“General Hospital” star Tristan Rogers announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The type of cancer was not disclosed at press time.
“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,” read a statement released by a spokesperson for Rogers.
“As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family,” the statement continued. “Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years. This support means more to him now than ever.”
Future updates will be shared if deemed appropriate by Tristan and his family, the spokesperson noted.
Rogers, 79, who had his first credited acting role in the TV series “Delta” in 1969, began making a name for himself in such shows as “The Link Men,” “The Box” and “The Sullivans” before ultimately landing the role of Robert Scorpio on “General Hospital” in 1980. The character reached icon status during that decade with his adventures involving Anna (Finola Hughes), Holly (Emma Samms), Luke (Anthony Geary), and Laura (Genie Francis). While he has appeared and departed from the daytime drama series several times, Rogers has remained a consistent fixture on the canvas, including his character most recently learning that he has a daughter with Holly.
In 2024, during Rogers’ most recent appearance, it was revealed that Robert and Holly were the parents of Sasha (Sofia Mattsson), making her the half-sister of Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough).
Outside of “General Hospital,” Rogers has appeared in other daytime dramas, including “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young and the Restless,” “The Bay,” and even “General Hospital” spinoff series “General Hospital: Night Shift.”
On “The Young and the Restless,” Rogers portrayed the role of Colin Atkinson, opposite Genie Francis, who at the time played Genevieve Atkinson, Colin’s wife. While Colin was killed off in 2011, Genevieve remained in Genoa City through 2012.
