Actor Anthony Geary checks out of ABC's 'General Hospital' after 37 years

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- After 37 years, actor Anthony Geary is checking out of "General Hospital." As Luke Spencer, he's been a mainstay on the program and a fan favorite.

He arrived in the fictional town of Port Charles for a 13-week gig back in the late 1970s, and it's been quite a ride.

"I truly am blessed to have had 37 years on a show with a character that I have been challenged by and have loved and have fought for," he said.

Geary jumped into the role full force and never looked back.

"I have no complaints," he said. "I am walking away with a full heart and very, very happy memories - and eight Emmys!"

Those Emmys came with a variety of spectacular storylines. One of them, Luke and Laura's wedding in 1981, remains the most watched hour in American soap opera history with 30 million viewers.

"The downside has been that no matter what we seem to do, it's always about my 'fro and her glistening, beautiful young face," Geary said. "There's been so much more over the 37 years than that moment."

Geary hopes for more moments in the future. He started in musical theater 51 years ago and he's been seriously working with a vocal coach for a decade.

"New York would be a very happy experience. I have a bucket list. The West End in London. The world is pretty open to me at the moment. I do intend to write, perhaps a memoir or something," he said.

But first is Geary's exit from playing one of daytime TV's most recognizable characters.

"It's going to be nice," he said. "I get wonderful goodbye scenes with all the major characters of his life. He does go off on his own, facing whatever his third act is."

Check out Luke's and Tony's goodbye Monday, July 27, on ABC at 2 p.m.