‘General Hospital’ star Tristan Rogers dead at 79

Tristan Rogers, who starred as Robert Scorpio on the popular soap opera “General Hospital” for 45 years, has passed away. He was 79.

The beloved soap star’s manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed the shocking news in a statement to ABC on Friday, Aug. 15.

Rogers passed away following a short battle with lung cancer.

“He loved being Scorpio, and he created that role from nothing,” Soodak said. “He was supposed to work a day, and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being, and he loved his family.”

Frank Valentini, who serves as executive producer of “General Hospital,” also shared a touching statement following the news of Rogers’ passing.

“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” Valentini told People. “Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio).”

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed,” Valentini added. “May he rest in peace.”

Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1946, Rogers moved to the US in 1980 and, later that same year, was cast as Robert Scorpio on “General Hospital.”

“I didn’t know at the time the importance of General Hospital; it was just one more job for me,” he told Soap Opera Digest during an interview in 2020. “But it was really exciting, to be fresh off the boat and walk into this role.”

“Of course, after that, everywhere I went, people would go, ‘You’re on General Hospital? That’s the hottest thing in the country! You’re working with Luke and Laura? Oh, my God!’” he continued. “I got caught up in the General Hospital tidal wave and just got swept away by it.”

Although his character was seemingly killed off in 1992, Rogers returned to the show in 2006 when it was revealed that Robert Scorpio was actually still alive.

“I think this character will follow me to my grave,” Rogers told The New York Times almost 20 years before his death.

Following several returns to Port Charles, and after the 2008 spinoff “General Hospital: Night Shift,” Rogers made his final appearance on the long-running soap opera last month when he returned once more to say goodbye to his onscreen daughter, Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson).

Rogers’ publicist, Anthony Turk, announced the actor’s lung cancer diagnosis the same day that his final “General Hospital” episode aired.

“Beloved Emmy-winning actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on the daytime drama, ‘General Hospital,’ revealed to his fans that he has been diagnosed with cancer,” Turk said on July 17.

“While he remains hopeful and is working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan, this is a challenging time for Tristan and his family,” he continued. “As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding.”

Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and children, Sara and Cale. He also had one grandchild.