General Hospital is the longest running American television serial drama, airing on ABC.[1] Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, the series premiered on April 1, 1963. Former cast member Rachel Ames was previously the series' longest-running cast member, portraying Audrey Hardy from 1964 to 2007, and making guest appearances in 2009 and 2013, the latter for the series' fiftieth anniversary.[2] Ames made a special appearance on October 30, 2015.[3][4]Anthony Geary, who has portrayed Luke Spencer, was the fourth longest-running cast member, having joined General Hospital in November 1978.[5] Geary made his last appearance on May 4, 2017.[6] This is a list of previous cast members.