Renowned 'General Hospital' actor, Tristan Rogers, passes away at 79 following a tough fight against lung cancer.
Tristan Rogers, Iconic 'General Hospital' Actor, Passes Away at 79
Tristan Rogers, the Australian actor best known for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. Rogers' death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Meryl Soodak.
Rogers' association with Robert Scorpio was a significant part of his career. He first landed a two-day role on the show in 1980 and returned intermittently during the course of 45 years. His commanding presence and memorable storylines, including surviving a fiery explosion in 1992 and returning in 2006, made him a fan favorite. In fact, his role on General Hospital "meant everything to him," according to Rogers himself.
One of Scorpio's most memorable storylines was his on-again/off-again romance with Emma Samms' character, Holly Sutton. The pair shared a daughter, Robin, played by Kimberly McCullough. In a poignant twist, Samms returned to the show last fall, where it was revealed that Scorpio was the father of her adult daughter, Sasha Gilmore (played by Sofia Mattson). This reunion took place in July, when Sasha arrived to Scorpio's home in France with her new baby.
Beyond General Hospital, Rogers had other notable roles. He acted in The Rescuers Down Under (1990) and appeared in the series The Bay (2010). He was also credited as a writer, and his broader acting career included various other television and film projects, although none achieved the same level of recognition as his Scorpio role.
Rogers was a family man. He was married to Teresa Parkerson from 1995 until his death in 2025. They had two children, including a son named Cale, and a grandson. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen and passed away in Palm Springs, California, after a battle with lung cancer. Interestingly, Rogers was never a smoker.
Rogers' passing marks the end of an era for General Hospital fans. His portrayal of Robert Scorpio will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic performances in the history of the soap opera.
Sources:
- Soap Opera Digest
- TV Line
In the wake of Tristan Rogers' passing, the entertainment landscape has lost a significant figure, the talented actor renowned for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital. Throughout the years, Rogers' portrayal of this beloved character intertwined with celebrities such as Emma Samms, Kimberly McCullough, and Sofia Mattson, creating unforgettable storylines that captivated audiences.
