Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, passed away Friday morning, August 15, 2025, at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, who revealed that Rogers succumbed to lung cancer after a brief but courageous battle.
A Career That Spanned Generations
Born in Melbourne in 1946, Rogers initially pursued music, forming a rock band after leaving school in 1964 before transitioning to modeling and commercials—a path that ultimately led him to acting. He cut his teeth on Australian television, appearing in beloved soaps like Bellbird, Number 96 (1974), and The Box (1975). He also featured in British films such as Four Dimensions of Greta and The Flesh and Blood Show in the early 1970s.
In 1980, Rogers moved to the United States and landed the role that would define his legacy—Robert Scorpio, international spy turned police commissioner in the fictional town of Port Charles.
Scorpio’s popularity soared during the early 1980s, notably becoming entwined with Luke and Laura’s supercouple storyline—their 1981 wedding remains one of the most-watched moments in daytime television history, drawing some 30 million viewers.
Although Scorpio’s character was presumed dead in 1992, Rogers returned in 1995 as a ghostly presence before making a full-fledged comeback in 2006, followed by appearances in the spin-off General Hospital: Night Shift in 2008. Rogers resumed recurring appearances from 2019 onward, even performing a farewell arc after publicly sharing his cancer diagnosis in July 2025.
Beyond Port Charles
Although Robertson Scorpio remained his most famous role, Rogers explored a variety of other projects. Notable credits include stints on The Young and the Restless (as Colin Atkinson for over 100 episodes), The Bold and the Beautiful, and the web series The Bay.
In 1990, he lent his voice to Jake, the lovable kangaroo mouse in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under. More recently, his performance as Doc in Studio City, a digital drama series on Amazon, earned him a Daytime Emmy in 2020, with another nomination following in 2021.
A Final Return and Diagnosis
July 2025 brought both a bittersweet return to the canvas and devastating news. Rogers reprised his role in General Hospital around the same time he publicly announced his lung cancer diagnosis. Despite never having smoked, the revelation shocked fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes and Legacy
General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini paid heartfelt tribute, stating that “Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio)” and calling Rogers “a one-of-a-kind talent” whose loss leaves a profound void.
Across social media and fan platforms, the outpouring continued. One user on r/GeneralHospital reflected,
“My beloved Robert Scorpio… He will be forever missed.”
Personal Life and Survivors
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, whom he married in 1995; their two children, Sara Jane (b. 1992) and Cale (b. 1996); and a grandchild. He had previously been married to Barbara Meale during the 1970s and early ’80s .
The End of an Era
Tristan Rogers’ passing marks the end of an era for daytime television. He appeared in well over 1,400 episodes of General Hospital over more than four decades, translating a one-day gig into an unforgettable character beloved by millions.
From early Australian soap operas to Hollywood fame, voice acting in Disney films, and groundbreaking digital drama work, Rogers navigated diverse eras of entertainment with grace and versatility. His portrayal of Robert Scorpio not only defined his career but also became a cultural cornerstone—spanning spy thrills, romance, and familial drama.
He once told Soap Opera Digest, “I think this character will follow me to my grave,” a sentiment that resonates deeply today.
Tristan Rogers’ memory will live on in the hearts of fans, colleagues, and the legacy of Port Charles. His talent, warmth, and longevity remind us of the enduring power of storytelling—and of a man who brought a beloved character to life, day after day, for generations.
