The most iconic TV doctor, Chris Robinson of General Hospital, dies at 86
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.
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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
The most iconic TV doctor, Chris Robinson of General Hospital, dies at 86
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.
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Smokey Robinson files $500m counterclaim lawsuit against accusers
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has launched a $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who earlier this month accused him of sexual assault and abuse spanning more than a decade. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, the suit alleges that the women – identified in the original filing as Jane Does 1–4 – fabricated their allegations to extort the 85-year-old singer. Robinson's legal team has also filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the assault lawsuit, arguing it was improperly submitted under false names. Robinson, whose career spans hits such as 'The Tracks of My Tears' and 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me,' has denied all claims of misconduct. The women, all of Hispanic descent, allege they were repeatedly assaulted while employed as housekeepers at the singer's Chatsworth residence between 2012 and 2024. Their lawsuit, filed earlier in May, is seeking at least $50 million in damages and accuses Robinson's wife, Frances, of complicity in the alleged abuse and of using ethnically derogatory language. One woman alleges Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times between 2014 and 2020, often in areas without surveillance. Another says the singer performed a ritual involving appearing nearly naked and placing a towel on his bed prior to alleged assaults. Two others describe similar experiences, with one claiming seven incidents over 13 months of employment. Robinson's defamation complaint names the four Jane Does, their attorney John Harris, his law partner Herbert Hayden, and their Los Angeles-based firm Harris & Hayden. The lawsuit singles out Harris's statements during the press conference, in which he labelled Robinson a 'serial and sick rapist.' In response, Harris and Hayden dismissed the defamation action as a 'baseless and vindictive legal manoeuvre' designed to 're-victimise' survivors. They announced plans to file a motion under California's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits intended to suppress free speech on public matters. Earlier, it was also reported that Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles, though no charges have been filed to date. Robinson has previously stated he welcomed the inquiry, asserting, 'exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.' Robinson's civil suit claims defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. He is seeking damages of no less than $500 million.
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Steve Burton marries Michelle Lundstrom in intimate Laguna Beach wedding
General Hospital star Steve Burton married chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom in a romantic beachfront wedding on May 17, 2025, in Laguna Beach, California, according to People magazine. The couple exchanged vows in a private Orthodox church ceremony, followed by an intimate ocean-view reception at Montage Laguna Beach, with 45 close friends and family. Burton, 54, told People, 'This day isn't just about a ceremony, it's the beginning of forever with the love of my life.' Lundstrom, 44, known from Netflix's Barbecue Showdown, wore a strapless gown by Lee Petra Grebenau, picked with help from her daughters Lilah, 14, and Hannah, 10. Her look was completed by General Hospital hair and makeup artists Anzhela and Luiza Adzhiyan. The bridal party included Burton's daughters, Makena (21) and Brooklyn (10), Lundstrom's daughters, and former GH actress Lisa Vultaggio. Burton's groomsmen were his son Jack (19), best friend Jeremy Ross, and GH co-star Jonathan Jackson. The reception featured elegant floral arrangements, candlelight, and a soundtrack of 1980s music and movie themes. The couple's first dance was to 'I Choose You' by Forest Blakk. Dinner included beef tenderloin, and their wedding cake — a vanilla sponge with vanilla cream and berries — was a compromise from Burton's original request for a classic sheet cake. The couple got engaged in January 2025 and chose not to wait long. 'We just knew,' Lundstrom said.
