Frank Valentini issues statement on Geary's exit

Frank Valentini issues statement on Geary's exit

General Hospital EP Frank Valentini has released a statement regarding Anthony Geary's decision to exit General Hospital.

General Hospital's executive producer, Frank Valentini, has released a statement regarding Tony Geary's (Luke Spencer) decision not to renew his contract with the ABC soap.

"Tony recently made his intentions clear that he would vacate his role of Luke Spencer this year, and it was a decision he did not come to lightly," said Valentini in a statement. "After 37 years on the air, Tony felt this was the right time to bid adieu to Luke Spencer, Port Charles and General Hospital. Anthony is our friend and a part of our television family, but, as difficult as this may be, we understand and respect that this is his choice. Rest assured, Tony has promised to be with us throughout the summer as we have some exciting things in store for Luke. The door will always remain open, so don't think this is the last you'll see of Anthony Geary or Luke Spencer."

On Twitter, General Hospital's cast and crew shared their thoughts on the Emmy winner's impending exit.

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"It's been an honor & a privilege to write for Anthony Geary & Luke Spencer," head writer Ron Carlivati shared. "We're taking them both on a hell of a ride before he goes..."

Added Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake), "The opportunity to work with a legend like Tony Geary, to learn from him, to consider him a friend... beyond anything you hope for as an actor. I don't think any one person is as big as the show itself. But if one person is close... It's this man. #TonyGeary. The honor is ours."

MORE ON TONY GEARY'S EXIT FROM GENERAL HOSPITAL
• You can read more about Tony Geary's exit from General Hospital here
13 fun facts you probably didn't know about Tony Geary
• To read a statement from General Hospital's executive producer Frank Valentini, click here

What is your reaction to Geary's announcement that he is exiting GH? What is your all-time favorite Luke moment? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.

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