As the curtain drops on 2025, let’s take a moment to remember some of the talent we lost this year — from octogenarians with decades of work to young performers whose lives were cut short.
Several notable talents in music, television, film and pop culture died in 2025. On the first day of the year, Wayne Osmond, one-fourth of the original Osmond Brothers, died at age 73.
We also lost Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys, who shared sunny songs about youthful paradise. And in the last quarter of the year, Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton died at age 79.
Ahead of the final Sundance Film Festival in Utah, the brains behind the independent film festival, Robert Redford, died in mid-fall.
There were many others before, after and in between.
Here are some figures in music, television, film, comedy and pop culture who died in 2025.
Wayne Osmond
Aug. 28, 1951 — Jan. 1, 2025
Wayne Osmond, whose baritone voice made up one-fourth of the original Osmond Brothers quartet, died from a stroke on Jan. 1. He was 73.
The fourth oldest child of the nine Osmond kids, Wayne Osmond was the singer and guitarist responsible for co-writing several of the group’s biggest hits, including “Crazy Horses,” “Going Home” and “It Never Snows in LA.”
“Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children,” his family shared in a statement at the time. “His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.”
Peter Yarrow
May 31, 1938 — Jan. 7, 2025
Following a four-year battle with bladder cancer, Peter Yarrow, the lead vocals behind folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, died on Jan. 7 at his home in Manhattan. He was 86.
Much of Peter, Paul and Mary’s early popularity followed the 1963 release of “Puff the Magic Dragon,” co-written by Yarrow, which became a No. 2 Billboard hit.
Yarrow often sang for peace and in support of human rights, and belted protest anthems in many of the band’s hits, such as “If I Had a Hammer,” “Cruel War” and “The Great Mandella (The Wheel of Life).”
Under the guise of the group’s friendly, light-hearted demeanor, Yarrow performed at rallies, human rights protests and marches. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the group performed “Blowin’ in the Wind” following the March on Washington, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.
“Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life,” his daughter, Bethany, said in a statement at the time of his death. “The world knows Peter Yarrow the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest.”
Sam Moore
Oct. 12, 1935 — Jan. 10, 2025
The high-tenor half of the dynamic ‘60s soul duo Sam & Dave, Sam Moore, died Jan. 10 of complications while recovering from surgery. He was 89.
Alongside his partner Dave Prater, Moore was responsible for era-defining hits such as “Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.”
“We are heartbroken to hear of the death of Sam Moore, one of America’s greatest soul voices,” Bruce Springsteen wrote in a tribute. “There simply isn’t another sound like Sam’s soulful tenor in American music.”
“Having had the honor to work with Sam on several occasions, he was a sweet and funny man. He was filled with stories of the halcyon days of soul music, and to the end had that edge of deep authenticity in his voice I could only wonder at.”
David Lynch
Jan. 20, 1946 — Jan. 15, 2025
David Lynch, the eccentric filmmaker behind “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive,” died from complications of emphysema — a chronic lung disease he attributed to years of smoking cigarettes — on Jan. 15. He was 78.
Lynch was known for his inventive, surrealistic cinema style in experimental projects such as his debut film “Eraserhead” and “Blue Velvet. In addition to being a filmmaker, Lynch was a painter, poet, actor and musician.
“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,” Lynch’s family shared in a statement following his death.
Gene Hackman
Jan. 30, 1930 — Feb. 18, 2025
Two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found dead inside his New Mexico home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, on Feb. 18. Hackman was 95. His wife, Arakawa, was 63.
After a weekslong investigation into the actor’s death, autopsy reports found both Hackman and his wife died from natural causes — Hackman died from a heart attack about a week after Arakawa, per The New York Times.
Hackman was known for his intense, steady performances and his unique ability to bring authenticity to each role. At 35, Hackman landed his breakout role in “Bonnie and Clyde.” He earned his first Oscar five years later for his role in “The French Connection.” His second Oscar was for his performance as Little Bill Daggett in “Unforgiven.”
