General Hospital star Tristan Rogers opens about his Cancer diagnosis at 79

Veteran soap actor Tristan Rogers, best known for his role as Robert Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 79. The announcement was made by his publicist, Anthony Turk, in a statement released on July 17, 2025, to USA Today.

While the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed, Rogers is said to be working closely with his medical team.

The statement requested privacy for Rogers and his family during this time.

Rogers, who began playing Scorpio in 1980, has been a beloved presence on the show for decades, appearing in more than 1,400 episodes. He last appeared on General Hospital in November 2024.

Tristan Rogers shares health update after cancer diagnosis

Tristan Rogers, known to soap audiences for his decades-long role as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, is currently facing a personal health battle.

His cancer diagnosis was confirmed by a press release through his publicist, Anthony Turk.

According to the statement,

“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. As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding.”

The statement also shared Rogers’ gratitude toward his fans. It added that their support holds even greater significance to him at this time.

Any future updates will be shared at the family’s discretion.

Tristan Rogers has played Robert Scorpio on General Hospital since 1980

Tristan Rogers began playing Robert Scorpio on General Hospital on December 2, 1980.

He was introduced during the “Ice Princess” storyline, working with Luke and Laura to stop the Cassadines from freezing the world.

He became police commissioner in 1983 and held the role until 1985, and again from 1988 to 1992.

He married Holly Sutton after Luke was presumed dead. He later reunited with Anna Devane and raised their daughter, Robin.

Robert was presumed dead in an explosion in 1992. In 2006, he returned alive during a Port Charles encephalitis outbreak.

He later appeared on General Hospital: Night Shift, where he was diagnosed with colon cancer. In 2012, Robert returned after Robin was presumed dead.

He nearly took his own life but left town with Holly to find Ethan.

He returned in 2013, discovered Robin alive, and helped Anna rescue her. They captured Cesar Faison but faked his death.

Robert left to help Holly and Ethan. He returned briefly in 2015 and again in 2016 for Robin and Patrick’s wedding. In 2018, he helped Anna search for her son.

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest on April 13, 2018, he said the following about his return on General Hospital,

“I’ve got a lot of stuff to do. It’s not just for two shows this time. Robert has always had kind of a glib approach to everything; he’s a bit of a smart-mouth. I’m working with a lot of different people … And I think the fans are going to like it.”

In 2019, he helped rescue Dante in Turkey and became Port Charles’ district attorney.

In 2024, it was revealed that Sasha Gilmore is his daughter with Holly Sutton. Robert’s last appearance in Port Charles was on November 12, 2024.

Catch General Hospital on ABC and Hulu.