I really don't understand a lot of his point of view. I think you are exactly right that the fans wanted to see the side of Luke that was hopelessly in love with one woman...Laura. The further they got away from that, the less appealing the character, IMO. Of course, you can't make an actor stay in a role, and Genie's departure really should have marked the end of the couple or they should have tried to re-cast, something that probably would not have worked.
I'm not watching GH any more, so I can't comment on Genie's take on laura without Luke. I would imagine that the problem exists for her too. They created something very special and unique. it wasn't going to be easy for either of them to stand alone after that.
Which brings me to another issue. I still detect a note of bitterness in him about how his career was stifled by this. He has regrets that he didn't go to NY to try to parlay his fame into a stage career. The truth is that he has his secure life in Amsterdam because he stayed at GH. He might have had some success on the stage, but that life isn't easy. It also doesn't offer a lot of financial guarantees. Most actors don't have the luxury of having enough to give themselves comfortable retirements. He was truly blessed that his talents were appreciated and displayed as this wonderful character. Luke Spencer, Genie Francis and Gloria Monty gave him a good life. He was very lucky indeed.
They get into a good conversation about being true to their characters. But I think in Luke's case, his character changed a lot after he fell in love with Laura. Tony never wanted Luke to be the good husband and father. Luke never would have cheated on Laura. But after Genie left I think Tony pushed to have Luke more like he was before he met her. But that's not the Luke that fans fell in love with. Laura made him a lovable character.
So great to see Tony! He looks great and it was a fantastic interview.
Fantastic interview...one of the best I have heard him do. I loved his references to working with Genie. I wish that he would bring back Luke even if only for a death scene and a fitting conclusion to LnL. Thanks so much for posting that!
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