For over four decades, Luke and Laura Spencer have been one of the most beloved couples in daytime television. The couple first appeared on the ABC soap opera General Hospital in 1978 and quickly became a fan favorite. They were the first supercouple in daytime television and their wedding in 1981 was the highest-rated hour in soap opera history.
Luke and Laura were played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis, respectively. Geary was the first actor to win a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Luke. Francis was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Laura.
The couple’s story began when Luke Spencer arrived in Port Charles, New York, in 1978. He was a street-smart, rebellious young man who quickly caught the eye of Laura Webber, a sheltered young woman who had been adopted by the wealthy Webber family. Despite their differences, the two quickly fell in love and embarked on a tumultuous relationship.
Throughout their time on the show, Luke and Laura faced numerous obstacles, including Laura’s kidnapping by the villainous mobster, Frank Smith. The couple eventually married in 1981 in a lavish ceremony that was watched by 30 million viewers.
After their wedding, Luke and Laura continued to face challenges, including Laura’s battle with mental illness and Luke’s struggle with alcoholism. Despite these struggles, the couple remained devoted to each other and their love story continued to captivate viewers.
In 1984, Geary left the show and the couple’s story was put on hold. Francis continued to appear on the show, but the couple’s story was never fully resolved. In 1993, Geary returned to the show and the couple reunited. They eventually remarried in 1996 and their story continued until Geary’s departure in 2015.
Since then, the couple has been largely absent from the show. Francis returned briefly in 2017 for a special episode, but the couple has not been seen since. It is unclear if the couple will ever return to General Hospital, but their story will always remain a part of daytime television history.
