Soap Vet Tristan Rogers Returns to General Hospital After Revealing He Is Battling Cancer

Tristan Rogers gives health update to his fans

Beloved soap vet Tristan Rogers has shared a health update with his concerned followers. As of July 17, 2025, the actor has confirmed he’s battling cancer. This has been suspected by some General Hospital viewers since last year but only now has been addressed.

The actor is currently undergoing treatment and requesting privacy from the public. He expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of concern from his followers but did not disclose what type of cancer he has been diagnosed with.

In addition to portraying DA Robert Scorpio on General Hospital, Rogers also played Colin Atkinson on The Young and the Restless, who was married to Jill Abbott (Jess Walton). He has two children and has been married to his second wife, Barbara Parkinson, since 1985.

The family requests privacy

According to his spokesperson, 79-year-old Rogers is “working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan” and remains hopeful about his recovery. He and his family have requested privacy during this challenging time, expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they have received from friends, family, and fans.

Rogers keeps in contact with his followers, even apologizing once for tweeting after drinking heavily. He will no doubt reveal information when he is ready. His General Hospital castmates have not yet commented. John J York, who potrays Robert's brother Mac Scorpio, beat two forms of cancer and is now back on screen which is encouraging.

Celebrities desire privacy also

I vividly recall when my husband lost weight due to diabetes. Speculation about his health circulated, accompanied by unkind remarks. We chose not to share our struggles with everyone. As a beloved celebrity, Rogers’s health decline and weight loss, has not gone unnoticed on-screen. It's crucial for fans to respect his wish for privacy and allow the family to decide what information to share and when.

Updates will be released only if Rogers and his family believe it is appropriate. In the past year, rumors, including unverified online posts, have surfaced concerning Rogers' health. Yet, as recently as August 2024, these concerns were dismissed, indicating he was thought to be in good health.

Whether he was battling cancer prior to leaving General Hospital or not, the actor has a right to handle thsi situation in his own manner. Some fans have pointed out that he has been managing rheumatoid arthritis, and commentary regarding his last appearances on the ABC soap, some suggested he showed signs of age-related frailty—not cancer but now we know.

Fans hope Robert may return

Still, the abrupt exit from the show raised alarms among fans, especially as Robert left with Holly Sutton (Emma Samms), who is dealing with long Covid. It was bittersweet to see the characters ride off into the sunset together, knowing that both were having health challenges.

The concern from fans and their worries are rooted in genuine care, not malice. They merely want to understand his condition. If you’re a fan, expressing your well-wishes through social media or support channels can truly mean a lot.

Fans hope for the best

In fan forums like Reddit, the outpouring of sympathy and concern has been palpable: “Tristan isn’t well. I hope to see him again, but it seems unlikely.” Many fans fervently hope for his return to General Hospital or, at the very least, for a meaningful farewell storyline.

Currently, there have been no comments from General Hospital executives regarding his situation. Prayers and best wishes to Trisan Rogers that he will overcome his current battle, and fans will see him as Robert Scorpio again. Be on the lookout for updates from Tristan Rogers and spoilers related to what will happen next in Port Charles on General Hospital.

Since this article was published Rogers appeared on General Hospital on Thursday July 17 and he is looking much better.