Roberta Flack
Feb. 10, 1937 — Feb. 24, 2025
Roberta Flack, the soulful singer and pianist behind “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” died on Feb. 10 at age 88.
Flack died from cardiac arrest, though she was also fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — at the time of her death. She was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, leaving her unable to perform, per CNN.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning,” Flack’s manager wrote in a statement following her death. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
“She sang reveries as much as exclamations, and yet her stillness electrified the soul. In time, the style she created became known as ‘quiet storm.’ It was a fitting term not just for her sensibility but also for her effect.”
Michelle Trachtenberg
Oct. 11, 1985 — Feb. 26, 2025
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who impressed audiences as a young performer in “Harriet the Spy” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died on Feb. 26 at 39 years old.
Less than two months after Trachtenberg was found unconscious and unresponsive in her New York City apartment, a toxicology report revealed the actress died of complications with diabetes mellitus.
In the wake of Trachtenberg’s death, her “Gossip Girl” co-star, Blake Lively, remembered her as “fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved” and “big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Lively continued, “May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
David Johansen
Jan. 9, 1950 — Feb. 28, 2025
Following a battle with Stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor, David Johansen, the wiry frontman of the New York Dolls, who pioneered glam rock and punk, died on Feb. 28 at 75. He was the last surviving member of the band.
After Johansen left the New York Dolls, he launched a solo act under the stage name Buster Poindexter. He added acting to his resume in 1988, starring in “Scrooged” as the deranged cab driver who is the ghost of Christmas past. Johansen went on to have roles in “Let It Ride,” “Mr Nanny” and about a dozen other movies.
“What a remarkable artist. What an amazing man. I was so lucky to have known him. I just wish there had been more time,” wrote director Martin Scorsese, who led the documentary “Personality Crisis,” about Johansen’s life.
Richard Chamberlain
March 31, 1934 — March 30, 2025
Richard Chamberlain, the heartthrob of the ‘60s medical drama series “Dr. Kildare,” died on March 29 of complications from a stroke. He was 90.
Chamberlain spend a large portion of his career starring in TV miniseries — earning him the nickname “the king of the miniseries” — including “Shōgun” and “The Thorn Birds.” He won three Golden Globe awards for his work in television.
At the conclusion of “Dr. Kildare,” Chamberlain pivoted to film acting with roles in “The Three Musketeers,” “Julius Caesar” and “The Towering Inferno.” He continued acting until around 2019.
“Our beloved Richard is with the angels now,” Martin Rabbett, Chamberlain’s longtime partner, said in a statement. “He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure.”
Val Kilmer
Dec. 31, 1959 — April 1, 2025
“Top Gun” and “Batman Forever” actor Val Kilmer, whose acting prowess ranged from comedy to crime to music biopics, died April 1. He was 65.
Kilmer died from pneumonia. His death followed a prolonged battle with throat cancer, which the actor recovered from after undergoing two tracheotomies.
Kilmer built an impressive acting resume using his ability to disappear into a wide range of roles — including the cocky rival character Iceman in “Top Gun,” portraying rock star Jim Morrison in “The Doors” and vigilante superhero Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever.”
His intense method acting approach earned Kilmer a reputation for being difficult to work with on set, but he refused to apologize for his impactful techniques.
“When certain people criticize me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well. I think they’re trying to protect themselves,” Kilmer wrote, per the BBC. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
George Wendt
Oct. 17, 1948 — May 20, 2025
George Wendt, the American actor and comedian known for his role as Norm Peterson on the sitcom “Cheers,” died May 20 at 76 from cardiac arrest.
During his time on “Cheers,” Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy Award nominations for his performance, but he never took home a statuette.
Wendt was also a regular on “Saturday Night Live,” and racked up an impressive list of acting credits, including roles in “Seinfeld,” “Columbo,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “The Twilight Zone.”
“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever,” Wendt’s publicist, Melissa Nathan, said in a statement following his death.
Sly Stone
March 15, 1943 — June 9, 2025
Funk pioneer and soul music hitmaker Sly Stone, the face of Sly and the Family Stone, died at age 82 on June 9 following a prolonged battle with COPD, a lung disease that obstructs airflow, making breathing difficult.
