Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor best known for his role as super spy Robert Scorpio on ABC’s long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 79. The news comes less than a month after his final special appearance on the show that made him a household name.
Frank Valentini, executive producer of General Hospital, paid tribute to the actor in a heartfelt statement. “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him—or Robert Scorpio.”
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers began his career as a musician, playing drums in a rock band before moving into commercial work, modeling, and acting. After taking on various roles in Australia and working briefly as a DJ, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Initially dismissed by casting directors due to his accent, Rogers eventually landed a small two-day role on General Hospital in 1980.
That minor role quickly transformed into a legendary career. Executive producer Gloria Monty saw potential in Rogers and asked him to stay, even before a character was written for him. Eventually, his role evolved into Robert Scorpio, a suave spy who became one of the most iconic figures in daytime television.
Robert Scorpio’s romances, particularly with Holly Sutton (played by Emma Samms) and fellow spy Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), captivated fans for decades. The character’s complex family ties—including his daughter Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) and later Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattson)—made him central to General Hospital’s most beloved storylines.
Rogers’ final scenes, aired in late 2024 alongside Samms, were filmed with a nod to the classic film Casablanca. In July 2025, he made one last emotional return to the show, where his character’s lung cancer diagnosis was revealed.
Beyond General Hospital, Rogers’ career included roles in The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and the digital drama Studio City, for which he earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, as well as a daughter and son.
With his charm, depth, and enduring connection to fans, Tristan Rogers leaves behind not only a remarkable acting legacy but also an indelible mark on the world of daytime drama.