Actor Anthony Geary is leaving ABC's soap opera "General Hospital" after 37 years on the show, TheWrap reports.

Geary played Luke Spencer in ABC's long running series since 1978. His exit comes at the time that Genie Francis is returning to "General Hospital" as Laura Spencer.

The show's executive producer Frank Valentini said Geary felt that it was the right time to leave the series.

"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," Valentini said. "After 37 years on the air, Tony felt this was the right time to bid adieu to Luke Spencer, Port Charles and 'General Hospital.'"

Geary will remain on "General Hospital" throughout the summer before officially exiting.

"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," Valentini said. "The door will always remain open, so don't think this is the last you'll see of Anthony Geary or Luke Spencer."

Genie Francis will participate in the episode that covers Geary's exit line.

On the show, Luke Spencer married Laura Vining in 1981, New York Daily News notes. Their marriage drew in more than 30 million viewers and just may have saved "General Hospital."

Francis left the show in the past and returned in 1983 to participate in Geary's first exit storyline. Geary returned to "General Hospital" in 1993 and stayed while Francis has come and gone several times.

Geary started out in the show in 1978 in order to attract younger viewers.

Luke Spencer got drunk one night and raped Laura. Then the storyline shifted, and they became a couple that fans have grown to love. Throughout the series, the couple has had two children while experiencing divorce and serious mental illness.

Geary has won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for playing Luke Spencer.