Luke & Laura: Soap's Iconic Wedding Stuns 30 Million

General Hospital's iconic supercouple, Luke and Laura, tied the knot in November 1981 in a wedding event that captured the attention of 30 million viewers, an unprecedented number for an American soap opera. The ceremony featured a surprising cameo from legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor, who portrayed Helena Cassidine, adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to the dramatic nuptials.

While the romance between Luke Spencer, played by the late Anthony Geary, and Laura Webber, portrayed by Genie Francis, eventually became a fan favorite, its origins were controversial, including a nonconsensual encounter. Francis has since expressed regret over the storyline, acknowledging its difficult nature. Nevertheless, their relationship propelled General Hospital to immense popularity, with their storylines averaging 14 million viewers at their peak.

The wedding day itself was not without its dramatic interruptions, including Laura's ex-husband Scotty Baldwin's attempt to catch the bouquet and Taylor's character delivering a curse. The demanding nature of carrying such popular storylines took a toll on both Francis and Geary, leading to their departures and returns over the years before Luke's character was written off in 2022.