A stateside soap legend has died aged 78 his shocked family has confirmed. Anthony Geary had played the part of Luke Spencer on General Hospital for over four decades.
His performances led to him receiving a record breaking eight Daytime Emmy accolades. It’s claimed the star died after complications from a scheduled operation he had three days prior.
And his death is said to have been a huge shock to those close to him. “It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” his husband said.
Emma Samms, Anthony Geary, Tristan Rogers and Demi Moore in General Hospital in 1982 ( ABC via Getty Images)
“For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband,” Claudio Gama told TV Insider. At the time of his death, Anthony had been living in the Netherlands with Claudio.
Anthony initially got his break on General Hospital after reluctantly signing a 13-week contract. Speaking of the moment he agreed to executive producer Gloria Monty’s request in a 2007 interview for the Television Academy Foundation, he said: “In my first meeting, I said to her, ‘I hate soap operas,’ and she said, ‘Honey, so do I, and we’re going to change all that.”
Anthony Geary as Luke and Genie Francis as Laura in General Hospital in 2015 ( Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
And together the pair did just that. Anthony went on to mould the role of Luke, a hitman with ties to the mob, into one of the show’s most iconic characters.
He initially made his debut on the show in 1978. He left the show in 2017 after making appearances on 1,995 episodes.
Elsewhere, Anthony appears on the likes of Starsky and Hutch, Murder, She Wrote, and It Takes Two. He revealed he was retiring from Hollywood in 2015. It was then he decided to move to Amsterdam with his husband.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the time, he said: “I’m excited to raise the curtain on act 3, to reinvent myself in my new home to pursue whatever opportunity there may be. It’s an exciting prospect to me.”
Born in Utah in 1947, Anthony’s birth name was Tony. He decided to change it in 1978 and told People in 1980: “I had a happy childhood, and my family was always close.
“But early on they realized I wasn’t of this earth, that I wouldn’t follow my father’s lead. . . . In school I was always an artistic loner.”
Fans shared messages of condolence on social media following the news. One Twitter/X user wrote: “Tough year for General Hospital fans.
“We lost two legendary leading men this year: Tristan Rogers and now Anthony Geary. Both left an unforgettable mark on Daytime TV. RIP Tristan and Anthony.”
Another added: “Luke and Laura will always be an iconic couple. Robert and Luke are together again in heaven. Rest in peace Anthony Geary #anthonygeary #GeneralHospital.”
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Rocco Ritchie’s parents have buried the hatchet to put on a united front at their son’s trendy art exhibition in London
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Madonna and her ex reunited for son Rocco and were seen chatting animatedly(Image: Rocco Ritchie Instagram)
It was the picture of happy families, as Rocco Ritchie proudly shared a picture of his famous mum and dad, Madonna and Guy Ritchie on Instagram on Monday after they reunited on Friday night for the first time since 2008 to support him at his art exhibition, entitledTalk Is Cheap.
The historic reunion, which happened at a studio warehouse in Soho, showed the exes standing either side of their 25-year-old son, and posing in front of his critically acclaimed artworks, which seemed to be depictions of his parents. Taking to social media, Rocco, 25, spoke of his pride at seeing his parents in the same room looking content to show him their support, following a famously messy custody battle over him in 2016.
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He wrote: “It’s obvious why some people might hold judgement against me, I don’t blame them. However, I am proud to be who I am, but I’m even prouder to have both of my parents together in one room supporting me. The work should speak for itself, that’s why the show was called Talk Is Cheap.”
Madonna and TV and film director Guy, who were married from 2000 to 2008, had a famously tumultuous relationship over the years, but it seems they’ve decided to bury any animosity for the sake of their budding artist son and were seen chatting amicably at the artsy event.
They arrived with their respective partners – Madonna, 67 with toyboy Akeem Morris, 29 -and in a vintage Versace outfit and sporting the same platinum blonde hair and oversized sunglasses as she had the last time they were all snapped together. The Gentleman director Guy, 55, attended with his wife Jacqui, 42.
Rocco built up his career as an artist under the pseudonym Rhed, preferring to gain recognition for his work rather than his famous parents – but he has since dropped the moniker for some of his exhibitions.
But it wasn’t just Rocco’s parents adding the A-lister glamour to proceedings – action man Jason Statham, who has worked with guy several times and his model wife Rosie Huntington-Whiteley were also seen arriving at the event.
It was revealed in March 2016 that Madonna had given in to her ex-husband over custody of Rocco, then 15 – with reports at the time suggesting she had admitted that her son preferred to live with his dad.
