Luke and Laura (General Hospital) The granddaddy of all couples, these two wrote the book on romance. Though they got off to a dubious start (who can forget the infamous rape), Luke and Laura have been married for nearly 15 years. A recent separation caused by Laura's worry over Luke's rather dangerous friends threatened to break them up, but in this case, love did conquer all. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are still going strong.

April 2, 1996 - Soap Opera Update, "The Best Stories Of All Time" LUKE AND LAURA'S COURTSHIP, GENERAL HOSPITAL Considered by some to be the greatest soap love story ever told, the saga of Luke and Laura is still going strong today--some 15 years after their passion first ignited. Back in the early '80s, the courtship that brought this rather unlikely pair together kept viewers glued to their television sets through one adventure after another. The combination of humor and anguish that played throughout the initial storyline added a realism that soaps had never had before. Their wedding day, in fact, is the highest-rated episode in soap history.

July 23, 1996 - Soap Opera Update, "Special Report"

GENERAL HOSPITAL's Luke & Laura

On GH, Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) was probably more surprised than anyone, when after a quixotic evening with Laura Baldwin (Genie Francis) that included dinner at the Versailles Room and dancing by candlelight on the docks of Port Charles, he asked her to marry him. Although they were thrilled for the future, they had some past problems to work out before the big day could take place. As Laura searched to find her erstwhile husband Scotty (Kin Shriner) in Mexico, Luke continued his hunt for the Ice Princess. On the tropical island which housed the evil Cassadines' secret underground lair, Luke and Laura helped thwart the family's plan to hold the world hostage via a deep freeze. With that little problem solved, they quickly began to plan what would become the most watched wedding in the history of daytime. Even Elizabeth Taylor was on the guest list!

July 29, 1996 - TV Guide, "The 100 Most Memorable Moments in TV History"

16. The Wedding of Luke & Laura (November 16-17, 1981) On the lawn of the Port Charles mayoral mansion, on a perfect autumn afternoon, Laura Webber Baldwin--a vision in white--and Lucas Lorenzo Spencer--in a gray cutaway, his permed hair rustling in the breeze--spoke their vows with quivering lips. It had been a stormy romance, starting with the night a drunken Luke raped Laura in a deserted disco. Ah well, the course of love never runs smooth on daytime. But their relationship on General Hospital resulted in the most celebrated wedding in the annals of soaps. As they walked down the aisle, Luke pumped his two fists in a show of giddy victory. Then we heard a shadowy, uninvited guest (OK, it was Elizabeth Taylor) swear, "Curse you, Laura and Luke!" So much for happy endings.

October 15, 1996 - Soap Opera Update, "Recaps"

Kevin has his day in court
An angry Felicia cannot be talked out of pressing charges against Kevin. Knowing he needs help and compassion, Lucy asks Kevin to marry her. She then hires attorney Alexis Davis, a new Port Charles arrival. Kevin's myriad of problems drive a wedge between Mac and Katherine. But Lucy is surprised when Katherine offers her support. Kevin shows up in court and shocks everyone.

Tempted Tony
As Carly and Tony get this close to making love, a rare pang of conscience forces Carly to put him off, saying that she can't hurt Bobbie. Carly and Tony commiserate over their hopeless passion and Carly decides to quite the nursing program to put distance between them. Soon after, the two do wind up sleeping together. Meanwhile, Stefan has Bobbie followed when Luke arranges for he to meet the adoptive mom of her daughter, Caroline. The two women connect in the hope of finding the runaway girl.

Nikolas gets hurt
After Nikolas is seriously injured during a fight with Lucky,Stefan and the Spencers keep a vigil for the injured teen. Luke notices that Stefan and Laura are growing closer because of Nikolas, so he insists that Laura tell Nikolas she can never see him again. Bobbie berates her brother for forcing the mother and son apart, but Laura tearfully tells Nikolas goodbye...for now.

Ned and Lois split

Ned and Loisanxiously await the birth of their baby, but problems at ELQ begin to unravel their relationship. Meanwhile, Tracy tells Jax that their ELQ takeover plot is coming undone. Brenda realizes her husband Jax is more like Sonny than she ever realized. After a screaming match with Tracy, Lois moves to L.A., leaving Ned heartbroken and wondering if she'll ever return.

