General Hospital spoilers: It’s a sad day for the daytime community. Tristan Rogers, who played Robert Scorpio off and on since 1980, has passed away at age 79 after his battle with lung cancer.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Rogers Was An Icon In Daytime Television
Rogers was an icon in daytime television, with a career spanning decades and filled with memorable moments on General Hospital as Robert Scorpio.
He also played on The Young and the Restless as Cane Ashby’s (Billy Flynn) father, Colin Atkinson, and on The Bold and the Beautiful as private detective Hunter Jones.
He recently announced he’d been diagnosed with cancer and made his final appearance on GH this past July in coordination with Sofia Mattsson’s and Sasha Corbin’s exit.
Roger’s longtime manager, Mary Soodak, reported the actor had passed away this morning on August 15th.
GH executive producer, Frank Valentini, left the following message on X:
“The entire General Hospital community is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing.
He continued,
“Tristian has captivated our fans for more than 50 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio).”
He added,
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tristian was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Rogers hit the soap scene in December 1980 when he started portraying the character that would define his career, superspy Robert Scorpio.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: In November 2024, Robert And Holly Left Port Charles Together
The popular character enjoyed epic romances with several talented leading ladies, including Jackie Templeton (Demi Moore), Holly Sutton (Emma Samms), and Anna Devane (Finola Hughes).
Rogers’ initial run on GH lasted for twelve years. He returned a few years later to make an appearance as a ghost. Robert returned alive and well in 2006.
The actor reprised his role in the GH spinoff, Night Shift, in 2008 and eventually made his way back to his roots.
He was welcomed back to GH for a few short stints and finally returned on a recurring basis in 2019. In November 2024, Robert and Holly left Port Charles together to set out on an adventure.
They left after Robert learned that he had a daughter with Holly, and she was none other than former Deception model, Sasha Corbin.
His final appearance on the show was fitting as the theme of family was prevalent. Sasha arrived in France with her new baby girl, Daisy Gilmore (Levi Clark Coughlin), to stay with Robert and Holly.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Rogers’ Co-Stars Spoke Highly Of Him
When Sofia Mattsson left GH, Soap Opera Digest interviewed her and she spoke about her final scenes,
“It was special because we don’t normally shoot in order, but my last scenes that aired were actually filmed last.”
She concluded,
“And of course, it was special that they were with Tristian. I really loved how sweet those scenes were.”
Another actress who worked with Rogers also admired the actor. Finola Hughes, who started on GH in April 1985, didn’t screen test with Rogers for the role of Anna Devane.
Hughes gushed,
“I didn’t meet Tristian until I was in my dressing room….looking like Steve McQueen because his hair was short and his blue eyes.”
She added, “His leg went up on the sink, and we rehearsed. And then later, we talked off the set. Legendarily, as he walked away from the set, he turned to me, put his arm around me, and said, “We’re gonna have fun, kid!”
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerton, their children, Sarah and Cale, and their grandchildren. On behalf of Daily Soap Dish, our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please revisit Daily Soap Dish.
