GENERAL HOSPITAL: "LUKE IS MY IDOL!"
by Anne Marie McKenna

Millions of people love Tony Geary, so it's hardly surprising that many sports, film and prime-time TV stars also love "looking at Luke," daytime's hottest star.

Tony Geary's celebrity fan club started during his college days at the University of Utah, and hasn't stopped growing since. His first admirer was actor Jack Albertson, who guest directed and starred in The Subject Was Roses at the University.

"I played Jack's son, recalls Tony. "It's a great role, and I was good in it thanks to Jack. He was the first professional actor I'd ever worked with. I really learned a lot from him."

Three months later, Jack asked Tony to tour with him in the play. Tony said yes and left Utah without reservations. "I was 18, had my name on the marquee in Hollywood. I'm a star," thought Tony.

Now, 16 years later, Tony truly is a star--in fact he's a superstar. As Luke Spencer on General Hospital, he delights millions of viewers daily. Among those millions are other well-known entertainers who admire Tony's style. They even ask to visit him on the set.

Recent visitors to the GH studio include Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dustin Hoffman. "Sammy has been watching the show for about three years now," admits his personal manager Shirley Rhodes. "He loves Luke and Laura and keeps hoping the ice princess mystery will be solved soon. It's driving him crazy."

On the day Sammy went to the set, Genie Francis wasn't working, but Tony Geary had a few scenes. Sammy had a ball wandering around talking to the cast. "Sammy had hoped to meet Tony," recalls Shirley Rhodes, "then just as we were about to leave, Tony walked onto the set. The two guys had a nice chat." Sammy, who's had a recurring role on One Life to Live as Chip Warren, thought about acting opposite Tony on General Hospital, too. "But Sammy decided it's better to stick to one soap," says Ms. Rhodes.

In addition to General Hospital admirers like Sally Field, Martha Raye, Liza Minnelli, country singers Barbara Mandrell and Johnny Lee, baseball players have joined the celebrity bandwagon and openly admit to being fans of Tony's.

Amos Otis, an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, visited the General Hospital set last year. "I was scared," admits Amos with a smile. "Tony Geary's a superstar. I'm just a regular ball player trying to make a living. Those guys are up there, ball players are down here on the field.

"I've been watching the show for twelve years now and each time I see the actors I put them a little higher. When I finally met them, I found out that they're regular people, down to earth. Tony Geary and Rachel Ames jumped right at me, and that's pretty impressive. They were really open."

Amos was so impressed that he arranged for Tony and Ricky Dean Anderson (ex-Jeff) to fly to Kansas City to attend the World Series last year. "When Tony and Rick came to the ball park, I had them in the clubhouse and out on the field, too," he remembers. "It was a big moment in my life to be with those guys."

Even the New York Yankees enjoy watching Luke Spencer's electrifying scenes. "Luke is my idol," reveals Yankee catcher Rick Cerone. "I like the way Tony Geary plays the character. He's tough. I've been watching GH for a few years now. It's great entertainment."

Fellow Yankee Bucky Dent has been a viewer since 1970. "I've seen a lot of characters come and go, Luke's one of my favorites. Tony Geary's a hell of an actor. He's done a super job on that show. It's really come a long way since Tony joined. I think almost everybody watches General Hospital. My roommate Dennis Werth is an avid fan. He has a GH tee shirt."

Even though the Yankees remain devoted Luke fans, Amos Otis claims he's still one up on his friendly rivals. "I got the Yankees beat," laughs Amos. "I know all of the GH cast by their real first names. They only know them by their show names."

Sidebar: "HE MADE ME DO IT AND I'M GLAD"

Kansas City Royal outfielder Amos Otis breaks in new teammates in an unusual way. Instead of hitting practice, he insists they watch General Hospital. "Amos told me about the show," admits Royal outfielder Willie Wilson. "I started watching it and now I'm hooked. Luke and Laura keep me interested. I'm in love with Laura. If it wasn't for them I'd never watch it." Infielder Dan Garcia "likes Luke's style. I've been watching GH since Amos made me." Amos interrupts with a laugh, "I told these guys that Genie Francis and Jackie Zeman were two of the prettiest ladies in the world. I said turn on the TV and you'll agree. Well, they did." How do they manage to keep up on the storylines while traveling on the road? Amos has a simple solution. "My wife and children tape the shows for me and I see them when I'm home."

"I was scared when I was invited to the GH set," admits Amos Otis of the Kansas City Royals. "But once I met Ricky Dean Anderson (ex-Jeff) and Tony Geary, I felt right at home."

Other Captions:

Liza Minnelli wouldn't mind getting her hands on daytime's most popular guy--Tony Geary. She recently invited another GHer Eileen Dietz to her cabaret act in California.

"The Ice Princess storyline is driving me crazy!" moans Sammy Davis, Jr. Each day Sammy faithfully tunes in his favorite soap even when he's on the road.

New York Yankee catcher Rick Cerone has been a fan of General Hospital for a few years now. "I like the way Tony Geary plays the character," admires Rick. "He's a tough guy."

Country star Barbara Mandrell tapes her show right next door to the GH set. "I'm dying to meet Luke," she admits. Sisters Louise (l.) and Irlene (r.) couldn't agree more.

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