Happiness for the Q's

Alan and Monica leave Jason's birthday gifts at Jake's and celebrate the occasion on their own. In a speech to the city council, A.J. borrows one of Jason's ideas. Keesha continues to offer A.J. her support, which boosts his confidence. Jason offers Carly advice on how to make life decisions.

October 29, 1996 - Soap Opera Update, Previews

GH: STEFAN IS STAYING ON
IN OUR LAST ISSUE: Stefan and Nikolas' exit from Port Charles was being prevented by a crisis only Stefan could avert: the closure of General Hospital. Laura was about to choose between asking Stefan to stay, which would save the hospital, or making him leave, which would save her family's sanity.
NOW: At Laura's request, Stefan is staying in Port Charles. Alan has given Stefan a seat on the hospital's board of directors, which, while assuring that the place will be saved, doesn't sit well with Tom. The excitable shrink pitched a fit that pales in comparison only to the hissies that Laura's hubby, Luke, has thrown lately.
AND BEYOND: Livid with Laura for letting the Cassadines drop anchor in Port Chuck, Luke and Lucky will set sail for safer harbors. Off-screen, Tony Geary (Luke) is going on vacation for two months, and Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) is splitting the soap.

October 29, 1996 - Soap Opera Update, "Exclusive Preview: Storyline Shake-Ups"

GENERAL HOSPITAL: BOBBIE CATCHES TONY AND CARLY IN THE ACT

Responding to a tip planted by Stefan, Bobbie arrives at the lake cabin just in time to discover her husband, Tony, making love to Carly (who, though Bobbie doesn't know it yet, is also Bobbie's long-lost daughter, Caroline). Distraught and despondent, Bobbie finds comfort in Stefan's arms. Tony is upset that Bobbie had to find out the truth this way, but he is not ready to give up his young lover.

"The interesting thing to me is that, in spite of all the pain he's caused to himself and his family, he has no remorse," says Brad Maule (Tony) of his character. "He stubbornly clings to the fact that Carly is not wrong for him. This has been the only time he's felt alive since his daughter's death. The first instinct of a person is survival, and this is his one chance at survival, regardless of what the consequences may be."

Meanwhile, Luke returns from Florida armed with the true identity of Bobbie's daughter, Caroline. But when he learns about Tony's infidelity, Luke makes a decision that will affect all their lives: He confronts Caroline/Carly, then tells her she will continue on as "Carly" if she knows what's good for her. On Friday, October 18, Carly flees Luke's threats and finds sanctuary with Jason. Luke tells Bobbie that he's learned Caroline is dead, becoming yet another player in this game of deception. Tony arrives to discuss their marital problems and learns about the secret daughter Bobbie has been hiding.

"It's like we've opened one door," says Maule, "and a bunch of skeletons have fallen out." Can't wait to see what's behind door number two!

Caption: Luke's threats may not be enough to keep Carly from telling Bobbie her true identity. Top: GH'S Tony chose to mask his true feelings about the loss of his daughter, and as a result, his marriage suffered. Right: Seductive Carly has made herself irresistible to the needy Tony.

February 8, 1997 - TV Guide, "TV's 20 Most Romantic Moments"

2. GENERAL HOSPITAL
LUKE & LAURA'S WEDDING
No other couple in soap opera history has captured the viewing public's fascination like Lucas Lorenzo Spencer and Laura Webber Baldwin. So, when the lovebirds finally sealed their rocky courtship at the altar in November 1981, more than 16 million viewers stopped to witness the two-day extravaganza. As the bride and groom pledged their eternal love to one another on the mayor's lawn, the good people of Port Charles and fans everywhere took heart at this happiest of all endings.

March 25, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

Luke (to Alexis): "I'm like a bad haircut. I grow out at my own pace."

April 1, 1997 - Soap Opera News, "Newsreel"

'Laura Is Luke's Heart and Humanity'
Exclusive Interview with GH's Anthony Geary

Breaking up is hard to do--just ask Anthony Geary. The General Hospital star who plays Luke Spencer is losing onscreen partner Genie Francis (Laura), who has taken a leave of absence. She and her husband, actor Jonathan Frakes, are expecting their second child in July. They already have a 2 1/2-year-old son, Benjamin.

In an exclusive interview with SON, Geary reveals his thoughts about Luke and Laura--and life without Genie.

"I just love working with her," says Geary. "The way Genie and I work, Laura is Luke's heart and humanity. Whether she's on camera or not, her presence is there. Laura will always be in Luke's life. But I prefer to have Genie here."