The battle began the previous December, when a teen Rocco, who had been with his mother on her world tour, to fly home to the UK to be with his dad.
Rocco then defied the pop icon’s pleas – as well as an order from a New York court – to return to her home in the States for Christmas, preferring instead to stay in Britain with Ritchie.
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Madonna was said at the time to be ‘utterly bereft’ and, as part of the peace deal, she demanded a series of assurances that she will retain some parental influence over her only natural son.
Guy – who was awarded a £50 million divorce settlement, had claimed at the time that Rocco needed ‘his space and freedom’.
It was revealed last week that TV presenter Davina McCall had tied the knot with long-term partner and fellow celebrity Michael Douglas in an intimate London Ceremony
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Davina and Michael got married last week(Image: Matt Keeble/Dave Benett/Getty Im)
Davina McCall has revealed her Big Brother inspired wedding ring after secretly tying the knot with Michael Douglas. It was reported last week that the TV presenter has married her celebrity hairdresser partner in a London ceremony.
The couple said I Do in front of their closest friends and family, just three months after getting engaged. Davina has now showed off her new ring at a charity event. Alongside singer Beverley Knight, Davina gave a glimpse of her eye-shaped ring for the first time. The new piece of jewellery features a silver band and an eye shaped gem which many think represents her Big Brother hosting role.
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She was the presenter of the iconic show for nine series since 2000. Davina also hosted five celebrity series of the show and became well known for her “do not swear” catchphrase. Davina and Michael got married last week in London. It has been said that they chose to keep the celebration low keys before going to their friend’s wedding the next day as well.
The Sun reported that a source said: “Their wedding was perfect, exactly what they wanted. They chose a small venue close to their home, and just invited about ten of their friends and relatives to be there with them.
“It was very intimate and everyone who attended is very special in their lives. They’ve been through a huge amount in recent months, with Davina’s health, and it just felt right to formalise their marriage. They didn’t see the point in waiting.
“The next day they just carried on with life as normal, and as coincidence would have it they were guests at another friend’s wedding day. So they went as a married couple for the first time and happily showed off her wedding ring. It was the perfect weekend.”
Davina chose to steer away from a traditional wedding dress as she instead went for a long white faux fur coat for the special occasion at Marylebone Town Hall last Friday.
Davina looked stunning in her wedding look as she wore a matching lace hat, lace tights and heels. Meanwhile, Michael looked smart in a bright blue suit.
Michael and Davina were friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. They first crossed paths at Hertfordshire’s Elstree Studios when Davina was the presenter of Big Brother.
However, they then discovered there was something romantic between them after Davina’s 17-year marriage to Matthew Robertson, the father of her three children Holly, 24, Tilly, 22, and Chester, 19, came to an end in 2017.
Michael popped the question to his now-wife just three months ago when they were on a romantic holiday in Ibiza. The pair didn’t want to wait too long until they made things official.
Sons of Anarchy star Johnny Lewis, who once dated Katy Perry, strangled an 81-year-old woman to death and killed her cat then died himself in what was considered an accident
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Johnny Lewis struggled with his mental health (Image: Getty Images)
Actor Johnny Lewis had gone to the legendary Writers’ Villa in Los Angeles, California, as part of a major effort to rebuild his life.
But it was there that his long path of destruction finally came to an end in the most harrowing, unimaginable tragedy. Lewis, then 28, inexplicably attacked a neighbour, killed his 81-year-old landlady and her pet cat, before falling to his death.
Just a few years earlier, fresh from starring in popular teen drama The O.C. he had dated Katy Perry.
His fall from grace was as dramatic as it was quick. Things really started to go downhill for the Sons of Anarchy star when he split up with his actor girlfriend Diane Gaeta in 2010, the same year their daughter, Culla May was born.
In October 2011, he suffered head injuries in a horror motorbike accident. Doctors recommended an MRI scan. Lewis’s dad also “pursued and encouraged psychiatric treatment for his son”. But Johnny refused both the scan and treatment.
His behaviour became erratic. In January, 2012, he got into a fight, hitting two men with a bottle. He pleaded no contest to charges of assault with a deadly women. Six weeks later, he was accused of trying to break into a woman’s home, again pleading no contest.
Not long after, a probation official expressed concern for Lewis’s own welfare as well as that of those around him, citing mental health and drug problems. They said Lewis would “continue to be a threat to any community he may reside in”.
