Tristan Rogers has died at the age of 79. The Australian actor was best known for playing Robert Scorpio on General Hospital. He first joined the soap opera in 1980. His longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed his death to ABC 7 Eyewitness News on Friday, Aug. 15. It was revealed in July that Rogers has been diagnosed with cancer. She told the outlet, that Rogers’ General Hospital role “meant everything to him”. “He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing,” Soodak continued. “He was supposed to work a day and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family.”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement to PEOPLE: “The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio),” Valentini said. “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.” The news comes just weeks after Rogers had disclosed he is fighting cancer. The seasoned actor’s friend and publicist, Anthony Turk, shared the news in a statement, obtained by Soap Opera Digest.
“Beloved Emmy-winning actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on the daytime drama, General Hospital, is sharing with fans that he has been diagnosed with cancer,” Turk said at the time.
He added: ‘While he remains hopeful and is working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan, this is a challenging time for Tristan and his family.”
The star’s spokesman respectfully asked for “privacy and understanding” as Rogers and his loved ones confront “the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis”.
“They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family. Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years,” Turk concluded.
“This support means more to him now than ever.”
The seasoned performer is most recognised for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, a character he originated in 1980, alongside roles as Colin on Young and Restless, Hunter on Bold and Beautiful, and Doc on Studio City – the latter earning him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series.
His final appearance saw the character departing town alongside his former spouse, Holly Sutton.
The actor has embodied the role since 1980, with his most recent return to the programme occurring last year.
Back in 2018, he expressed enthusiasm about resuming his cherished role, describing Robert as someone who maintains “kind of a glib approach to everything”.
“He’s a bit of a smart-mouth,” Rogers revealed to Soap Opera Digest at the time, discussing his character. “I’m working with a lot of different people … And I think the fans are going to like it.”
Rogers was born in Melbourne in 1946. He left school in 1964 and eventually started a rock band with his friends. At 21, he turned to modeling and commercials to make money before becoming an actor.
He appeared on the Aussie soaps Bellbird, Number 96 in 1974 and The Box in 1975. He also appeared in a few British films, including 1972’s Four Dimensions of Greta.
Rogers moved to the United States in 1980 and shortly after was cast as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital.
He was killed off in 1992 and Rogers departed the series before returning in 2006.
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