The daytime television community has lost a legend. Tristan Rogers has died at the age of 79. His last appearance on “General Hospital” was on July 17, 2025. He announced on the same day that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the midst of waging a very private battle.
His longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, has confirmed that the actor passed away on the morning of August 15, 2025, following a battle with lung cancer. “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. Tristan was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family,” shared Soodak to Deadline.
The actor was beloved in the acting circles that he ran in, and now many of his former co-stars are sharing their sadness and tributes to Tristan on social media.
Tristan Rogers Had a Profound Impact on the Soap Opera Genre
ABCTristan first joined the GH canvas as superspy, Robert Scorpio, back in 1980, and the rest is history. What was intended to be a few days of work turned into a lifetime of adventure, love, and action on camera.
“General Hospital” paid tribute to Robert Scorpio, and the man who played him for over five decades, on Instagram, saying, “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for more than 50 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. – Frank Valentini.”
Nancy Lee Grahn, Tristan’s GH co-star for more than thirty years, wrote on Instagram, “Tristan and I had recurring characters on Babylon 5 yrs ago. He told me that standing next to me was the only time he wished he was shorter so that he didn’t have to hover over my ginormous head. When the director asked him to look me in the eyes, he said “I’d love to but that head is too distracting.” Suave, wry, smooth, debonair and ridiculously handsome. This GH Aussie Icon left his mark and will be well remembered. Sending love to his family, and just donated to https://go2.org/ in dear Tristan’s name. XO.”
Tristan’s Co-Stars Adored Working With Him
ABCEmma Samms, who played Holly Sutton to Tristan’s Robert, has shared her condolences on X. “I’m incredibly sad to hear the news about Tristan. I loved working with him and we were both so grateful that we got the chance to do that for more than 40 years. He taught me how to be comfortable in front of the cameras and he introduced me to spontaneity and fun even within all the trials and tribulations that Robert and Holly endured. My condolences to his wife and family.”
Genie Francis, who also spent years working beside Tristan on GH shared to X, “My heart is heavy. Goodbye my spectacular friend. My deepest condolences to his wife Teresa and their children. Tristan Rogers was a very bright light, as an actor and a person. I was so lucky to have known him.”
Chris L. McKenna, who plays Jack Brennan on GH, paid his respects via X, saying, “We fly the #WSB flags at half mast today. The great @tristanrogers aka Robert Scorpio has passed on.
All my love to Tristan’s family and loved ones. He will be missed and never forgotten. #GH #RIPTristanRogers”
Tristan Rogers was Respected by the Soap Genre
The Bay Series wrote on Instagram, “Today, we share in the profound loss of a beloved member of our cast, Mr. Tristan Rogers (aka Commissioner Lex Martin). Tristan was a cast member of The Bay since its inception and release on Sept 15th 2010. He inspired the creation of the series and his immense talents and spirit touched us all and he will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on through his incredible work.
Blessings to Tristan’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Let us honor his memory and the joy he brought to all of our lives. #TheBayFamily.”
Marybeth Evans worked with Tristan on “The Bay” and mourned his loss on Instagram. She captioned her post, “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Tristan Rogers. On The Bay, I had the privilege of playing opposite him — and what a gift that was. Tristan brought such charm, wit and depth to every scene, and it was an honor to share that screen time with him. Sending love and condolences to his family, friends and so many fans who adored him. He will be deeply missed.”
‘The Young and the Restless” paid tribute to the iconic actor, saying, “Our deepest condolences to the family and fans of Tristan Rogers, who graced Y&R with his talents for many years as the lovable Colin Atkinson. Tristan was a beloved member of the Y&R family who will be greatly missed.”
Tristan Enjoyed a Long Career
ABCTristan Rogers first appeared on television in the ’60s and 70s’70s. In 1980, he joined the cast of “General Hospital,” and his first exit from the sudser was in 1992. Robert visited a ghost in 1995 before returning alive in 2006. Rogers also reprised the role for the primetime GH spinoff “Night Shift” in 2008. He returned to GH in 2019 and remained with the series on a recurring basis until November 2024.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerton, and their children, Sarah and Cale, plus his grandchildren.
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Daytime Stars Pay Tribute to Tristan Rogers