Who was Tristan Rogers? General Hospital star who played Robert Scorpio dies at 79 after tough lung cancer battle
Known for his charm, sharp wit, and undeniable on-screen presence, he became a staple in the General Hospital show's fictional city, Port Charles, for over four decades. Fans and co-stars remember him not only for his legendary storylines but also for his kindness and loyalty off-screen. His legacy in the soap opera world will endure for years.
Robert Scorpio and General Hospital fame
Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rodgers) first appeared in Port Charles as a secret agent, later becoming the police commissioner. Tristan Rogers was part of the General Hospital show's 'golden era' in the early 1980s, sharing the screen with the iconic Luke and Laura storyline, which drew record-breaking audiences. His character navigated espionage plots, love triangles, and high-stakes drama, becoming a central figure in General Hospital for decades.
Fans admired not just the thrilling plots but also the depth Rogers brought to the role. His performance helped define what many consider one of the most memorable periods in soap opera history.
A legacy beyond the screen
Colleagues and fans remember Tristan Rogers as a warm, loyal, and down-to-earth person behind the camera. His manager, Meryl Soodak, shared that the role of Robert Scorpio 'meant everything' to him and that he loved the connection he built with the audience.
Another sad day for our GH fam💔: Tristian Rogers has passed away this morning at the age of 79. We lost one of the greats. Thank you for all you have given us Tristian. May he rest in peace 🙏🏼🕊️ #GH pic.twitter.com/DGDi0Th7qx
Even after decades in the industry, Rogers continued returning to General Hospital, proving his dedication to the show and its fans. His passing leaves a void in the soap opera community, but his work will continue to inspire future generations of actors and entertain viewers through countless memorable episodes.
Tristan Rodgers' family life
Tristan Rogers shared a loving life with his wife, Teresa Parkerson, whom he married on May 21, 1995. The couple built a close family, raising two children together. Their daughter, Sara Jane, was born on August 25, 1992, and their son, Cale, arrived in August 1996. Beyond his television career, Rogers valued his role as a husband and father, often expressing his love for his family in interviews.
I know the sadness I feel at this news is shared by so many of you. #TristanRogers was one of the coolest, funniest people I ever met. Whenever we were together, which wasn't nearly often enough, we never missed a chance to try to crack the other one up. I wish I'd had more of… pic.twitter.com/4lqrfe0bLM
He was also a proud grandfather, cherishing time with his grandchild. Those closest to him remember him as a deeply loyal and kind man whose greatest joy came from his family.
Who was Tristan Rogers?
Tristan Rogers was an Australian-born actor whose career spanned television, film, and stage, but he will always be most remembered for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on General Hospital. Joining the show in 1980,
The 79-year-old transformed what was meant to be a short-term role into a defining character in soap opera history. Scorpio became a fan favourite for his suave, adventurous spirit and quick wit, often at the centre of dramatic and romantic storylines.
Over the years, Rogers also appeared in The Young and the Restless, The Bay, and several films, solidifying his status as a versatile and respected performer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Tristan Rogers Of ‘General Hospital' Dead, Fans Remember Robert Scorpio
/ Aug 16, 2025, 04:45PM IST Tristan Rogers, celebrated for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, has passed away at 79, leaving fans and the soap world in deep mourning. Executive producer Frank Valentini paid tribute, saying Rogers captivated audiences for 45 years and that Port Charles will never be the same without him. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers started in music and modeling before pursuing acting, eventually moving to Los Angeles and landing a brief role on General Hospital in 1980. Originally introduced as the minor antagonist 'CK8,' he soon evolved into the legendary spy Robert Scorpio, whose romances with Holly Sutton and Anna Devane, as well as fatherhood of Robin and Sasha, became fan favorites. Beyond General Hospital, Rogers appeared in The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless, and Studio City, earning a Daytime Emmy along the way. He is survived by his wife Teresa Parkerson, a daughter, and a son, leaving an enduring legacy in daytime television.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Actor Tristan Rogers Dies At 79
Washington: Tristan Rogers, who was best known for playing the role of Robert Scorpio on the daytime soap opera General Hospital, has passed away, his manager confirmed to ABC 7. He was 79. Meryl Soodak shared that Rogers's cause of death was a battle with lung cancer, despite having not been a smoker. "He loved being Scorpio, and he created that role from nothing," Soodak shared with the outlet. "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." The news comes less than a month after the Australian star revealed his lung cancer diagnosis, which coincided with his final appearance on General Hospital, as per the outlet. "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," a July statement from his rep read. "As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding." They added that Rogers, who starred on General Hospital from 1980 to 1992, but made recurring appearances through 2025, was grateful to his fans, saying he "wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years." Although he was part of numerous soap operas, like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, the role of Robert Scorpio in General Hospital was always special for him. "The role allowed for the creation of a character that was fresh and different for daytime television," he shared on the That's Awesome podcast in 2020, "as a sort of intriguing--mysterious type," reported E! News. At the height of the character's popularity, Rogers couldn't go out in public without being recognised, explaining that it made "it almost impossible for me to do something as simple as going to a store without security." "I did not realize that this two-day shoot would turn into a role that would explode," he continued. "One that I would play for decades," reported E! News. Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa, as well as children Sara Jane, 32, and Cale, 29.
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
General Hospital actor Tristan Rogers passes away at 79
Washington, DC [US], August 16 (ANI): Tristan Rogers, who was best known for playing the role of Robert Scorpio on the daytime soap opera 'General Hospital', has passed away, his manager confirmed to ABC 7. He was 79, reported E! News. Meryl Soodak shared that Rogers's cause of death was a battle with lung cancer, despite having not been a smoker. "He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing," Soodak shared with the outlet. "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." The news comes less than a month after the Australian star revealed his lung cancer diagnosis, which coincided with his final appearance on General Hospital, as per the outlet. "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," a July statement from his rep read. "As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding." They added that Rogers, who starred on General Hospital from 1980 to 1992, but made recurring appearances through 2025, was grateful to his fans, saying he "wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years." Although he was part of numerous soap operas, like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, the role of Robert Scorpio in General Hospital was always special for him. "The role allowed for the creation of a character that was fresh and different for daytime television," he shared on the That's Awesome podcast in 2020, "as a sort of intriguing--mysterious type," reported E! News. At the height of the character's popularity, Rogers couldn't go out in public without being recognised, explaining that it made "it almost impossible for me to do something as simple as going to a store without security." "I did not realize that this two-day shoot would turn into a role that would explode," he continued. "One that I would play for decades," reported E! News. Rogers is survived by his wife of 20 years Teresa, as well as children Sara Jane, 32, and Cale, 29. (ANI)
