‘General Hospital’s Anthony Geary Remembered by Finola Hughes, Jonathan Jackson & More

For nearly 40 years, Anthony Geary was a constant presence on General Hospital, shaping the show’s history and touching generations of viewers.

In the wake of his passing on December 14, his former costars Jonathan Jackson, Kin Shriner, Anders Hove, Finola Hughes, Constance Towers, Nancy Lee Grahn, and John Stamos are remembering Geary not only for his extraordinary talent, but for the relationships he forged along the way.

Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer)

“My heart is broken at the news of Tony’s passing. There are no words to express what he meant to me personally. Many people know what a brilliant and unparalleled actor and artist he was. For decades, he poured out his heart and soul and passion into his work. Never settling, always pushing for truth, nuance, paradox, humor and humanity. His one-man play, Human Scratchings, was otherworldly — a spellbinding performance that left me and so many others struck to the core of our being. He lived through the height of fame and never lost his humor, his compassion and grace. He is known to the world for his artistic achievements, but to me, he will be remembered most for his humility, kindness, love and wit! Tony’s mind was a creative cosmos, always on the move, exploring and cultivating the art and poetry of life. He was a truly brilliant writer, which many don’t yet know, but I hope his work will come to light one day.

As an 11-year-old kid, he took me under his wing with a depth of grace, respect, and belief that I certainly didn’t deserve. He was my father in the arts, my mentor in the world of learning to trust one’s instincts and always believe in the power and beauty of story and performance. There were moments, many moments over the years working together that I can only describe as transcendent. I will cherish each and every one of them.

As I grew older, Tony became one of the closest friends I have ever had. No matter the time or distance, our souls spoke the same language.

I will greatly miss his presence in the room with me. He was family. Elisa and all of our children adored Tony. My love and humble prayers are with his family and friends on this heartbreaking day. But we will remember him and honor his memory! One of my favorite Scriptures says, “Love is stronger than death”, and I feel this way about him. To say, “I love you” is to protest another’s death. In my soul, this is how feel… and I cling to the hope that we will see each other again. I love you Tony.”

Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin)

“Tony came on General Hospital and created Luke Spencer in one scene. We became instant friends and always have been. I watched him shine for decades and loved every second — on stage and off! He made me laugh, and we got each other in trouble more times than I can remember — at work and on the road. I am going to miss him more than anyone could know.”

Anders Hove (Cesar Faison)

“Tony always went out of his way to be a good friend and great acting partner. Right up till the end, he was fun, funny, an incredible sense of humor, and wonderfully cynical in a beautiful way. I’ve made many visits to Amsterdam for visits, and every time was more fun than the one before. He’ll always make me smile — and laugh — just thinking of him, which I always will.”

John Stamos (Blackie Parrish)

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and former costar, Tony Geary.

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. I was only 19 years old on my first job, General Hospital, and Tony could not have been kinder or more welcoming. At that age, everything feels big. He made it feel safe.

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.

What always stood out to me was how real he was. He never fell into the traps or tricks that can happen when you’re doing the volume needed for an hour show every day. He attacked every character and every script with honesty, intelligence, and fearlessness. There was no autopilot with Tony — ever.

He was truly one of a kind.

When he showed up for me when I got a star on the Walk of Fame, it meant the world to me. That was Tony. He showed up — quietly and generously.

I wrote about him in my book because he is part of my foundation as an actor. He will always be part of my work. The way he committed, the way he listened, the way he elevated everyone around him — I carry that with me still.

Thank you, Tony, for your brilliance, your kindness, and for setting the bar so impossibly high.

You really stood out.

Rest easy, my friend.”

Finola Hughes

“Tony
The original. He took my breath away, so magical, creative, fearless. The thing of legend. So glad I spent time with you and Claudio in Amsterdam for a couple of summers. The best host, conversationalist, deep thinker, witty, kind raconteur. Deeply mischievous, naturally my kids adored you. Thank you Tony for the really, really good times, for sharing your heart and spirit. Claudio I love you, we send our hugs.
I’m always going to think of Tony out on the canals in his boat, slowly sailing through Amsterdam. GOAT”

Nancy Lee Grahn

“The actor I’ve learned the most from, loved to work with the most, revered the most, laughed with the most, was inspired by the most, got in the most trouble with and had the most fun with, was Tony Geary. He was a masterful craftsman, a wordsmith, irreverent , curious, intelligent, endlessly generous, clever, a good troublemaker, dapper, delightfully naughty, a deep thinker, a great writer, editor and pontificator, almost always on the right side of every issue, sexy, sagacious, defiant, determined, kind and true.

If Tone Tone, as I called him, hadn’t leapt out of the generic soapbox of yore, and broadened and expanded the definition and perception of a Daytime performer, I doubt I’d have ever taken a job in Daytime Television. Tony was the pioneer of real, exciting, multi dimensional, unpredictable acting in the Daytime Serial world. He brought excitement to the medium, and I was excited by it.

Tony was my teacher, my champion, most daring partner in acting crime, and my cherished friend. I will miss him in the flesh but will see that “Fuck em” twinkle in his eye for evermore.”

Constance Towers

“Tony Geary was a consummate actor. He was always there to make the most of every scene, every moment. He was a delight to perform with. I’ll never forget the day we were shooting a scene in which Luke was to sneak into Helena’s bed on her yacht. He was going to surprise Helena with a knife and sudden death. As we shot the scene and got to the part of the stabbing I heard a tiny scream and a loud “Ouch!” Tony had cut himself with the knife. We never finished the scene because we couldn’t stop laughing. Our giggles spoiled the moment and we just couldn’t get back into the scene. I loved working with him.”