Tony Geary has played Luke Spencer on "General Hospital" on and off since 1978. He and his character go off in a fog on Monday. No, really — going off in a fog is the exit strategy.

In an amazing interview with Michael Logan (which can be found on TV Insider), Geary shows he is no toady as he talks about his stay on the show, warts and all. He discusses his not-so-loving relationship with Genie Francis, who plays Laura, the decades-long love of Luke's life. Over the years I have interviewed Geary several times. Sometimes he was content with his character. Other times, as in Logan's interview, he bemoaned being saddled with the character.

The late Jonathan Frid played Barnabas on "Dark Shadows" and claimed the role ruined his career, but in a large part it was his career. Not so for Geary. He has done lots of acting (film, prime-time TV and stage) during his "General Hospital" stint, never limiting himself. In his interview he spares no one, not even himself.

Geary says that former executive producer Wendy Riche and the show's present head-writer, Ron Carlivati, have never talked to him. He does recall a minor nod of the head when they shared a table at the last Daytime Emmy Awards. While Geary loved working with Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) one last time, he hated the sendoff, which included bringing Frank Smith and Jake back from the dead. He suggests that the plotline that tried to explain why Luke was always skipping town is resolved. Geary's work this year — playing a man who killed his parents and had an alternate personality — is probably the best work he has ever done. And, with eight Best Daytime Acting Emmys on his shelf, that is saying a lot. Geary says he will enter the Emmy race this year. As for his acting career, he does not plan to stop. He tells Logan he gave up acting on "General Hospital," but he does not plan to give up acting.

Jerry Douglas (John Abbott) makes another ghostly appearance on "The Young and Restless" on August 18. Most likely he will be advising Jack on how to deal with his situation with Victor.

Working with Nielsen ratings, CBS is handing out a questionnaire that will allow fans to share what they like and do not like about "The Young and the Restless." Fans can share their opinions on important issues such as which characters they tune in to see, which characters they'd like to see go, which characters need entirely new circumstances and how the storylines of the past year have influenced viewing habits. To give your opinions, head to SoapCentral.com and find the hyperlink that says "CBS Wants to Know Your Thoughts on Y&R."

This is an interesting state of affairs. Executive Producer Jill Farren Phelps said in an interview she does not read social media sites concerning the show. At present, she and Sony/CBS are said to be in contract talks. The ratings of the show have never been higher. So why a poll, which costs money to conduct?

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.