Anthony Geary's Final Air Date at 'General Hospital' Set for July 27

Anthony Geary - Photo Credit: ABC

Anthony Geary will make his final appearance as Luke Spencer in ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital on July 27, ABC announced Monday.

Geary began playing Lucas Lorenzo Spencer in 1978. In November 1981, more than 30 million people tuned in to watch Luke marry Laura, considered a storybook event despite a backstory of Laura falling in love with her rapist. GH averaged 14 million viewers that year.

Emmy winner Genie Francis has returned to participate in the story of Luke's exit. They've teamed up to save their son Lucky, played by a soon-to-be-returning Jonathan Jackson. They believe Lucky has been kidnapped. Jackson, who left the show in 2011, will also briefly reprise his role to help usher out the character of Luke.

Geary said in a statement that he originally signed on for a 13-week stint. He said except for an eight-year hiatus in the 1980s, "Luke Spencer has been my alter ego ever since. I'd like to thank ABC, my producers and the GH audience for a long and exciting ride."

Geary has received a record eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his work as Luke Spencer.

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