Farewell to a Soap Icon: Tristan Rogers, Beloved ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies at 79 After Cancer Battle

Tristan Rogers, the Australian actor who became famous as the legendary Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, died at age 79 after battling lung cancer. A never-smoker, Rogers learned he had the disease just weeks before his death on August 15, 2025.

Rogers first appeared on General Hospital in 1980, but was originally only cast for a few scenes. He became so well-liked and added so much to the show that his character was immediately integrated into the show's landscape. Robert Scorpio, a spy-turned-police-commissioner character, was a popular fan favorite and central character in some of the soap's most legendary storylines, including the legendary Ice Princess saga and Luke and Laura's wedding, which drew in over 30 million viewers.

Over the course of 45 years, Rogers made a number of comebacks to the show, even after his character had passed away. He last appeared in July 2025 in a surprise cameo that delighted veterans of the show. Apart from General Hospital, Rogers also featured in The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and won a Daytime Emmy for his Studio City work.

Born in 1946 in Melbourne, Rogers began his career in the music and modeling world, before successfully transitioning into acting. In 1980, he moved to Los Angeles, and quickly established himself in American television. Loyal, humorous, and dedicated to work, Rogers' legacy is cherished by fans and actors around the world.

He is survived by his wife Teresa Parkerson, two children, and a grandchild. His passing marks the end of an era for daytime television, but his legacy will be remembered in people's hearts.