Maurice Benard Shares Emotional Memories Ahead Of Anthony Geary Tribute
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On Friday, February 20, General Hospital will air a deeply emotional tribute episode celebrating the life and legacy of daytime icon Anthony Geary, who passed away on December 14, 2025, at age 78.
Maurice Benard Shares Emotional Memories Ahead Of Anthony Geary Tribute
Soap Opera Digest reached out to long-time co-star Maurice Benard, whose on- and off-screen journey in Port Charles was profoundly shaped by his decades-long relationship with Geary.
A Mutual Respect From Day One”
Behind the scenes, Benard recalls that his connection with Geary was instantaneous.“From day one until the day he left, Tony and I just always had this kind of mutual respect,” Benard shares.
In fact, it was Geary who played a pivotal role in securing Benard’s long-term future on the show. The legendary Luke Spencer actor encouraged Benard to step out from being Luke’s “sidekick” and pursue a storyline identity of his own.
“When I first started working with him — maybe eight or nine months in — he called me into his room,” Benard recalls. “He said, ‘Listen, do you want to be the Tonto to my Lone Ranger?’ I said, ‘Well, my contract’s coming up anyway. I may just leave.’ He goes, ‘Go upstairs to [then–Executive Producer] Wendy Riche’s office and ask them to give you a family.’”
That single piece of advice changed everything. Benard followed through — and the writers introduced Sonny’s father, Mike Corbin, then portrayed by Ron Hale.
Filming Geary’s Final Scenes: “I Was Holding Back Tears”
Though Luke and Sonny’s relationship had its highs and lows, their bond remained unshakeable. That connection ultimately led Benard to share Geary’s poignant farewell scenes when the actor retired in 2015.
“It wasn’t just another day at the office,” Benard admits. “In the scene, I was holding back emotion and tears. The scenes weren’t written emotional, but I was.”
Benard says he leaned into the rawness of the moment. “I played it emotional because the scenes were emotional.”
Who Appears in the Tribute Episode?
The tribute brings Sonny together with several of Luke Spencer’s closest connections:
Carly Spencer, portrayed by Laura Wright, who is Luke’s niece
Tracy Quartermaine, played by Jane Elliot, Luke’s ex-wife — and longtime Sonny adversary
“Tracy hates Sonny with a passion,” Benard laughs. “She’s not his favorite person, either. But in the scenes, everything is put aside. This is not the time to hate someone; this is the time to be there for each other, for Luke.”
“A Beautiful Tribute”
Benard describes the episode as moving, heartfelt, and worthy of Geary’s towering legacy.
“It’s a beautiful tribute,” he says. “I could tell just from reading the script, but then the acting in some of the scenes is beautiful, too. Everybody should watch.”
