Tristan Rogers,“ General Hospital” Star, Dies at 79

Tristan Rogers, the beloved star of “General Hospital,” has passed away at the age of 79. The Australian actor, best known for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on the long-running soap opera, first graced the screens as the character in 1980. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, to ABC 7 Eyewitness News on Friday, Aug. 15. It was revealed in July that Rogers had been battling cancer.

Rogers’ role as Robert Scorpio held a special place in his heart, with his manager expressing that the character meant everything to him. Soodak shared, “He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family.” The dedicated actor had been a part of the “General Hospital” family for many years, and his presence on the show will undoubtedly be deeply missed.

Born in Melbourne in 1946, Rogers began his journey in the entertainment industry by forming a rock band after leaving school in 1964. Transitioning to modelling and commercials, he eventually found his calling as an actor, despite lacking any prior experience in the field. His early acting career saw him appearing on Australian television shows before making the move to the United States in 1980, which led to his iconic role on “General Hospital.”

As Robert Scorpio, Rogers played a pivotal role on the soap opera, captivating audiences with his portrayal of a spy for the fictional World Security Bureau. His character’s dynamic storylines and relationships, particularly with Luke Spencer and Laura, resonated with viewers and contributed to the show’s success. Despite leaving the series in 1992, Rogers made a triumphant return as Robert in 2006, further solidifying his place in soap opera history.

Throughout his career, Rogers showcased his versatility by taking on various roles, including a stint on “The Young and the Restless” and appearances in TV series such as “Fast Track” and “Babylon 5.” He also ventured into voice-over work, leaving his mark in projects like the 1990 Disney film “The Rescuers Down Under.” Rogers’ talent and dedication were recognised with a Daytime Emmy for his performance in the series “Studio City” in 2019-2020.

In his personal life, Rogers shared a deep connection with his family, having been married to Barbra Meale from 1974 to 1984 before tying the knot with Teresa Parkerson in 1995. Together, they have two children, Sara and Cale, who now mourn the loss of their beloved husband and father. Rogers leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his on-screen achievements, with his impact on the world of entertainment and the hearts of those who knew him.

As fans and colleagues mourn the passing of Tristan Rogers, his contributions to the industry and his enduring legacy as Robert Scorpio will be remembered fondly. The entertainment world has lost a talented actor, a devoted family man, and a true professional who left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Tristan Rogers’ memory will live on through his work and the lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.