His family, in a bid to avoid a trial, pushed for rehab for either marijuana or alcohol addiction. At the beginning of August, 2012, he agreed to be detailed for “time served” with assurances he would spend just a few more days behind bars. He ended up staying in jail for almost two more months. During this time, both his physical and mental health declined.
On September 21, he was released. Five days later, he, his landlady and her cat were dead.
He had spent time at the Writers’ Villa, a B&B for aspiring actors, a couple of years earlier, so it made sense that he wanted to return there as part of his recovery plan. At the time, he was still reeling from a “long and painful” custody battle with Gaeta.
But police were called to the property after neighbours reported a violent rampage. Lewis had apparently jumped over a fence into a neighbouring house, attacking both a house painter and the homeowner.
According to witnesses, he introduced himself as “John, your new neighbour,” before the assault. When officers arrived back at the Villa, they discovered the body of Catherine Davis, the 81-year-old landlady affectionately known as the ‘Hollywood Hills Philanthropist’, inside the property with severe head injuries.
Her cat was also found dead. Lewis’s body was discovered on the driveway below, after he either fell or jumped from the roof, garage or patio, according to LAPD reports.
Los Angeles Magazine later reported that police at the scene “noted that Lewis’s left eye socket was caved in” and that “his skull was smashed just to the left of centre”. Officers concluded he had plunged from either the second floor or the roof and died instantly.
Despite early speculation that substances may have played a part in his behaviour, the full autopsy report released in November 2012 revealed Lewis had no drugs or alcohol in his system. Toxicology tests showed no trace of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, psychedelic substances or anti-psychotic medication.
Authorities ultimately ruled his death accidental, stating there was no evidence he had been pushed or that he intended to take his own life. The coroner’s report stated: “Decedent died of a fall. We do not have definitive evidence that the decedent intended to kill himself.
“We also do not at this time have any evidence that he was pushed. Therefore, the manner of death is accidental.”
Criminal psychologist Lydia Benecke has suggested Lewis could have suffered from organic personality disorder, which was made worse by the head injury sustained in the 2011 accident.
In the aftermath, Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter shared a heartfelt message, describing Lewis as “an extremely talented guy, who unfortunately had lost his way”.
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He added: “I am deeply sorry that an innocent life had to be thrown into his destructive path. Yes, it’s a day of mourning, but it’s also a day of awareness and gratitude. Sadly, some of us carry the message by dying.”
Peter Andre has opened up during an exclusive shoot on the heartbreaking reason this Christmas is also bittersweet for him, as he talks about fears for his beloved mum Thea in Australia
Peter Andre is full of festive spirit as he and his wife Emily open the doors to their blended family Christmas, in an exclusive interview with OK!.
But the singer and actor admits that there is one element of the season which is bittersweet – and that is when his he thinks of his beloved mum Thea, who lives on the Gold Coast in Australia with his dad, Savvas.
Now 89, Thea suffers from both Parkinson’s and dementia and Pete, who says he hopes to fly out there after Christmas to see them both and often shares fond updates on his parents Down Under, admits sadly that he does worry about how long his mum, who has various health issues, will be around.
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He confesses, “Of course I worry this could be Mum’s last Christmas. She’s very delicate. Her Parkinson’s has progressed quite a bit. Her speech is almost gone. She’ll say a word or two. It’s heartbreaking, because she’s our world, our pillar of strength.
“Then I see Dad and he’s 92 and with her every single day. But he’s getting delicate now, too. His memory’s going, but I am so grateful that they made that milestone I prayed for – 70 years of marriage in September.”
And the father-of-five confesses candidly that he often gets emotional when he thinks of everything his mum is going through. “It’s a raw pain,” he says. “I’m a grown man, but I still can’t accept in my heart that these things happen to the people I love the most.”
Asked what his biggest Christmas wish would be this year, the star says his hope is to find “a cure for all the ills of old age, or to slow down ageing altogether.”
He adds, “It might not be in my lifetime – or my mum’s, much as I’d pray for it – but I hope it’s there in my children’s lifetime. I’m aiming to live to 115, 120. Wishful thinking, but my hope would be our kids outliving us all.”
And the performer, who was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, tells us that although he hasn’t technically followed the Christian religious sect since he was 16, he’s been praying again – “because of my beautiful parents and their health”.
Last month, Peter revealed that Lesley Joseph opening up about her friend Pauline Quirke’s tragic dementia battle felt ‘very close to home’, adding, “No matter how old we are, we’re never too old not to hurt when our parents are going through what they’re going through.
