The world of daytime television has lost one of its brightest stars and most enduring heroes. Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor who became a global sensation through his portrayal of the dashing and witty Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79.
His death, which occurred on a Friday morning in mid-August 2025, followed a brief but intense battle with lung cancer—a diagnosis that had only been shared with the public a month prior. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting a massive outpouring of grief from fans who considered him a staple of their daily lives for over four decades.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers arrived in Port Charles in 1980 with a character that was originally intended to be a brief appearance. However, through sheer charisma and an undeniable screen presence, he transformed Robert Scorpio into a foundational pillar of the show.
Alongside icons like Anthony Geary and Genie Francis, Rogers helped usher in the “Golden Age” of soap operas, blending high-stakes international espionage with the deeply personal drama that defined the genre. For millions of viewers, he wasn’t just an actor; he was the ultimate WSB agent, a loyal friend, and a protective father.
The tragedy of his passing is sharpened by the revelation from his longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, that Rogers had never been a smoker. His battle with lung cancer was swift, yet he faced it with the same quiet dignity and strength that he imparted to his on-screen persona.
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Just weeks before his death, in a moment that now feels like a deliberate and beautiful farewell, Rogers made a surprise return to General Hospital. In an episode that aired the same day his illness was announced, he stepped back into the shoes of Scorpio to greet his daughter and newborn granddaughter. That final “Hello, luv” has now become a hauntingly poetic bookend to a career that spanned more than 1,400 episodes.
Executive Producer Frank Valentini led the tributes, expressing the profound heartbreak felt by the entire General Hospital family.
“Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him,” Valentini stated. The sentiment was echoed by his long-time on-screen partner, Emma Samms (Holly Sutton), who credited Rogers with teaching her the ropes of the industry and infusing their work with spontaneity and fun. Their chemistry was legendary, and for many, they represented the pinnacle of soap opera romance.
Beyond his work on General Hospital, Rogers was a versatile talent who lent his voice to video games like Mad Max and appeared in other popular series such as The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. He also found critical success in the digital age, winning a Daytime Emmy for his work in the drama Studio City.
Yet, it was always the role of Robert Scorpio that he held closest to his heart. He once famously remarked that the character would follow him to his grave—a testament to the deep bond he shared with the role and the audience.
Tristan Rogers leaves behind his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their two ch ildren, Sara and Cale. As the soap opera community prepares to honor him with a special on-screen tribute later in 2026, the legacy he leaves behind is clear. He was a man who brought adventure into our living rooms and showed us that a hero could be both tough and vulnerable.
While the lights may have dimmed in Port Charles, the impact of Tristan Rogers’ work will continue to shine in the hearts of those who grew up watching him save the world, one episode at a time.