NEED TO KNOW

• Tristan Rogers has been diagnosed with cancer, his representative shared in a statement on July 17
• “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
• Rogers starred as Robert Scorpio on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, originating the role in 1980

Tristan Rogers has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Australian actor’s representative, Anthony Turk, shared the news with fans in a press release on Thursday, July 17, according to Deadline and TVLine. Rogers, 79, portrayedRobert Scorpio on General Hospital and its spinoff series, General Hospital: Night Shift. His last on-screen appearance was on November 12, 2024.

“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 began. “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 Rogers as Robert Scorpio on ‘General Hospital.’.

Christopher Willard/ABC/Getty 

“Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years,” the statement continued. “This support means more to him now than ever.”

The representative added that further details would be provided at the discretion of Rogers’ family.Tristan Rogers in 2019.

Michael Tullberg/Getty

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Rogers first appeared on General Hospital in 1980, 17 years after the long-running medical drama series’s debut. His character, Robert Scorpio, was killed off in 1992, but — in true soap opera fashion — Scorpio returned, alive, in 2006.

His last on-screen appearance was in the show’s 62nd season on November 12, 2024, when he left town with his ex-wife Holly Sutton, per Soap Opera Digest.

“I’ve seen this show at its best and at something less than that,” he told PEOPLE in 2023 for the show’s 60th anniversary. 

In addition to General Hospital, Rogers also had recurring roles on The Bay, Studio City and The Young and the Restless.