General Hospital legend Tony Geary’s husband shares a lifetime of memories for star’s 79th birthday

General Hospital star Anthony Geary, who passed away last year, would have turned 79 on May 29. The late actor's husband, Claudio Gama, is honoring Geary with a special birthday message.

Happy birthday, Anthony Geary, General Hospital

"Happy birthday, my Love," Gama posted on Instagram along with a beautiful video tribute to Geary. The video montage, featuring photos of Geary throughout his life, is set to the Bette Midler song, "The Rose."

Gama continued, "me and Max miss you everyday you are always in our thoughts, we miss your sweet smile, your beautiful voice, and the loving hugs and cuddles you gave us everyday, rest in peace, my Love #tonygeary #amsterdam #maxthecat #memories #love."

"Happy heavenly birthday to the GOAT [the Greatest of All Time]!" responded @maddy42958. "You can see in the pictures with you that he loved you very much! It’s beautiful to see. May these beautiful memories always be your comfort and guide."

"Someone here said this first (I can't find it again, but..) Tony did have such beautiful, expressive eyes...soulful, vulnerable, playful, 'bada&&' and intense, especially when he was in 'Luke mode,' handsome, gentle, loving," shared @amymariaelizabeth. "And as that commenter also said...I noticed, too, in that last photo...he's getting a kick out of you there. ❤️Tks so much for sharing so much with us, Claudio."

It started out in Port Charles town

Geary brought an incredible energy to his performances on GH, the likes of which the genre had never seen. Luke and his sister, Barbara Jean "Bobbie" (the late, great Jacklyn Zeman), played one of the most convincing brother/sister dynamics on television.

Luke was introduced in late 1978 when Bobbie recruited her brother to make Laura's (Genie Francis), Bobbie's nemesis, life miserable. She wanted the teen sent to reform school so that Bobbie could have Scotty (Kin Shriner) all to herself. What Bobbie didn't count on was Luke falling in love with Laura.

Luke and Laura went on the run in the summer of 1980 after Luke discovered mobster Frank Smith's (George Gaynes) little black book, which contained proof of his illegal activities.

Francis and Geary's chemistry leaped off the screen, contributing immeasurably to GH becoming a pop culture phenomenon. The couple landed on the covers of Newsweek and PEOPLE magazines in 1981.

Luke and Laura's wedding in November 1981 remains the highest-rated episode of daytime TV, bringing in a reported 30 million viewers.

Geary won a record 8 Daytime Emmys for his role as Luke, all in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was acknowledged by his fellow actors with 17 nominations over the course of his career.

Geary exited GH in 2015. Two years later, he made a cameo appearance on the show, tied to Tracy Quartermaine's (Jane Elliot) exit. Geary and Gama moved to the Netherlands. The actor passed away on December 14, 2025, from complications from a scheduled surgery that had been performed three days earlier.