Emmys for his role.

Geary announced his retirement in May, and, though he’s completed filming, he will still be featured in episodes through July. When he announced that he would not be signing a new contract with the show, Geary explained that he was simply tired of the fast-pace and routine of shooting a soap. “This show has been a huge part of my life for over half my life and Luke Spencer is my alter ego. But I’m just weary of the grind and have been for 20 years,” he said.

Geary also said that his decision was impacted by his back surgery last year, revealing it made him think about life after General Hospital. “There was a point after my back surgery last year where it became clear to me that my time is not infinite. And I really don’t want to die, collapsing in a heap, on that GH set one day. That would be too poetic. In fact, it would be poetically incorrect,” he said.

Anthony Geary’s Last Day On GH Set

His last day on set, Geary was treated with a video montage of his moments on the show and well wishes from the cast and crew. “Not having you here is going to be sad for me,” said Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos.

“Thank you for the best acting partnership I’ve ever known,” said former cast member Genie Francis.

“I’m excited to raise the curtain on act 3, to reinvent myself in my new home to pursue whatever opportunity there may be. It’s an exciting prospect to me. They’ve done a wonderful job of wrapping up the character. So this seems like the ideal time to go,” Geary told EW.