Tristan Rogers, best remembered for his iconic role as Robert Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, passed away Friday at the age of 79. His death comes less than a month after he made a special appearance on the long-running soap.
“We are devastated by the loss of Tristan Rogers,” said General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini. “His talent, charm, and dedication made Robert Scorpio an icon, and his presence will be profoundly missed by the cast, crew, and fans alike.”
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers first pursued music as a drummer in a rock band. When the group failed to take off, he turned to commercials and modeling before trying acting. After roles in Australia and a stint as a DJ, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue Hollywood. Though his accent initially held him back, he eventually landed a short-term role on General Hospital in 1980.
That “two-day job” became a defining career move. Originally brought in for a brief stint to rough up series hero Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary), Rogers caught the eye of then–executive producer Gloria Monty, who invited him to stay on the show. With no character written, Rogers spent weeks appearing in scenes “looking furtive, looking suspicious” until the writers created Robert Scorpio — a charming spy who became a staple in Port Charles for decades.
Scorpio’s romances were fan favorites, especially his on-again, off-again relationship with Holly Sutton (Emma Samms). He also shared storylines with fellow spy Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), with whom he had a daughter, Robin (Kimberly McCullough). Last fall, Samms reprised her role for a storyline that revealed Scorpio was also the father of Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson).
Originally brought in for a brief stint to rough up series hero Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary), Rogers caught the eye of then–executive producer Gloria Monty, who invited him to stay on the show.. He returned briefly this past July for a final appearance, where it was revealed on-screen that his character was battling lung cancer — a reflection of Rogers’ own illness.
Outside General Hospital, Rogers appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless, and Studio City, which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a digital drama series.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, as well as a daughter and a son.
