Tristan Rogers, best known for playing Robert Scorpio on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, has died at the age of 79. His death on 15 August was confirmed by his longtime manager, Meryl Soodak. In July, it was revealed that Rogers had been diagnosed with cancer.
Soodak paid tribute to the actor, saying: “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. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family.”
Australian-born Rogers first appeared on General Hospital in 1980 and played the role intermittently for 45 years. He won a Daytime Emmy for his work in the digital drama Studio City. His final appearance on the show came in July for a brief stint.
Frank Valentini, executive producer of General Hospital, said: “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). I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Rogers also appeared on other soap operas including The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless and The Bay. He is survived by his wife Teresa, two children and a grandchild.
