Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor who became a household name for his portrayal of superspy Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, has died at the age of 79. His passing on August 15, 2025, was confirmed by longtime manager Meryl Soodak, who shared that Rogers lost his battle with lung cancer just weeks after publicly revealing his diagnosis. Despite the illness, Soodak emphasized that Rogers had never been a smoker, a detail that has struck many fans as especially poignant.
Rogers’ death marks the end of an era for daytime television. Introduced to General Hospital audiences in 1980, his role as Robert Scorpio was originally intended as a one-off appearance. Instead, Rogers’ sharp wit, charm, and magnetic screen presence quickly won over viewers. Executive producer Gloria Monty expanded the role, and within a few years, Scorpio was entrenched as one of the show’s most iconic characters.
An Iconic Legacy on General Hospital
Rogers’ run spanned more than 45 years, cementing him as a cornerstone of the soap’s sprawling universe. His character’s adventures—ranging from espionage storylines to heartfelt romances—helped catapult General Hospital into pop culture prominence throughout the 1980s.
Among the most celebrated chapters of his career was his on-screen partnership with British actress Emma Samms, who played Holly Sutton. Their characters’ romance, fraught with danger and passion, became one of the most memorable storylines in daytime history. Samms, who also shared a brief off-screen romance with Rogers in the 1980s, shared an emotional tribute:
“I’m incredibly sad to hear the news about Tristan. I loved working with him, and we were both so grateful to do so for more than 40 years. He taught me how to be comfortable in front of the cameras, and he introduced me to spontaneity and fun. My condolences go to his wife and family.”
A Career Beyond Port Charles
While Robert Scorpio defined his career, Rogers also made notable appearances in other daytime dramas, including The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Bay, and Studio City. His work on Studio City earned him a Daytime Emmy Award, underscoring his versatility beyond a single role.
General Hospital’s showrunner, Frank Valentini, reflected on Rogers’ passing in a public statement:
“Tristan 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 deeply missed.”
Family, Friends, and Fans in Mourning
Off-screen, Rogers built a life defined by lasting relationships. After a brief marriage to actress Barbara Meale, he found lasting happiness with Teresa Parkerson, whom he married in 1995. The couple recently celebrated 30 years of marriage and shared two children, Sara Jane and Cale, as well as a grandchild.
Tributes have flooded social media, with fans celebrating not only his contributions to the soap opera genre but also the joy and warmth he brought into people’s lives.
Why His Story Matters
For millions of viewers, Tristan Rogers was more than just a soap opera star—he represented a golden era of television that shaped pop culture for decades. His death is not just a loss for General Hospital but for the entire daytime TV community, which continues to grapple with the evolving landscape of the genre.
As the curtain closes on Rogers’ remarkable career, audiences will remember him as the suave, witty, and endlessly captivating Robert Scorpio—a role that began by chance but transformed into a television legacy.
Rogers is survived by his wife Teresa, their two children, and a grandchild. His memory will live on in the countless episodes, unforgettable storylines, and enduring love from fans worldwide.
