For more than forty years, General Hospital was inseparable from the presence of Anthony Geary. To generations of viewers, he wasn’t merely part of

the show’s history—he was its heartbeat. Now, as the iconic daytime drama prepares to air its final on-screen tribute to the late actor, fans and cast alike

are bracing themselves for an emotional farewell that honors both the man and the legend he became.

ABC’s General Hospital has officially shared a sneak peek of its upcoming tribute to Geary, set to air during the January 23, 2026 episode. The preview alone has already sent waves of emotion through the fandom, reminding viewers just how deeply Geary’s legacy is woven into the fabric of daytime television.

A Legend Remembered

Anthony Geary’s passing last December marked the end of an era—not just for General Hospital, but for the entire soap opera genre. For four decades, Geary brought to life Luke Spencer, one of the most complex, controversial, charismatic, and unforgettable characters in television history. Luke was never simple. He was reckless and romantic, dangerous and tender, deeply flawed yet endlessly compelling. Through Geary’s fearless performances, Luke evolved into a cultural phenomenon who transcended the genre and redefined what a soap opera leading man could be.

Since news of Geary’s death broke, General Hospital has made it clear that honoring him would not be limited to a single moment. The show first re-aired Luke Spencer’s 2015 farewell episode, allowing longtime fans to relive the character’s emotional goodbye. That was followed by a solemn tribute card at the end of a later episode—a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of the man whose presence shaped the show for decades.

Now, the series is preparing what it has described as its final, most personal tribute yet.

A Sneak Peek That Says Everything

In a teaser posted to General Hospital’s official Instagram account, viewers were given a glimpse of what’s to come—and the response was immediate and overwhelming. The preview blends rare and beloved flashbacks of Luke Spencer with heartfelt reflections from Geary’s former co-stars, creating a tapestry of memory, gratitude, and grief.

Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Alexis Davis and shared many intense and layered scenes with Geary over the years, opens the tribute with words that perfectly capture the actor’s essence.

“Tony was a master craftsman,” Grahn says. “He was a deep thinker, curious, generous, and delightfully naughty… that was my favorite part about him.”

Her words set the tone for the tribute—not just a celebration of Geary’s talent, but of his personality. Those who worked with him consistently describe a man who challenged everyone around him to think deeper, act braver, and never settle for the easy choice.

As the preview continues, fans are treated to classic Luke Spencer moments—scenes filled with adventure, romance, heartbreak, and mischief. Interwoven with these memories is commentary from Laura Wright, who plays Carly Spencer and represents a later generation of GH storytelling that still felt Geary’s immense influence.

“Tony Geary was an incredible man, an amazing actor,” Wright says. “And I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to share the stage with him.”

Her words underscore a truth known to everyone who ever stepped into a scene with Geary: acting opposite him was both a privilege and a masterclass.

Luke and Laura: An Immortal Love Story

Perhaps no image in the sneak peek is more powerful than the flashback to Luke and Laura’s iconic wedding—a moment that remains one of the most-watched and talked-about events in daytime television history. During that scene, fans hear the voice of Genie Francis, whose portrayal of Laura Collins alongside Geary’s Luke created a supercouple that defined an era.

“Some people were so alive,” Francis says softly, “that they’ll never be gone.”

Those words resonate far beyond the screen. Luke and Laura weren’t just characters; they were symbols of a time when soaps captured the imagination of millions, when families planned their days around storylines, and when television felt like a shared cultural experience.

For many viewers, the Luke and Laura romance was their first great TV love story. For others, it was proof that soap operas could deliver epic, emotionally resonant storytelling on par with any primetime drama.

A Community United in Grief and Gratitude

The tribute teaser quickly went viral among GH fans, racking up thousands of likes and hundreds of comments within hours. Viewers shared personal stories about how Luke Spencer shaped their love for the show, how Anthony Geary’s performances helped them through difficult times, and how his work inspired careers, creativity, and lifelong fandom.

Among those moved by the preview was former General Hospital star John Stamos, who portrayed Blackie Parrish during the 1980s. Stamos took to the comments to share his own emotional response.

“Beautiful,” he wrote. “I’m not crying, you are! Miss you Tony. You played such an important role in my life and in my career.”

His words reflect a sentiment echoed by many former cast members: Geary wasn’t just a co-star—he was a mentor, a force, and a presence that elevated everyone around him.

The End of an Era, the Beginning of a Legacy

The January 23 episode promises to be more than a tribute—it will be a communal moment of remembrance. By blending behind-the-scenes reflections with on-screen memories, General Hospital is offering fans a chance to grieve, celebrate, and say goodbye together.

Anthony Geary’s influence on General Hospital cannot be overstated. He challenged the genre, pushed creative boundaries, and proved that daytime television could tackle dark, daring, and deeply human stories. Luke Spencer was never meant to be safe or predictable, and neither was Geary’s career. That boldness is what made him unforgettable.

As the final tribute airs, viewers will be reminded of a simple truth: while characters may leave Port Charles, legends never truly do. Through reruns, memories, and the countless actors he inspired, Anthony Geary’s spirit will continue to live on—forever part of General Hospital’s soul.