Soap Opera Veteran Tristan Rogers Passes Away at 79

Beloved soap opera actor Tristan Rogers, widely recognized for his long-running role as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 79.

His longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed to ABC News that Rogers died on Friday, August 15, following a battle with lung cancer.

Rogers’ portrayal of Scorpio spanned more than four decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in daytime television. “He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from the ground up,” Soodak said. “He was a loyal, kind person who truly loved his family.”

Born in Australia, Rogers began his acting career in the 1970s with roles in popular Australian soap operas such as Bellbird, Number 96, and The Box. He later moved to the United States, where in 1980 he secured the role that would define his career—Robert Scorpio, a secret agent on General Hospital. Over the years, Rogers appeared in more than 1,400 episodes, sharing storylines with notable co-stars including Demi Moore’s Jackie Templeton.

Beyond General Hospital, Rogers remained a staple in the soap opera world, appearing in The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital: Night Shift, and The Bay. His work also extended to Studio City, where he played Doc between 2019 and 2022.

Tributes from colleagues poured in following the announcement of his passing. Actor Jon Lindstrom, who played Kevin Collins on General Hospital, wrote on X: “Tristan Rogers was one of the coolest, funniest people I ever met. We never missed a chance to make each other laugh. I wish we had more time. Rest in peace.”

Chris L. McKenna, who joined General Hospital earlier this year, also honored him, writing: “The great Tristan Rogers, aka Robert Scorpio, has passed on. All my love to his family. He will be missed and never forgotten.”

Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, their two children, Sara Jane and Cale Rogers, and one grandchild.