Tristan Rogers, the Australian-born actor who became a daytime television icon through his decades-long portrayal of Robert Scorpio on ABC’s General Hospital, died on August 15, 2025, at the age of 79.
His longtime manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed the news to USA TODAY and ABC7, explaining that Rogers had been battling lung cancer despite never having smoked.
The announcement came just a month after Rogers publicly disclosed his diagnosis in July 2025.
Born in Melbourne, the actor began his career in Australian television dramas, taking roles in Bellbird, Number 96 (1974), and The Box (1975).
He was a regular on the 1970 police series The Link Men and appeared in Barrier Reef, Division 4, and the 1976 miniseries Power Without Glory. His early film credits included several British productions, among them Four Dimensions of Greta (1972), The Flesh and Blood Show (1972), and Sex Farm (1973). He later added voice acting to his résumé, lending his voice to Jake in Disney’s The Rescuers Down Under.
Away from the spotlight, Rogers shared his life with his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their two children, Sara Jane and Cale Rogers.
Who Is Tristan Rogers’ Wife, Teresa Parkerson?
Parkerson is originally from Fremont, California. In later years, the celebrity spouse, with her late husband, resides in their home in Palm Springs, where they raised their two children.
She attended Kennedy High School before continuing her education at Santa Monica College. While little is publicly known about her professional life, some accounts suggest Teresa may have worked as a model during her early years.
When Did They Marry?
Rogers and Parkerson were married on May 21, 1995, in an outdoor ceremony attended by family members. Rogers wore a black suit for the occasion, while his wife, Parkerson, chose a white gown.
Their daughter, Sara, born three years before the wedding, matched her mother’s attire and took part in the celebration as a bridesmaid.
Over the years, Teresa has shared several photos from their wedding day on her social media, offering glimpses of the occasion to friends and followers.
Their Children: Sara Jane and Cale Rogers
Tristan was the father of two kids with his spouse, Teresa. The two welcomed their first child, Sara Jane Rogers, on August 25, 1992.
Although Sara has kept a low profile, Teresa shared a family photo from her graduation day on Facebook in June 2010 and wrote, “Proud Dad, Beautiful daughter Sara Jane, and Proud Mommy on Graduation night.”
The couple later welcomed a son, Cale Rogers, in August 1996, who has also chosen to maintain his privacy. He graduated from College of the Desert and continues to live in Palm Springs with his parents.
Rogers’ First Wife, Barbara Meale
Before marrying Teresa Parkerson, Rogers was married to actress Barbara Meale. The couple wed on June 7, 1973, and divorced in 1983 after a decade together. It is not publicly known whether they had any children.
Barbara’s acting career included roles in Sex and the Other Woman (1972), The House That Vanished (1973), and Homicide (1975). She also appeared as a dinner guest in the 1976 television miniseries Tandarra.
Who Were Tristan Rogers’ Parents?
He was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, though no public information is available about his mother and father.
Among the family Rogers leaves behind is one grandchild.