He was the brains behind some of the most recognized R&B songs including “Everyday People,” “Everybody is a Star,” “Sing a Simple Song” and “Family Affair.”
“Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family,” his family wrote in a statement. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”
Stone influenced a myriad of artists across genres, such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Outkast, Michael Jackson and George Clinton, per The New York Times.
Questlove, record producer and director of the documentary “Sly Lives,” paid tribute to the late singer on Instagram.
“From the moment his music reached me in the early 1970s, it became a part of my soul. Sly was a giant — not just for his groundbreaking work with the Family Stone, but for the radical inclusivity and deep human truths he poured into every note."
He continued, “He dared to be simple in the most complex ways — using childlike joy, wordless cries, and nursery rhyme cadences to express adult truths. His work looked straight at the brightest and darkest parts of life and demanded we do the same.”
Brian Wilson
June 20, 1942 — June 11, 2025
The creative force behind The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, who infused the ‘60s surf rock band with his poetic lyrics about innocent romance and youthful nostalgia, died June 11. He was 82.
Wilson died after experiencing several minutes of respiratory arrest, per USA Today. He was also suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease and chronic respiratory failure.
“We are heart broken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the Wilson family shared on Instagram after his death. “We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
On the surface, Wilson’s lighthearted tunes about youthful paradise in Southern California feel simple, but beneath the surface, the music was packed with enough depth and innovation to impress countless musicians — particularly with the band’s 1967 album, “Pet Sounds.”
“It was ‘Pet Sounds’ that blew me out of the water,” Paul McCartney said in a 1990 interview, per the New York Post. “First of all, it was Brian’s writing. I love the album so much. … I figure no one is educated musically till they’ve heard that album.”
Michael Madsen
Sept. 25, 1957 — July 3, 2025
Michael Madsen, the actor known for collaborating with director Quinten Tarantino in several films, died July 3 at age 67.
Madsen died of cardiac arrest, which was brought on by cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and chronic alcoholism, Deadline reported. Thromboembolic disease — a condition that blocks blood flow and invokes blot clots — was also a contributing factor.
“In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films ‘Resurrection Road,’ ‘Concessions’ and ’Cookbook for Southern Housewives,’ and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” his managers Smith and Susan Ferris and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a statement.
They added, he “was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
With more than 300 acting credits to his name, Madsen was a prolific actor, with roles in “Kill Bill,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Thelma & Louise” and “The Hateful Eight.”
Malcolm Jamal-Warner
Aug. 18, 1970 — July 20, 2025
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor known for playing Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died in Costa Rica on July 20. He was 54.
Warner was in Costa Rica on vacation with family when he accidentally drowned while swimming after getting caught by a strong current.
At 13 years old, Warner joined “The Cosby Show” as the only boy in the Huxtable family. He played the role of Theodore “Theo” Huxtable for eight seasons, from 1984 to 1992. In 1986, Warner earned an Emmy nomination for his performance on the sitcom.
“He was a kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity. He wanted all to be aware of their inner strength and that they could succeed, accomplish and transform,” his mother, Pamela Warner, shared in a tribute post to her son.
“He was not only my son, but also my teacher, coach, confidant, business partner, and best friend. He was the son that his father was immensely proud of and loved fiercely and unconditionally.”
Ozzy Osbourne
Dec. 3, 1948 — July 22, 2025
Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal trailblazer Ozzy Osbourne died July 22 of a heart attack. He was also suffering from Parkinson’s disease and coronary artery disease at the time of his death. He was 76.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” Osbourne’s family shared in a statement.
In his raw, gritty voice, Osbourne led Black Sabbath with hits like “Paranoid,” “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.”
Osbourne left the band in 1979 and launched a solo career — releasing more than a dozen albums, featuring “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” His solo act earned the singer 12 Grammy nominations and five wins.
