WASHINGTON — Actor Tristan Rogers, best known for playing Robert Scorpio on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” died nearly a month after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 79. 

Meryl Soodak, longtime manager for the Australian actor, told outlets the news of his death Friday. She noted he was never a smoker, but did tell ABC7 he had lung cancer, something that wasn’t included in the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in July.

“He loved being Scorpio and he created that role from nothing,” she told Deadline and other outlets. “He was supposed to work a day and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being and he loved his family.”

Rogers, 79, portrayed Scorpio on “General Hospital” on and off since 1980 and in its spinoff series, “General Hospital: Night Shift.” He appeared on a number of other soap operas including “Young and the Restless,” “Bold and Beautiful” and “Studio City.” 

The last time fans saw Rogers on-screen as Scorpio was in November 2024 when his character left town with his ex, according to Soap Opera Digest. 

He was nominated for two Emmy’s and won one for his work in the digital drama “Studio City,” and was nominated for an Emmy for his role in the limited drama series “The Bay,” according to his IMDb page.