Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor who became a daytime television legend through his role as super spy Robert Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, has died at the age of 79. His passing comes less than a month after he made a special appearance on the long-running soap.
“The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” said executive producer Frank Valentini. “For 45 years, Tristan captivated fans, and Port Charles will never be the same without him—or Robert Scorpio.”
From Musician to Actor
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers began his career far from television. In his twenties, he played drums in a rock band, but when music didn’t pan out, he turned to commercials and modeling. Eventually, he shifted toward acting, landing small roles in Australia before moving to Los Angeles.
He admitted Hollywood casting directors initially struggled with his accent, but in 1980 he booked a short-term gig on General Hospital—two days as a mysterious tough guy meant to rough up Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary).
What was supposed to be a brief appearance changed his life. Executive producer Gloria Monty kept him on without a clear storyline, instructing him to linger in scenes “looking furtive and suspicious” until a role was written. That role became Robert Scorpio, code-named “CK8,” who would go on to anchor countless storylines and remain a cornerstone of General Hospital for decades.
Scorpio: A Soap Icon
Rogers’ portrayal of Robert Scorpio brought intrigue, romance, and heroics to the soap. His on-again, off-again love story with Holly Sutton (Emma Samms) became one of the show’s most beloved arcs. His partnership with fellow spy Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) also produced some of the soap’s most thrilling storylines, including their daughter Robin (Kimberly McCullough), a fan-favorite character in her own right.
In 2024, Rogers and Samms filmed a departure together with a cinematic nod to Casablanca. Yet in July 2025, he briefly reprised his role for an emotional episode set in France, revealing Robert’s quiet family life—at the same time, Rogers shared publicly that he was battling lung cancer.
Beyond Port Charles
Though best known for General Hospital, Rogers built a wide-ranging career. He appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young & the Restless, and the Emmy-winning digital drama Studio City, where he earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
His legacy stretched across genres, but to millions of soap fans, he would always be Robert Scorpio: the dashing, clever super spy who protected Port Charles while navigating romance and heartbreak.
A Lasting Legacy
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their two children, a daughter and a son.
His life’s work was more than just acting—it was about creating a character that generations of fans grew up watching, loving, and rooting for. From his unexpected start as a mysterious extra to becoming one of daytime’s most enduring figures, Tristan Rogers’ journey was as remarkable as any storyline he ever played.
As his General Hospital family and fans around the globe mourn, one thing is certain: Robert Scorpio’s spirit, and Tristan Rogers’ legacy, will live on in the hearts of viewers forever.
