So long, Luke.
Actor Anthony Geary, who has played character Luke Spencer on the daytime drama "General Hospital" since 1978, reveals his plans to leave the long-running soap opera when his current contract expires.
"The people at ABC and at 'GH' have been amazingly good to me, allowing me to live on two continents and treating me, for the most part, extremely well," Geary told TV Insider. "This show has been a huge part of my life for over half my life and Luke Spencer is my alter ego. But I'm just weary of the grind and have been for 20 years."
He added, "There was a point after my back surgery last year where it became clear to me that my time is not infinite. And I really don't want to die, collapsing in a heap, on that 'GH' set one day. That wouldn't be too poetic. [Laughs] In fact, it would be poetically incorrect. I have another life and I want time to explore it. Ever since I discovered Amsterdam and made it my home, I have found my artistic and social fulfillment there."
Geary played Luke on the ABC series from 1978 to 1984, before returning in 1993. He has won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work over the years - so what are his plans after his run on "General Hospital" is over?
The actor reveals that he plans on taking language classes because he wants to become fluent in Dutch to help him pursue a film and theater career in Europe. Geary, who said he made his decision in January, will continue filming through June and his character will be written out of the show this summer.
A rep for ABC Daytime confirmed the actor's departure, stating, "The door at 'GH' will always be open to Tony and we hope that he will make a return visit at some point, even if just for a few weeks."
"General Hospital" executive producer Frank Valentini told E! News in a statement, "Tony recently made his intentions clear that he would vacate his role of Luke Spencer this year, and it was a decision he did not come to lightly. After 37 years on the air, Tony felt this was the right time to bid adieu to Luke Spencer, Port Charles and 'General Hospital.' Anthony is our friend and a part of our television family, but, as difficult as this may be, we understand and respect that this is his choice. Rest assured, Tony has promised to be with us throughout the summer as we have some exciting things in store for Luke. The door will always remain open, so don't think this is the last you'll see of Anthony Geary or Luke Spencer."
Geary's departure announcement comes days after the media revealed that actress Genie Francis, who played Luke's wife Laura Spencer, will be returning to the series for an unspecified number of episodes this summer.