General Hospital Executive Producer Wendy Riche says Francis will return to Port Charles, along with Denise Alexander (Lesley), for the month of May. "Then Genie will leave to have her baby and hopefully return in the fall."

Geary is philosophical about his costar's plans. "This is daytime--we come, we go, we come back," he points out. "I just want to work with her again, and hope we get a good story."

For Geary and Francis' fans, there's no doubt that any story Luke and Laura are in will be a good one. After all, they've been through it all: abduction, fire, prison, a near-ice age--and 15 years of marriage.

April 1, 1997 - Soap Opera News, "Spring Preview"

Luke provokes Bobbie to seek the truth about her marriage to Stefan and convinces Carly to spy on Katherine during their physical therapy sessions.

April 15, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Paparazzi"

This photo ran when Tony--along with Stephen Nichols (Stefan) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie) attended the 5th Annual First Americans in the Arts awards at L.A.'s Beverly Hilton to see Tyler Baker honored.

April 15, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Gossip"

That's What Friends Are For: As soap folklore has it, back in 1981, Helena Cassadine put a vengeful curse on the newly married Luke and Laura. In real life, the Greek diva's then-portrayer, Elizabeth Taylor, cast an enchanting spell over Anthony Geary (Luke), and so began a 16-year friendship. Geary was one of hundreds of well-wishers attending Taylor's 65th birthday bash in February. "It was the most star-studded event I've ever attended," shares the actor, who was joined by such famous foks as Madonna, Cher, Rod Stewart, and Michael Jackson in saluting the screen legend. "Everybody in the world seemed to be there, and they were all filled with admiration and respect for Elizabeth." The event doubled as a fund-raiser; more than $1 million was raised for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, an organization that has garnered millions for research. Despite facing surgery for a benign brain tumor just days after the part, Taylor refused to cancel the festivities. "The woman looked radiant," Geary recalls.

GH's Anthony is a friend forever to pal Elizabeth.

April 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Late-Breaking News" Excerpt from an entry entitled "Who Snagged Emmy Nods?"; Genie Francis (Laura), Jackie Zeman (Bobbie), Sarah Brown (Carly), and Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) were all nominated alongside Tony: "I'm thrilled that my whole family was nominated, number one," exulted Anthony Geary (Luke) later that day. "And I am very honored to be included with this list of gentlemen." Lead Actor: David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC); Anthony Geary (Luke, GH, above c.); Justin Deas (Buzz, GUIDING LIGHT); Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R); Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R)

April 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "10 Storylines We're Tired Of"

1 Rape
This heinous crime doesn't always end with the appropriate punishment on soaps. In some cases, it's even led to romance (GENERAL HOSPITAL's Luke and Laura, GUIDING LIGHT's Roger and Holly). Recently, AS THE WORLD TURNS constructed a harrowing scene in which Diego raped his former lover, Emily. Diego was killed soon after, depriving Emily of the opportuntiy to confront her attacker. At least Emily wasn't the one in the wedding dress when he died.

April 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Luke and Lucky discuss Lesley's reaction to meeting Nikolas.)
Lucky: "Grandma really seemed to like him."
Luke: "Grandma ain't playin' with a full deck."

April 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Ask Us"

Q Did GENERAL HOSPITAL's Lucky come to Port Charles before Luke and Laura returned?

A When Luke and Laura realized that gangster Frank Smith had located their home in Canada, they sent Lucky to stay with Aunt Ruby, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer joined him in Port Charles shortly afterward.

July 1, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

(Alexis walks up.)
Luke (to Bobbie): "You know I'm right."
Alexis: "Why is it that every time I see you, you're always telling someone you're right?"
Luke: "White, I said white. She asked why I'm a lousy dancer and I said, 'You know I'm white.'"

July 8, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Roundup"

Q: Who is the most underrated actor on your show?
Anthony Geary (Luke, GH): "I think we're all underrated."

July 15, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Classic Lines"

Luke (about Nikolas): "Once he's away from Uncle Fester, the kid might develop human tendencies."

(Lucky wants to skip school.)
Ruby: "Well, you better get a note from your father."
Lucky: "That's all right. I know his signature."
Luke (proudly): "He does it better than me!"
(Ruby storms off, exasperated.)
Luke: "What's wrong with that?"

