Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor who became a household name for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 79.
His manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed that Rogers passed away on Friday, August 15, following a brief battle with lung cancer, ABC News reported.
Rogers’ death marks the end of an era for daytime television. For 45 years, he captivated audiences as the charming, sharp-witted, and heroic Scorpio, a role he initially believed would last only a single day.
“He loved being Scorpio, and he created that role from nothing,” Soodak said in her statement. “He was supposed to work a day, and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being, and he loved his family.”
Frank Valentini, executive producer of General Hospital, also paid tribute, reflecting the immense impact Rogers had on the show and its devoted fan base.
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” Valentini told PEOPLE. “Tristan has captivated our 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 greatly missed.”
Born in Melbourne in 1946, Rogers began his career in Australian television before moving to the United States in 1980. That same year, he landed the role that would define his career.
Reflecting on that moment in a 2020 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Rogers admitted he had no idea what he was stepping into. “I didn’t know at the time the importance of General Hospital; it was just one more job for me,” he said. “But it was really exciting, to be fresh off the boat and walk into this role.”
The character of Robert Scorpio quickly became a fan favorite, known for his suave demeanor, international espionage storylines, and his iconic partnership with Luke and Laura. Rogers later recalled how surreal it was to suddenly find himself swept up in what was then the most talked-about television phenomenon in the country.
Though his character was written off the show in 1992, fans were thrilled when Scorpio was revealed to still be alive in 2006, allowing Rogers to return. “I think this character will follow me to my grave,” he jokingly told The New York Times that same year.
Over the following years, he made several appearances, including the 2008 spinoff General Hospital: Night Shift. His final appearance came just last month, in a touching farewell scene to his onscreen daughter, Sasha Gilmore.
Rogers’ publicist, Anthony Turk, revealed his lung cancer diagnosis on July 17, the very same day his final episode aired. While he faced the diagnosis with hope and determination, his illness advanced quickly.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, his children Sara and Cale, and one grandchild.
For fans who grew up watching him, Tristan Rogers will be remembered not only as a soap opera legend, but as a performer who brought heart and longevity to one of television’s most beloved characters.