Tristan Rogers, best known for his longtime role on the medical drama “General Hospital,” is facing a health scare of his own.
Rogers, who played Robert Scorpio on the classic ABC soap opera, has been diagnosed with cancer, publicist Anthony Turk confirmed in a July 17 press release to USA TODAY. The type of cancer that Rogers, 79, is battling was not disclosed.
“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 statement read. “As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding.”
Rogers has been married to Teresa Parkerson since 1995. The couple shares two children: daughter Sara, 32, and son Cale, 28. “They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family,” the statement continued.
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Rogers, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, cut his teeth as a soap actor in the 1970s with roles on the Australian TV series “Number 96,” “The Box” and “Bellbird.”
The budding actor traded the Down Under for the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, when he joined the cast of “General Hospital” in December 1980, playing super spy Scorpio.
Rogers went on to enjoy a 12-year stint on the long-running drama before departing the series in 1992. He was nominated for two Soap Opera Digest Awards during his initial “GH” tenure, including a 1986 nod for outstanding daytime actor in a leading role.
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After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Rogers returned to the show in 2006 for a series of recurring appearances, followed by additional guest performances in 2008, 2012-2016 and 2018-2024. In total, the fan-favorite actor has appeared on over 1,400 episodes of “General Hospital,” according to Rogers’ IMDb page.
Rogers also appeared on several episodes of the “General Hospital” spinoff “General Hospital: Night Shift” in 2008.
“Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years,” Rogers’ cancer diagnosis announcement stated. “This support means more to him now than ever.”
Rogers isn’t the only “General Hospital” alum to have a bout with cancer.
John J. York revealed in September 2023 that he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and smoldering multiple myeloma the previous year, though he has since returned to the show.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tristan Rogers cancer: ‘General Hospital’ veteran receives diagnosis
