Melbourne-born actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with lung cancer.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tristan Rogers was born on June 3, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia. Before stepping into the world of acting, he played drums in a local rock band. When the band dissolved, Rogers turned to modeling and commercial work before deciding to pursue acting full-time.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in several Australian television series including Bellbird, Number 96, and The Box. He also starred in the short-lived police drama The Link Men (1970) and had guest appearances in Barrier Reef, Division 4, and the acclaimed miniseries Power Without Glory. Rogers also took roles in British films such as Four Dimensions of Greta (1972), The Flesh and Blood Show (1972), and Sex Farm (1973).
Breakthrough Role on General Hospital
Rogers rose to international fame when he joined General Hospital in December 1980 as Robert Scorpio, a mysterious spy character. Originally brought in for a two-day role, he impressed then-executive producer Gloria Monty, who asked him to stay on.
The character became central to the soap’s most-watched storyline — the legendary Luke and Laura wedding in 1981, which drew 30 million viewers, making it the highest-rated hour in American soap opera history.
Rogers remained with the series until 1992, with multiple returns over the decades, including stints in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–2019, and on a recurring basis until 2024. His portrayal of Scorpio, a suave super-spy balancing duty and family, cemented his place as one of daytime television’s most beloved stars.
Other Roles and Career Highlights
Beyond General Hospital, Rogers had a wide-ranging career:
- The Young and the Restless – Played Colin Atkinson from 2010–2016.
- The Bay – Starred as Lex Martin in the Emmy-winning soap opera web series.
- Studio City – Played Doc, a role that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020.
- Voice Acting – Voiced Jake the kangaroo mouse in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under (1990). He also contributed his voice to commercials for Outback Steakhouse, Foster’s Lager, Reebok, and Epson, as well as the 2015 video game Mad Max.
Personal Life
Rogers was married to Teresa Parkerson since 1995. Together, they shared two children: Sara Jane (born 1992) and Cale (born 1996). He had previously been married to Barbara Meale from 1973 to 1983.
The actor made his home in Palm Springs, California, where he lived for nearly three decades.
Illness and Passing
In July 2025, Rogers revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite working with his medical team on treatment, he passed away on August 15, 2025.
Tributes from the entertainment industry quickly poured in. General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini issued a heartfelt statement:
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan captivated fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him — or Robert Scorpio.”
Legacy
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Rogers appeared in over 1,400 episodes of General Hospital, shaping the character of Robert Scorpio into a fan favorite. His on-screen romances, especially with Emma Samms’ Holly Sutton and Finola Hughes’ Anna Devane, became soap opera classics.
Tristan Rogers’ charm, talent, and dedication made him a household name in the world of daytime television. His work continues to resonate with fans around the globe, ensuring his legacy lives on.