Longtime ‘General Hospital’ Star Tristan Rogers Passes Away at 79

Tristan Rogers, renowned for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on ABC’s long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” passed away on Friday at the age of 79. His death occurred less than a month after he made a special appearance on the show, leaving a significant void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.

Frank Valentini, the executive producer of “General Hospital,” expressed the collective sorrow of the cast and crew in a statement. “The entire ‘General Hospital’ family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” he said. “Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him—or Robert Scorpio.”

From Australia to Hollywood

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers began his career in entertainment during his early twenties, initially playing drums in a rock band. After the band’s dissolution, he ventured into commercial work and modeling for financial stability. Rogers later decided to pursue acting, taking on various roles in Australia before relocating to Los Angeles to seek opportunities in Hollywood.

Despite initial challenges due to his accent, Rogers landed a two-day role on “General Hospital” in 1980. Reflecting on that moment, he told fellow actor Maurice Benard during a 2022 interview on the YouTube show “State of Mind with Maurice Benard,” “I had no idea at that point how big the show was. I was brought in expressly to beat up the hero, Luke, and then disappear.”

His journey on the soap opera took an unexpected turn when then-executive producer Gloria Monty asked him to stay on. With no character written for him, Rogers spent three weeks in scenes “looking furtive, looking suspicious” until a storyline was developed. Ultimately, he was given the name Robert Scorpio, a character who became a staple in the series.

Legacy of Robert Scorpio

Rogers’ portrayal of Robert Scorpio resonated deeply with audiences, particularly through his romantic entanglements. His on-again, off-again relationship with Holly Sutton, played by Emma Samms, and his partnership with fellow spy Anna Devane, portrayed by Finola Hughes, were fan favorites. Together, Scorpio and Devane shared a daughter, Robin, played by Kimberly McCullough.

In a storyline that echoed classic cinema, Rogers and Samms departed the show in November 2024, with scenes reminiscent of “Casablanca.” He made a brief return in July 2025, where it was revealed that his character had become a grandfather, showcasing the enduring legacy of his role.

Rogers’ health challenges became public knowledge when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite this, he remained connected to his fans and colleagues, who admired his resilience and dedication.

Beyond “General Hospital,” Rogers had notable roles on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Studio City,” where he received an award for outstanding supporting actor in a digital drama series at the Daytime Emmy Awards.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, as well as a daughter and a son. The impact of his work and the fond memories he created will continue to resonate with fans and the entertainment community.