“I never thought I’d make it this far. Fifty years is a lot. I don’t understand why I’m alive still after the hell-raising days. I guess whoever the man is upstairs, if there even is one, wants me to stick around,” Osbourne told Rolling Stone in 2018.
Hulk Hogan
Aug. 11, 1953 — July 24, 2025
Hulk Hogan, professional wrestling superstar and face of WWE, died on July 24 of cardiac arrest. He was 71.
The 6-foot-8 wrestler attracted worldwide attention during the ‘80s and ‘90s with his neon uniforms, playful antics and over-the-top wrestling theatrics — playing a central role in building a pro wrestling following.
“Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” his family shared in a statement following his death. “May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Giorgio Armani
July 11, 1943 — Sept. 4, 2025
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who made the power suit popular in women’s fashion, died Sept. 4 at age 91.
“Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism,” the Armani brand shared in a statement following his death.
“He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone.”
Robert Redford
Aug. 18, 1936 — Sept. 16, 2025
Robert Redford, the cinema star, activist, trailblazer for independent film and the brains behind the Sundance Film Festival, died Sept. 16 at his Utah home, in the mountains just outside Provo, “the place he loved surrounded by those he loved,” his longtime publicist, Cindi Berger, told The New York Times. He was 89.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world,” the Sundance Institute said in a statement at the time, shared with the Deseret News.
Following Redford’s death, fans in Utah, Hollywood and worldwide paid tribute to Redford for his contributions to the independent film industry, particularly for launching the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox honored Redford for playing a role in making “Utah a home for storytelling and creativity,” Cox said in a statement at the time.
“Through Sundance and his devotion to conservation, he shared Utah with the world,” Cox continued. “Today we honor his life, his vision, and his lasting contribution to our state.”
Jane Goodall
April 3, 1934 — Oct. 1, 2025
World-renowned primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall died on Oct. 1. She was 91.
During her 60-year trailblazing career, Goodall made groundbreaking discoveries about primates, inspired generations of scientists and served as a leading voice for protecting wildlife and the environment.
“Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute has passed away due to natural causes,” The Jane Goodall Institute announced on Instagram following Goodall’s death.
The statement continued, “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”
Diane Keaton
Jan. 5, 1946 — Oct. 11, 2025
Actress Diane Keaton, who starred in “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather,” “Baby Boom,” “Father of the Bride” and more than a hundred other movies and TV shows, died on Oct. 11. She was 79.
The Oscar-winning actress died of pneumonia.
“It’s grammatically incorrect to say ‘most unique,’ but all rules of grammar, and I guess anything else, are suspended when talking about Diane Keaton. Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again, her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered,” director Woody Allen shared in a tribute to Keaton, per The Free Press.
“As time went on I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.”
“If she liked it, I counted the film as an artistic success,” Allen continued. “If she was less than enthusiastic, I tried to use her criticism to reedit and come away with something she felt better about.”
D’Angelo
Feb. 11, 1974 — Oct. 14, 2025
D’Angelo, the visionary R&B singer who helped trailblaze the neo soul genre, died Oct. 14 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51.
The four-time Grammy Award winner earned widespread fame with hit songs like “Lady,” “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” “Send It On” and “Brown Sugar.”
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the singer’s family wrote in a statement following his death, per Variety.
Samantha Eggar
March 5, 1939 — Oct. 15, 2025
English actress Samantha Eggar, who starred in “Doctor Dolittle,” “The Collector,” “The Molly Maguires” and “Return From the Ashes,” died Oct. 15. She was 86.
“My Mama passed Wednesday evening. Peacefully and quietly surrounded by family. I was there next to her …holding her hand, telling her how much she was loved. It was beautiful. It was a privilege‚" Eggar’s daughter, actress Jenna Stern, shared in a tribute.
Eggar died of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which she had been diagnosed with 22 years prior, Stern said, per The New York Times.
Ace Frehley
April 27, 1951 — Oct. 16, 2025
Founding member of the American rock band Kiss, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, died on Oct. 16 — a few weeks after sustaining blunt force injuries to the head in a fall. He was 74.
