Two Screen Legends Lost: What We Know About Anthony Geary And Gil Gerard's Passing

The world of television is mourning a double loss of two legendary figures as of December 18, 2025. The news cycle today is dominated by the passing of two giants from completely different genres: Anthony Geary, the iconic star of the long-running soap opera General Hospital, and Gil Gerard, the actor who defined the sci-fi hero Captain William "Buck" Rogers. While the exact dates of their passing occurred in the days leading up to today, the full details and tributes are breaking and dominating the headlines this morning, leaving fans shocked and saddened by the sudden void in daytime drama and classic science fiction.

The loss of these two beloved figures represents the closing of an era for millions of viewers who grew up watching their unforgettable performances. Anthony Geary's decades-long portrayal of Luke Spencer created a cultural phenomenon, while Gil Gerard’s charismatic turn as Buck Rogers made him a definitive sci-fi icon of the late 70s and early 80s. This article provides a deep dive into the lives, careers, and final days of both actors, honoring their monumental contributions to television history.

Anthony Geary: The Life and Legacy of a Soap Opera Icon

Anthony Geary’s career spanned over four decades, but he is universally remembered for his role as Luke Spencer on ABC’s General Hospital. His character, initially a villain, evolved into one half of the supercouple "Luke and Laura" with co-star Genie Francis, leading to an on-screen wedding that remains one of the highest-rated events in daytime television history.

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• Full Name: Tony Dean Geary
• Born: May 29, 1947
• Birthplace: Coalville, Utah, United States
• Died: December 14, 2025 (Age 78)
• Place of Death: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Spouse/Partner: Claudio Gama (Husband)
• Notable Roles: Luke Spencer on General Hospital (1978–2015), David Lockhart on Bright Promise.
• Awards: A record eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Geary was born in Coalville, Utah, and was a Presidential Award Scholar in theater when he attended the University of Utah. His early career included guest appearances on episodic television before landing his career-defining role in Port Charles.

The Luke Spencer Phenomenon and Daytime Emmy Dominance

Geary’s tenure on General Hospital began in 1978 and cemented his status as a soap opera legend. The character of Luke Spencer was complex, initially introduced as a rapist, but his redemption arc and eventual pairing with Laura Webber (Genie Francis) captivated the nation. The "Luke and Laura" wedding in 1981 drew over 30 million viewers, a number unheard of in the daytime world, transcending the genre and making the couple a pop culture phenomenon.

His dedication to the role was unmatched, leading to an unprecedented eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. This record solidifies his place as the most decorated actor in the history of daytime drama. Even after his character’s retirement in 2015, Geary remained a beloved figure, often returning for special appearances, demonstrating his enduring connection to the show and its fanbase.

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Anthony Geary's Cause of Death and Final Days

The news of Anthony Geary's passing came from his family and husband, Claudio Gama, who confirmed that the actor died in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he had been residing for many years.

The official cause of death was attributed to complications from a scheduled operation that he underwent three days prior to his passing. While the exact nature of the operation has not been publicly detailed, the sudden turn of events has left friends and co-stars expressing profound grief. Geary’s final days were spent in the city he had grown to love, away from the Hollywood spotlight, but his legacy will forever be tied to the fictional town of Port Charles and the indelible mark he left on the soap opera genre. Tributes from his longtime co-star Genie Francis and other soap opera icons have flooded social media, highlighting his professionalism, wit, and immense talent.

Remembering Gil Gerard: The Star of Buck Rogers

The entertainment world is also mourning the loss of actor Gil Gerard, who became a defining figure in science fiction television. Gerard was best known for his charismatic role as Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the 1979 movie and subsequent television series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

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• Full Name: Gilbert Cyril Gerard
• Born: January 23, 1943
• Birthplace: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
• Died: December 16, 2025 (Age 82)
• Cause of Death: A "rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer."
• Notable Roles: Captain William "Buck" Rogers in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Dr. Alan Stewart on The Doctors.

Gerard’s passing at the age of 82 followed a battle with cancer. His wife, Janet Gerard, confirmed the news, describing his illness as a "rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer" that brought his life to a close.

The Sci-Fi Legacy of Buck Rogers

Gil Gerard stepped into the role of Buck Rogers at a pivotal time in pop culture, shortly after the massive success of the Star Wars franchise. His portrayal of the 20th-century astronaut accidentally frozen and awakened in the 25th century brought a blend of rugged charm and humor to the science fiction landscape. The series, which aired from 1979 to 1981, established Gerard as a beloved sci-fi icon and a staple at fan conventions for decades to come.

Before his intergalactic fame, Gerard also had a significant role in the daytime world, appearing on the soap opera The Doctors. His career showcased a versatility that allowed him to move from daytime drama to becoming a leading man in the burgeoning sci-fi genre. His passing, just days after Anthony Geary's, has created a somber atmosphere across the television community, reminding fans of the immense talent that has been lost this week.

The Enduring Impact on Television

The simultaneous loss of Anthony Geary and Gil Gerard highlights the deep and lasting impact that television stars have on their audiences. Geary’s work on General Hospital, particularly the Luke and Laura storyline, is often credited with revitalizing the entire soap opera genre in the 1980s, turning it into a mainstream cultural discussion point. His eight Daytime Emmy wins will likely stand as a testament to his sheer dominance and skill in a demanding format.

Similarly, Gil Gerard’s role as Buck Rogers helped solidify the position of science fiction on television, bridging the gap between major cinematic blockbusters and weekly home viewing. His work inspired a generation of fans and contributed significantly to the genre’s continued popularity. The outpouring of tributes for both actors today underscores the fact that while their lives have ended, their work remains an essential part of television history, continually discovered and appreciated by new generations of fans.

The television community, from daytime drama to classic sci-fi, extends its deepest condolences to the families of Anthony Geary and Gil Gerard, and to the millions of fans who cherished their work. The legacies of Luke Spencer and Buck Rogers will undoubtedly continue to endure.