Additional Coverage:
- Tristan Rogers, who played super spy Robert Scorpio on ‘General Hospital,’ has died at 79 (nbcnews.com)
Beloved “General Hospital” star Tristan Rogers, known for his iconic portrayal of Robert Scorpio, has passed away at age 79, less than a month after his final appearance on the show.
The news was confirmed by executive producer Frank Valentini, who expressed the show’s profound sadness, stating, “Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio).”
Rogers’ journey to becoming a daytime television legend began in his native Melbourne, Australia. His early ambitions focused on music, playing drums in a rock band.
When musical success proved elusive, he turned to modeling and commercial work. Eventually, he transitioned to acting, taking on various roles in Australia before working as a DJ and ultimately setting his sights on Hollywood.
Despite initial hurdles due to his accent, Rogers landed a two-day role on “General Hospital” in 1980, initially playing a character simply tasked with “beating up the hero.” However, his talent caught the eye of then-executive producer Gloria Monty, and his temporary role blossomed into a four-decade career. Starting as the enigmatic “CK8,” his character evolved into the beloved Robert Scorpio, a fixture in Port Charles even during periods when Rogers wasn’t a regular cast member.
Fans cherished Scorpio’s complex romantic relationships, particularly his on-again/off-again romance with Holly Sutton (Emma Samms) and his enduring partnership with Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), with whom he shared a daughter, Robin (Kimberly McCullough). Recent storylines even revealed Scorpio to be the father of Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattson), adding another layer to his intricate family tree.
Rogers’ final appearance on “General Hospital” aired in July, shortly after the revelation that Scorpio was battling lung cancer. The poignant scene featured Sasha arriving at Scorpio’s home in France with her new baby.
Beyond “General Hospital,” Rogers contributed his talents to other popular soap operas, including “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young & the Restless.” His work also extended to the digital drama series “Studio City,” for which he earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, a daughter, and a son. His legacy as the unforgettable Robert Scorpio will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of “General Hospital” fans for years to come.