July 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Thumbs Up! and Down!"
Thumbs Up! General Hospital: Sibling Revelry

We were less-than-thrilled when GENERAL HOSPITAL turned Luke and Bobbie, once unconditionally devoted siblings, into bitter enemies. Sure, she married Stefan, Luke's worst enemy...and Luke lied to Bobbie about Laura dying in an explosion. But the Spencers have been through worse together, and their relationship remained intact.

Recently, however, GH redeemed itself by reuniting Luke and Bobbie, and coming full circle as they secretly teamed up to bring down deceitful Stefan. Yes, it took a while for Luke to make his sister see Stefan's true colors, but once she did, it was as if their rift had never occurred. Together, Luke and Bobbie devised an intricate plan to infiltrate Stefan's computer system and expose the Cassadine computer virus plot.

The best part? Bobbie and Luke carried out their plan under Stefan's nose. Luke would suddenly pop up out of the secret panels in Wyndemere. (Remember when he stalled Stefan in the corridor outside the Steve Hardy Library as Bobbie cracked Stefan's computer password from inside?) But the icing on the cake was the dramatic denouement: Bobbie trying to drug Stefan to steal his Cassadine medal...Stefan catching her red-handed...and the ensuing fight in which Bobbie admitted her alliance with Luke and swore revenge on her husband.

Once again, Bobbie has the right man in her life--her brother, Luke. That's truly bad news for Stefan. And come to think of it, it's bad news for Carly, too. But that's another Thumbs....

July 22, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Take Five"

Anthony Geary (Luke, GENERAL HOSPITAL)

How do you like to spend a day off?
"If I can't get out of town, I like to Rollerblade all day in the sun."

Who is your dream co-star, and why?
"Genie Francis [Laura, GH], because it works, obviously."

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
"Bali, because of the pretty people and the nude beach."

What song always cheers you up when you are depressed?
"It changes. Right now, it's 'Neighborhood' by Space."

What would people be surprised to know about you?
"I don't enjoy acting anymore."

August 12, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "For Better...OR WORSE"

The following is from an article on the changing nature of soap operas:

"Daytime is reflective of where the world is," Labine sighs. "It's the escapist fantasy of the day, and in different times, there were different idioms that worked. When [GENERAL HOSPITAL's] Luke and Laura were running around, saving the world from the Cassadines, that was the standard soap paradigm for that time and place.... Now, the shows have moved on, and that doesn't necessarily make them better or worse than before. They're just different."

Caption: Are GH's Luke and Laura (Anthony Geary and Genie Francis) still the magical couple that they used to be?

August 26, 1997 - Soap Opera Digest, "Lucky's Charms"

The following is from an interview with Jonathan Jackson:

At present, Jackson doesn't have a steady girlfriend off-screen. But, after receiving some sage dating advice from GH dad Anthony Geary (Luke), Jackson knows what he's not looking for. "[He] advised me, 'Date an actress; never marry one.' Maybe it's just me, but a lot of the actresses I've worked with are very absorbed in their fame and how they look. So I've decided, with a few exceptions, I'm going to try to stay away from them."

Jackson affectionately describes Geary as one of his best friends--and greatest champions. Case in point: When Jackson considered quitting last year, Geary announced he'd rather they kill off the character of Lucky than recast the role. "He was serious," says Jackson with a sly smile. "Lucky and Luke's relationship--as well as mine and Tony's--is a close understanding as people, and a respect as actors and friends. He didn't want to work with the character Lucky without having me there, and I'd never want to play opposite another Luke." Lucky for us.

This photo ran in an announcement of an exhibition by The Museum of Television and Radio and the book that accompanied it, entitled Worlds Without End: The Art and History of the Soap Opera. Luke and Laura's wedding photo graces the cover of the volume, along with photos from four other soaps.

November 11, 1997 - Soaps in Depth, "Trends"

This bit ran in an article from the Port Charles sections on past disasters in Port Charles.

Too Cold For Comfort
1981 Mikkos Cassadine plotted to put the world at his mercy via a snow-producing weather machine--starting with Port Charles. The temperature dropped rapidly, and PC was declared a disaster area when it was blanketed by a mysterious June blizzard. Luckily, during a scuffle with Luke, Mikkos fell into a deadly ice chamber and froze to death, and Luke shut off the snow machine.

1981: Were it not for Laura and Luke, Port Charles might have become a year-round winter resort.

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