Hollywood Mourns: Tristan Rogers, Beloved ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies at 79
Australian actor Tristan Rogers, widely known for his iconic portrayal of Robert Scorpio on the long-running ABC soap General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79. His death, confirmed by his longtime manager Meryl Soodak, occurred on the morning of August 15, 2025, following a brief but valiant battle with lung cancer.
Tristan Rogers career highlights
Rogers first captivated audiences in 1980 with what was supposed to be a one-day role that quickly transformed into a legendary character. Over the years, he appeared in over 1,400 episodes, becoming one of daytime television’s most enduring figures.
His character was central to the unforgettable 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura, which drew some 30 million viewers—still the most-watched soap episode in U.S. history.
Meryl Soodak spoke emotionally about Rogers’s legacy:
“He loved being Scorpio… he created that role from nothing. He was supposed to work one day and he turned that into something iconic. He was a genuinely loyal, kind human being who deeply loved his family.”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini also paid tribute, offering condolences to fans and colleagues:
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken. Tristan Rogers enthralled viewers for more than four decades. Port Charles will never be the same without him or Robert Scorpio. He was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.”
A Storied Career Beyond General Hospital
Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1946, Tristan Rogers began his acting journey with roles in Australian TV dramas such as Bellbird, Number 96, The Box, and The Link Men. After relocating to Hollywood, he became a soap opera staple. His work extended beyond GH, including notable roles in The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Babylon 5. He also showcased his voice acting skills in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under.
In 2008, Rogers reprised his role in the soap spinoff General Hospital: Night Shift. More recently, he delivered a compelling performance in Prime Video’s digital drama Studio City, earning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series in 2020, followed by another nomination in 2021.
Final Acts and Lasting Legacy
Rogers revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. His final appearance on General Hospital coincided with this difficult time, but he remained in close touch with his medical team and continued to express gratitude to his fans for their decades of support.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, their two children, Sara and Cale, and a grandchild.
