General Hospital's Tristan Rogers reveals cancer diagnosis

General Hospital
General Hospital's Tristan Rogers | Image: ABC

Tristan Rogers, who has played Robert Scorpio on General Hospital off and on since 1980, has announced he's been diagnosed with cancer.

Tristan Rogers' health update

Robert left town with Holly last year | Image: ABC
Robert left town with Holly last year | Image: ABC

Rogers, who was last seen on GH in November of last year, announced his diagnosis via a press release from longtime friend and publicist Anthony Turk, according to 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," the press release reads. "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. 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. This support means more to him now than ever. Future updates will be shared if deemed appropriate by Tristan and his family."

A General Hospital icon

Robert spent the last few years as the Port Charles district attorney | Image: ABC
Robert spent the last few years as the Port Charles district attorney | Image: ABC

Rogers debuted as WSB agent Robert Scorpio in 1980 and helped Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) beat the Cassadines, who were trying to freeze the world. He eventually became part of two popular pairings. First, he caught the hearts of fans when Robert married Holly Sutton (Emma Samms). Later, Rogers was paired with Finola Hughes' Anna Devane (Finola Hughes).

Rogers remained with GH until 1992, when Robert was presumed dead. In 2006, Robert was found to be alive and made PC appearances off and on for years. In 2018, Robert returned to Port Charles for good, until late last year when he left town to help Holly beat some bad guys and pay off some debts. He had also just learned that he and Holly had a grown daughter when Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) was revealed as their child.

Rogers also made a name for himself on The Young and the Restless playing Colin Atkinson, Cane Ashby's father. However, he will still forever be known to most soap fans as WSB super spy Robert Scorpio.

Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.