Tristan Rogers, the actor best known for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on “General Hospital,” has died. He was just 79 years old.
The late actor passed away this morning (Friday, August 15) after a battle with lung cancer, his longtime manager Meryl Soodak confirmed to ABC7 (KABC). Soodak further noted that Rogers had never been a smoker.
“He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing. He was supposed to work a day and he ended up making it into something huge,” said Soodak, who shared that his role on the daytime soap opera had “meant everything to him.” She added, “He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family.”
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini said, “The entire @GeneralHospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for more than 50 [sic] years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio).” He added, “I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Last month, Rogers first revealed his cancer diagnosis, with a representative saying at the time, “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.”
Although he made himself in Hollywood for his work on “General Hospital,” it was his time playing Daniel “Doc” Smith on the digital series “Studio City” that netted him his first-ever Emmy nomination and win. He took home the award in 2020 for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series. He was again nominated in 2021 for the same role, but this time in the retitled category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Fiction Program. Also in 2021, he received a nomination as a producer on “The Bay,” which was nominated for Outstanding Limited Drama Series.
Rogers had his first credited acting role in the TV series “Delta” in 1969, and 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, with his character learning in 2024 that he had a daughter with Holly, who turned out to be Sasha (Sofia Mattsson), who had already been residing in Port Charles, and made her the half-sister of Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough), Robert’s other daughter with Anna.
Christine Bartolucci/Disney
The same day he announced his cancer diagnosis, Rogers made what would end up being his final appearance on the daytime drama series when Robert took in Sasha and her daughter, Daisy, who needed protection from a potential threat to their lives.
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.
Rogers is survived by his wife, two children and a grandchild.
