The world of daytime television is in mourning following the death of Tristan Rogers, the beloved Australian actor whose portrayal of Robert Scorpio on ABC’s "General Hospital" spanned decades and captivated generations of fans. Rogers died Friday, August 15, 2025, at the age of 79, after a battle with lung cancer. His passing, confirmed by longtime manager Meryl Soodak, comes less than a month after he made a special appearance on the show that defined much of his career. Despite never being a smoker, the news of his illness shocked those close to him, and the outpouring of grief from colleagues and admirers alike reflects the indelible mark he left on the industry.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers’ path to stardom was anything but straightforward. In his early twenties, he tried his hand at music, drumming in a rock band with friends. When the group failed to make it big, he pivoted to commercial work and modeling, hoping to carve out a living in the entertainment world. Acting, at first, seemed like just another shot in the dark. But after landing a few roles in Australia and working as a DJ, Rogers made the bold move to Los Angeles, determined to try his luck in Hollywood.
Breaking into the American market wasn’t easy. As Rogers recalled in a 2022 conversation with fellow "General Hospital" actor Maurice Benard on the YouTube show "State of Mind," casting directors were initially put off by his Australian accent. "I had no idea at the point how big the show was," Rogers said of his first day on "General Hospital." "I had no name. I was brought in expressly to beat up the hero, Luke, (played by Anthony Geary), and then disappear." But fate—and a bit of serendipity—intervened. Then-executive producer Gloria Monty saw something in Rogers and asked if he’d like to stick around. With no character yet written for him, Monty had him appear in scenes "looking furtive, looking suspicious" until a storyline emerged. Soon, the spy known as "CK8" was christened Robert Scorpio, a character who would become one of Port Charles’ most enduring figures.
Rogers’ portrayal of Robert Scorpio, a dashing, "James Bond"-style secret agent, quickly became a fan favorite. According to ABC News, he originally played the role from December 1980 through February 1992, returning for multiple stints over the years. His character’s on-again, off-again romance with Holly Sutton (played by Emma Samms) and the complex relationship with fellow spy Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) kept viewers hooked. The Scorpio-Devane pairing produced a daughter, Robin (Kimberly McCullough), and, in a twist that delighted fans, it was revealed last fall that Robert was also the father of Holly’s adult daughter, Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattson). Rogers and Samms left the show together in November 2024 in scenes that paid homage to the classic film "Casablanca."
Even after his primary run, Rogers remained a fixture in the "General Hospital" universe. His final appearance was a two-day guest spot in July 2025, when Sasha arrived at his character’s home in France with her newborn baby. It was during this episode that the show revealed Robert Scorpio’s lung cancer diagnosis—a poignant reflection of the real-life battle Rogers was waging off-screen. Just weeks earlier, Rogers’ representatives had announced his diagnosis, noting, "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… Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years," as reported by Deadline.
Rogers’ talents extended far beyond Port Charles. He was also a series regular on CBS’s "The Young and the Restless" from 2010 to 2011, and made appearances on "The Bold and the Beautiful." His performance in the digital drama "Studio City" earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series. But his contributions to entertainment didn’t stop at live-action roles. Rogers was a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to Disney’s "The Rescuers Down Under," Nickelodeon’s "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters," and "Batman Beyond," as well as voicing characters in the "Mad Max" video game and providing voiceovers for brands like Reebok and Outback Steakhouse.
Throughout his career, Rogers was known for his dedication to his craft and his deep connection with "General Hospital" fans. In a 2023 interview with Variety, he reflected on his collaboration with Gloria Monty and how their creative partnership helped shape Robert Scorpio into a character that was both complex and relatable. "Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio)," said Frank Valentini, the show’s executive producer, in a statement on the official "General Hospital" Instagram page. "Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace."
Rogers’ personal life was marked by the same quiet resilience that defined his career. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their children, Sara and Cale. His manager, Meryl Soodak, emphasized that Rogers’ lung cancer diagnosis was particularly shocking given that he had never been a smoker—a detail that resonated with many fans and colleagues who had followed his health updates in recent months.
The legacy Rogers leaves behind is not just one of memorable performances but of lasting relationships, both on and off screen. His character’s love triangle with Holly and Anna was a staple of "General Hospital" for years, and his own warmth and generosity made him a favorite among cast and crew. As Variety noted, Rogers’ ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles set him apart in an industry often defined by fleeting stardom.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment world, it’s clear that Tristan Rogers’ impact will be felt for years to come. For fans of "General Hospital" and the broader soap opera community, his passing marks the end of an era. But the memories he created—on screen and in the hearts of those who knew him—will endure, a testament to a life well lived and a career that truly made a difference.
