Hollywood is mourning the loss of Tristan Rogers, the veteran actor best known for playing super spy Robert Scorpio on General Hospital. Rogers passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy that spanned more than four decades in daytime television.
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| Tristan Rogers |
“Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him or Robert Scorpio,” the show said in a statement, honoring his long-standing contribution.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers’ first dream wasn’t acting but music. In his twenties, he played drums in a rock band with friends. When the band failed to find success, he shifted to modeling and commercial work. Still searching for direction, Rogers decided to try acting.
Before moving to Los Angeles, he picked up acting roles in Australia and also worked as a DJ. Once in Hollywood, he faced difficulties breaking into the industry, as casting directors were hesitant about his Australian accent. However, in 1980, he landed what was supposed to be a two-day role on General Hospital.
Becoming Robert Scorpio
What started as a short stint quickly grew into something much bigger. The show’s producer, Gloria Monty, created a spy storyline around him. At first, he was simply told to appear in scenes “looking suspicious,” but soon he was given the character of Robert Scorpio a name and role that would make him an icon in soap operas.
Over the years, Scorpio became one of General Hospital’s most beloved characters. His complicated love life drew fans in, especially his romances with Holly Sutton (played by Emma Samms) and fellow spy Anna Devane (Finola Hughes). With Devane, he shared a daughter, Robin, portrayed by Kimberly McCullough.
Fans were thrilled when Emma Samms returned last fall, in a storyline revealing that Scorpio was also the father of Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattson). Rogers and Samms exited the show together in November 2024 in a touching farewell, filmed with a nod to the classic movie Casablanca.
Final Appearances and Health Struggles
In July 2025, Rogers briefly reprised his role for one episode when Sasha visited his home in France with her baby. It was during this episode that the show revealed Robert Scorpio, like Rogers himself, was battling lung cancer.
Beyond ‘General Hospital’
Though best known for his role on GH, Rogers’ acting career went far beyond Port Charles. He appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless, and Studio City. His performance in Studio City earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series.
A Lasting Legacy
Tristan Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and his two children a daughter and a son.
For millions of fans, he was more than just a soap opera actor; he was a symbol of loyalty, charm, and resilience on screen. Robert Scorpio may have been fictional, but thanks to Tristan Rogers, the character will live on in the hearts of viewers forever.
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