Tristan Rogers, Beloved “General Hospital” Star, Dies at 79 After Private Battle with Cancer
Fans of daytime television are mourning the loss of Tristan Rogers, the actor who immortalized Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, after a quiet battle with cancer. Rogers passed away at 79, leaving a legacy that spans decades of television history and an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
Rogers’ longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed his death to ABC 7 Eyewitness News on August 15, following the actor’s cancer diagnosis announced in July. “He loved being Scorpio and built that character from nothing,” Soodak said. “He was originally meant to work for a day, but he turned it into something enormous. Tristan was genuinely kind, loyal, and devoted to his family.”
General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini echoed the sentiment: “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken. Tristan captivated fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him—or Robert Scorpio. Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be deeply missed.”
Born in Melbourne in 1946, Rogers initially pursued music before moving into modeling and acting on Australian television, appearing in series like Bellbird and Number 96, and in the British film Four Dimensions of Greta (1972).
After relocating to the United States, he landed what would become his most iconic role: Robert Scorpio, a character originally intended for a single day on General Hospital but who quickly became a fan favorite.
Scorpio’s adventures as a spy for the fictional World Security Bureau, and later as Port Charles’ police commissioner and district attorney, made him a fixture of the show.
Rogers was part of the historic Luke and Laura wedding episode, which drew 30 million viewers—the highest-rated soap opera episode in U.S. television history. Though Scorpio was killed off in 1992, Rogers returned in 2006, declaring, “I think this character will follow me to my grave.”
Beyond General Hospital, Rogers’ career included roles on The Young and the Restless, voice work for Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under, and a Daytime Emmy-winning performance in Studio City. He also starred in the General Hospital: Night Shift spinoff, portraying a character battling colon cancer—a storyline that encouraged viewers to prioritize their health.
Rogers is survived by his second wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their two children, Sara and Cale. His first marriage to Barbra Meale lasted from 1974 to 1984.
Remembering Tristan Rogers
Tristan Rogers leaves behind a remarkable legacy in television. From his early days on Australian screens to decades as a fan-favorite on General Hospital, his dedication to storytelling, his craft, and his family made him a cherished figure on and off-screen. Fans and colleagues alike will remember his contributions, not just as Robert Scorpio, but as an actor who brought warmth, depth, and humanity to every role.