Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor best known for playing Robert Scorpio in the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with lung cancer. His manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed that he died on Friday morning.
Rogers played the role of Scorpio on and off for 45 years, a part that, according to Soodak, "meant everything to him". She added: "He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing. He was supposed to work a day and he ended up making it into something huge." Beyond General Hospital, Rogers appeared in more than 100 episodes of The Young and the Restless, as well as roles in The Bay and Studio City.
Frank Valentini, executive producer of General Hospital, said the entire cast and crew were heartbroken. "Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio)," he said. Co-star Finola Hughes, whose character Anna Devane shared a romance with Scorpio, recalled first working with Rogers: "He turned to me, put his arm around me and said, 'We're gonna have fun, kid!' It was like straight out of a Western!" Similarly, Jess Walton of The Young and the Restless praised his humour, saying: "That man makes me laugh so much."
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, whom he married in 1995, and their children, Sarah and Cale. His representatives had said he was working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan, and that he appreciated the loyalty and encouragement of his fans. Fans also paid tribute, with one writing on X: "RIP Tristan Rogers. I'm glad we got to see him last being a dad to Sasha, it was like a goodbye in a way to us subtlety."
