Jonathan Jackson Honors "General Hospital" Dad Anthony Geary: 'He Was My Father in the Arts'

Jackson and Geary first played father and son, Luke and Lucky Spencer, when Jackson joined the series in 1993 at age 11

A Legacy of Love and Artistry

Jonathan Jackson is paying tribute to Anthony Geary, a beloved figure in the world of daytime television. Geary, who portrayed Luke Spencer on General Hospital, passed away on December 14 at the age of 78. Jackson, who has played his on-screen son Lucky since 1993, shared a heartfelt message on social media expressing his deep sorrow and admiration for Geary.

In a post on Instagram, Jackson wrote that there were "no words to express what he meant to me personally." He described Geary as his "father in the arts" and highlighted the profound impact the actor had on his life and career. Jackson, now 43, has been portraying Lucky Spencer, the on-screen son of Geary's Luke Spencer and Genie Francis’s Laura, on and off since he first took on the role at age 11 in 1993.

A Deep Connection

In an Instagram message shared on December 16, the Emmy winner expressed that his heart was "broken" and that he struggled to find the right words to describe how much Geary meant to him. Jackson began his tribute by acknowledging Geary's brilliance as an actor and artist. He noted that for decades, Geary poured his heart and soul into his work, always striving for truth, nuance, humor, and humanity.

"Many DISCOVERTREND know what a brilliant and unparalleled actor and artist he was," Jackson said. "For decades, he poured out his heart and soul and passion into his work. Never settling, always pushing for truth, nuance, paradox, humor and humanity."

A Life Well Lived

Geary passed away on Sunday following complications from an operation three days prior, according to TV Insider. The outlet shared a message from his husband, Claudio Gama, expressing their grief over the loss.

While Geary is "known to the world for his artistic achievements," Jackson emphasized that he will remember him most for his humility, kindness, love, and wit. He described Geary's mind as a "creative cosmos," always exploring and cultivating the art and poetry of life. Jackson also revealed that Geary was a truly brilliant writer, a talent that many may not have known about.

"He was a truly brilliant writer, which many don’t yet know, but I hope his work will come to light one day," Jackson wrote. He added that as an eleven-year-old kid, Geary took him under his wing with a depth of grace, respect, and belief that he certainly didn’t deserve. "He was my father in the arts, my mentor in the world of learning to trust one’s instincts and always believe in the power and beauty of story and performance."

Memories That Last

Jackson then recounted moments they worked together that were "transcendent," noting that Geary eventually "became one of the closest friends" as he grew up on screen. "No matter the time or distance, our souls spoke the same language. I will greatly miss his presence in the room with me. He was family. Elisa and all of our children adored Tony. My love and humble prayers are with his family and friends on this heartbreaking day," Jackson wrote.

He added, "But we will remember him, and honor his memory! One of my favorite scriptures says, 'Love is stronger than death,' and I feel this way about him. To say, 'I love you' is to protest another’s death. In my soul, this is how I feel… and I cling to the hope that we will see each other again. I love you Tony."

Jackson previously acknowledged Geary during his latest win at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards in October, noting that he's still "with me in every single scene that I do." Geary notably left the series in 2015.

Francis, who made history with Geary in the early '80s as the other half of daytime's biggest supercouple, shared her own tribute this week — remembering her costar as a "powerhouse as an actor" and a man who "spoiled me for leading men for the rest of my life."