“It kills me for my mum every day when I think about her and when I speak to her and see her, It’s a really cruel battle. It’s very nice when people give an update because it helps other families going through similar situations.”
But there was also great joy in September when Thea and Savvas were able to celebrate 70 years’ married. Peter said at the time, I’m so very grateful that my wonderful mum and dad have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this week. I love them so much, and I prayed for this moment for them.
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“They have received a wonderful letter from the King, and although Mum’s speech is almost non-existent now, I know that her heart will be filled with warmth because of all the love and support. Happy 70th wedding anniversary, Mum and Dad inspiration to us all.”
Singer Peter Andre and his wife, NHS doctor Emily open up during an exclusive shoot about Christmas, Pete’s ‘delicate’ mum and why they’re each others’ ‘rock’
Surrounded by trees, tinsel and one very excited brood, Peter Andre is looking forward to a magical, bustling family Christmas with his wife, NHS doctor Emily, and their blended family.
It’s been another exciting and successful year for the Andres, albeit not without its challenges. But amid all the ups and downs of the past twelve months, Pete says one person has been his constant.
“Emily has been my absolute rock through any tough times and the good,” he says. “She’s my partner in crime. We laugh so much.” Emily adds, “You know, it’s funny, Pete’s name in Greek actually means rock. And he is literally my rock, in every way.”
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Pete’s grown-up children – Princess, 18, and Junior, 20 – have had a particularly memorable year. Junior has continued with his music and moved in with his girlfriend Jasmine, while his sister Princess launched her hit reality show, The Princess Diaries. “They’re great kids,” Pete smiles. “For me, it’s important that they stay humble, and they really are.”
Princess’s fly-on-the-wall series, which Junior regularly appears in, has been renewed for another two seasons thanks to impressive viewing figures, and proud dad Pete says, “I just want them to shine, to show people what they are made of and to be happy.”
Pete and Emily celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in July, and reflecting on their happy marriage, he says, “Will we make it to 70 years of marriage like my mum and dad? Probably not, as I’m too old! But Emily’s someone I could easily see myself being married to for 70 years.
“We might disagree on the thermostat, but we’ve never had a serious argument in 10 years. We’re solid. When things feel negative and a bit harsh, you realise the love you’ve got.” Laughing, Emily adds, “We also bicker about the freezer – and yes, we do need to keep it full of food we never use!”
Pete admits there is one bittersweet element of the season, however, when his thoughts turn to his beloved mum Thea, who lives in Australia with dad, Savvas.
Now 89, Thea suffers from both Parkinson’s and dementia and Pete, who hopes to fly out there after Christmas to see them both, worries that this Christmas could be his mum’s last.
“Of course I worry this could be Mum’s last Christmas. She’s very delicate”, he says softly. “Her Parkinson’s has progressed quite a bit. Her speech is almost gone. She’ll say a word or two. It’s heartbreaking, because she’s our world, our pillar of strength.
“Then I see Dad and he’s 92 and with her every single day. But he’s getting delicate now, too. His memory’s going, but I am so grateful that they made that milestone I prayed for – 70 years of marriage in September.”
The singer admits he often gets emotional when thinking of his mum’s devastating health struggles. “It’s a raw pain,” he says. “I’m a grown man, but I still can’t accept in my heart that these things happen to the people I love the most.”
Brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, Pete says that although he hasn’t technically followed the Christian religious sect since he was 16, he has found himself praying again, “because of my beautiful parents and their health”.
But the star is palpably excited when he opens up about his festive plans with Emily, 36. “Growing up as a strict Jehovah’s Witness, we didn’t celebrate Christmas as kids. So to live the magic through my kids is everything. We really go for it, prepping for Santa, the reindeers and all the magic. It’s a beautiful time of year.”
Emily agrees. “We love Christmas. It comes from my family. We always go big, but in a traditional way with stockings, games, the King’s Speech – and usually me falling asleep watching Home Alone!”
One big change this year is that the Andres are heading out to a local restaurant for Christmas lunch. “We usually prep lunch on Christmas eve. Last year it took Pete and I four hours,” explains Emily. “We always wear matching Christmas pyjamas all day, so this might actually be the year I put on some make-up and a nice outfit.”
“Junior and Princess will probably be the first to bring their stockings downstairs on Christmas morning,” Pete says. “It’s sweet that it’s still their favourite part of the day. We make sure Santa doesn’t forget the adults.”
