The most iconic TV doctor, Chris Robinson of General Hospital, dies at 86

Express Tribune

11-06-2025

Chris Robinson, an actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital, passed away on June 9 at the age of 86. He died of heart failure in his sleep at his ranch near Sedona, Arizona. The news was shared on social media by his friend and colleague, MJ Allen.
Robinson's career spanned over six decades and included more than 100 roles in television and film. His most iconic role was that of Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital, where he became a fixture from 1978 to 1986. The character of Dr. Webber, an adoptive father to Laura (played by Genie Francis), was woven into pop culture, particularly during the 1980s when the Luke and Laura storyline captivated viewers. Robinson's character met a violent end on the show in 2002 when he was killed by a candlestick-wielding Scotty Baldwin.
Before his soap opera fame, Robinson appeared in various television series, including 12 O'Clock High, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Bold and the Beautiful, Ben Casey, and Gunsmoke. Despite the broad range of roles, it was his iconic TV doctor roles that helped Robinson carve out a distinctive place in pop culture.
In the mid-1980s, Robinson became the face of a Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial, where he famously quipped, 'I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV,' turning the line into a widely recognized catchphrase.
However, Robinson's association with the commercial ended after a tax-evasion scandal led to his dismissal, with All My Children actor Peter Bergman later taking over the role.
Born Christopher Brown Robinson on November 5, 1938, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he began acting at a young age, first making a name for himself in The Diary of a High School Bride and Beast from Haunted Cave. Robinson's diverse TV career also included roles in Perry Mason, Murder, She Wrote, and Fantasy Island. His most recent film credit was in the 2022 feature Just for a Week.
Robinson is survived by his wife of 14 years, Jacquie Shane-Robinson, their children, and five grandchildren. He is also remembered for his personal struggles, which were captured in documentaries about his family's financial challenges and his personal life.