When Robert Scorpio's smile appeared on our General Hospital screens in July, fans were pleasantly surprised to see the beloved character played by Tristan Rogers on and off for 45 years.

Tristan Rogers, beloved for his role as Robert Scorpio on "General Hospital," died at 79 after a battle with lung cancer. Co-stars and fans honor his legacy as a fan-favorite actor whose two-episode stint became a decades-long phenomenon.

General Hospital executive producer Frank Valenti said the show's 'family is heartbroken to hear' of his passing.