Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with lung cancer. His death was confirmed by his manager, Meryl Soodak, in a statement on Friday.
The Australian-born actor originated the role of Robert Scorpio in 1980 and played it intermittently over 45 years. Soodak said the part “meant everything to him” and that he “created that role from nothing.” Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their children, Sarah and Cale.
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini paid tribute, saying, “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken… Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio).” Co-star Finola Hughes recalled their first meeting, saying Rogers put his arm around her and said, “We’re gonna have fun, kid!”
Fans also expressed their grief on social media, with one writing, “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.” Another called him “a soap legend.”
Rogers also appeared in over 100 episodes of The Young and the Restless and had roles in The Bay and Studio City. His manager described him as “a genuinely loyal, kind human being” who loved his family.