“Princess and Junior are more excited about opening their stockings than the little ones,” agrees Emily. “We cut up a pair of tights to make them, like my family always did. You can get a lot of stuff in a pair of tights – chocolate, little games, socks.”
The day will kick off with the whole family at home – with Pete and Emily’s children Millie, 11, Theo, nine, and Arabella, 20 months, as well as Pete’s older children Princess and Junior and Junior’s girlfriend, Jasmine.
And their home is gorgeously decked out for the festive season, with two Christmas tress and baubles and foliage adorning their banisters. “Theo and Millie have trees in their bedrooms too,” says Pete. “We use lots of sentimental decorations, like ones the kids have made over the years. The house is sparkling.
“I used to think Christmas wasn’t a big deal, but every year I get really excited now seeing all their little eyes light up. England for me at Christmas is like nowhere else. It’s got a bit of a New York, Home Alone vibe. And there’s a lot of us. It’s beautiful chaos.”
The pair do get into it a little when we ask about whether they’ll go large on the presents this year. Pete says he may go “a little crazy”, while Emily says they most definitely will not.
The eldest of their three children together, Millie, is now an official tween, but both her parents agree that she won’t be disappearing off upstairs to look at her phone on Christmas Day – or throwing any mini strops.
Emily says, “I’m kind of strict on screen time. She’s allowed it for one hour on Saturday and one hour on Sunday, no social media, no WhatsApp and only downstairs. I don’t mind telly as we’re all together, but they don’t have iPads or phones in the week. She doesn’t even complain, bless her.”
“There are no moody moments,” Pete adds. “She’s thriving at secondary school and she loves spending time with us at home. We don’t have to convince her. She’s a sweetheart.”
Pete admits, catering for a family where the ages range from one to 20 can be “crazy”, but Emily says the dynamic works really well. “The older two are so lovely with the little ones,” she says. “ Just today Junior came in and picked Belle up and gave her kisses and cuddles. And Princess is gorgeous with Millie – a real guiding light.
“Millie’s very open with me but she gets really good advice from Princess, and she listens to her as she’s cool and young. They have girlie chats in Millie’s room and that melts my heart. I always wanted a sister for that reason, but I got four brothers instead – which is also great.”
Little Arabella will be a lot more aware this Christmas, which her parents can’t wait to see. They just need to stop her wrecking the decorations. “All I know is my Christmas tree is already getting ruined,” laughs Emily. “She loves the twinkly lights, the presents underneath – she’s obsessed!”
Christmas may be hectic, but Pete and Emily have somehow managed to steal time for some festive romance. “We had a date night the other night,” Emily says. “We go through phases where we’re great, then we go slack.”
“Yeah, it’s so important to remember who you are as a couple,” Pete says. “We’ve started getting date nights back in the diary at last.”
As the couple wind down after a hectic year, they both have big hopes for 2026. Emily’s goal is to move more, she says, before admitting she said the same thing this time last year and still hasn’t managed a workout. She says, “I’m on my feet a lot, but I’m not sure that counts. Isn’t that just being alive?”
Pete, loved-up as ever, would beg to differ. “Yes, and you look amazing! You are 100% going to be like Liz Hurley in your fifties. Whatever she’s doing, she’s doing it right. You’re gorgeous.”
Clearly feeling sentimental as Christmas looms, Pete’s hope is to find “a cure for all the ills of old age, or to slow down ageing altogether.”
He explains, “It might not be in my lifetime – or my mum’s, much as I’d pray for it – but I hope it’s there in my children’s lifetime. I’m aiming to live to 115, 120. Wishful thinking, but my hope would be our kids outliving us all.”
Meanwhile, next year is already looking jam-packed for them both. Emily’s new children’s book – her fifth to date – hits shelves in January.
Aimed at teenagers and entitled Periods: Everything You Need To Know, she admits it could come in useful soon with Millie.“I’m very proud of it. Millie’s 11, so I know I’ll be needing it soon. She loves my other books, which is the cutest thing.”
As for Pete, he jokes “where do I start?” when asked about next year’s projects. “I’ve written my first ever film, so watch this space. I’ve got a UK tour of Frankie Valli in January, I’ve been recording my first album in over 10 years, a tour…
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“And somewhere in between, spending precious time with Mum and Dad and my gorgeous family. Yep, it’s going to be another busy year, but that’s how we like it.”
For tickets to see Peter Andre in The Very Best Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons, visit sweeneyentertainments.co.uk/show/the-bestof-frankie-valli-starring-peter-andre
