How many children did Chris Robinson have? Actor known for General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful dies at 86

Chris Robinson, renowned for having starred on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful for many years each, has died at 86.

A Cleveland news outlet has reported that he succumbed to heart failure in his sleep in the early hours of Monday morning at his ranch, located near Sedona. His friend, actor MJ Allen, confirmed his demise on social media:

“Prolific Hollywood actor Chris Robinson has passed away at the age of 86,” Allen penned on Facebook. “He peacefully passed in his sleep at his ranch near Sedona, Arizona at 12:30am on June 9, 2025,” the director added.

He portrayed Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital from 1978 to 1986, where his character served as the adoptive father of Laura. The show has also penned a tribute to its fallen castmate:

“General Hospital’s enduring legacy owes a debt of gratitude to Chris Robinson and his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber,” the statement read. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends as they mourn their loss. May he rest in peace.”

Chris Robinson leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Jacquie Shane-Robinson, and their seven sons: Shane, Coby, Christian, Taylor, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Lance, and Robb Walker. He is survived by his five grandchildren: Ivy, Ava, Davey, Brooks, and Knox.

Chris Robinson's life and legacy explored

Chris Robinson was born in Florida. He began his career in the late 1950s as a stunt actor in films like Diary of a High School Bride and Beast From Haunted Cave. By the following decade, he began making guest appearances on television, including in shows like Sea Hunt, 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, Combat!, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and Hogan’s Heroes.

He eventually joined General Hospital as Dr. Rick Webber in 1978, which catapulted him to fame. His contribution to a Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial also made him a household name, as he delivered the famous line:

“I’m not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.”

Chris Robinson has over 100 television and film credits to his name, with his role as Jack Hamilton on The Bold and the Beautiful also being one of the most prolific ones. He stayed with the show from 1992 to 2005. Variety has reported that his last credit came in the form of a comedy film, Just for a Week, in 2022.

Back in 1985, he pleaded guilty to federal income tax evasion. However, he was allowed to continue his stint on General Hospital by serving time on nights and weekends.

He is also known for having directed two documentary shorts: Bankrupt by Beanies (2009) and Bastard: An Illegitimate Film (2010). The 2009 film chronicled his father's decision to purchase several thousand Beanie Baby plush toys to sell them for a profit.

The following year's film explored the dynamics between his “complicated” family tree, as his father shared nine kids between six women. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, towards the end of his documentary, Chris Robinson said of his siblings and half-siblings:

“No matter how we came to be, all of us are connected. And when our father is gone, even as some of us don’t even consider him to be their father, we’ll still have each other to look to for love and support. It might not be normal, but it’s certainly a hell of a lot more interesting.”

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