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others,” his family shared in a statement after his death. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
As the lead guitarist of Kiss, Frehley led the band through hits like “Beth,” “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Frehley launched his own solo career and found success with his hit track, “New York Groove,” in his self-titled debut album.
Diane Ladd
Nov. 29, 1935 — Nov. 3, 2025
Diane Ladd, the three-time Oscar nominated actress for her performances in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Wild at Heart” and “Rambling Rose,” died Nov. 3 at age 89.
Her daughter, the actress Laura Dern, called Ladd “the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created,” in a tribute.
“We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now.”
Ladd and Dern co-starred in several projects, including “Rambling Rose” — which made them the first mother-daughter Oscar nominees for the same film — “Wild at Heart,” “Enlightened,” “Inland Empire” and “Citizen Ruth.”
Jimmy Cliff
July 30, 1944 — Nov. 24, 2025
Jamaican reggae star Jimmy Cliff, who became a global phenomenon with songs like “Many Rivers To Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “The Harder They Come,” died Nov. 24 of complications from a seizure and pneumonia. He was 81.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him,” his wife, Latifa Chambers, shared in a statement following his death. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
Born in a rural Jamaican village in 1944, Cliff started singing in school and church. After being exposed to American music on the radio, Cliff was inspired and moved to Kingston to pursue a career as a musician.
Cliff’s burgeoning career was propelled by his performance as the tragic outlaw in the 1972 film “The Harder They Fall,” which put the artist in front of a global audience. He went on to earn seven Grammy nominations, winning two.
“When someone comes up to me, and says, ‘I was a dropout in school and I heard your song “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and that song made me go back to school, and now I am a teacher and I use your song with my students’ — that, for me, is a big success,” Cliff told NPR in a 2012 interview.
Sophie Kinsella
Dec. 12, 1969 — Dec. 10, 2025
Sophie Kinsella, the English author who wrote the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” series and dozens more comedic, female-led, heartwarming novels, died on Dec. 10. She was 55.
Kinsella was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer, in 2022. She announced her diagnosis on social media in 2024, calling her experience with illness “very lonely and scary.”
“We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed — to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career,” her family shared in a statement after her death.
“She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received.”
Rob Reiner
March 6, 1947 — Dec. 14, 2025
Rob Reiner, the celebrated director behind “The Princess Bride,” “Spinal Tap,” “Stand by Me” and “When Harry Met Sally,” and his wife, Michele Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Dec. 14. Reiner was 78, Michele was 68.
Rob and Michele Reiner died of “multiple sharp force injuries,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported Wednesday, per CBS News.
Their son, Nick Reiner, is charged with two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders. The charges include “a special allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon, a knife,” according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Days after the murder of their parents, Jake and Romy Reiner wrote, “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.”
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
Anthony Geary
May 29, 1947 — Dec. 14, 2025
Anthony Geary, the Utah native who played one half of the beloved soap opera couple Luke and Laura on “General Hospital,” died at the age of 78.
Geary died Dec. 14 in Amsterdam following complications from a scheduled surgical operation three days prior, reports The Associated Press.
Geary rose to fame during the 1970s and ‘80s as Luke Spencer on “General Hospital” — a role he played for 37 years. His performance as a lead actor on the show earned Geary eight Daytime Emmy Awards
From the time he was a kid, Geary knew he wanted to be an actor, he told the Deseret News in a 2009 interview. His acting career started at the Valley Music Hall in Bountiful, Utah, and Pioneer Memorial Theatre in Salt Lake City.
Geary attended college at the University of Utah, where he majored in theater on a full-ride scholarship. He made the move to Los Angeles in 1970 for a role in the ABC series “Room 222,” followed by a brief role in “All in the Family.”
“I sure didn’t expect to be on a TV show for 30 years. That wasn’t really on the radar at all,” Geary previously told the Deseret News.
He continued, “And as I think about it now, it still seems kind of amazing. It’s been almost a one-role career. Although I’ve done other things, I’m sure Luke Spencer is what will probably lead my obituary, let’s put it that way.”