General Hospital
EXCLUSIVE: Billy Flynn and Jason Thompson Pay Tribute to the Late Tristan Rogers and Sharing Scenes with the Beloved Fan Favorite
The soap opera world lost one of its great when General Hospital and Y&R star, Tristan Rogers passed away from lung cancer back on August 15th at the age of 79.
Rogers played super spy Robert Scorpio on GH, on and off, for decades debuting in 1980 and having his last on-screen appearance on the ABC daytime drama series this past July. Tristan also played Colin Atkinson on The Young and the Restless, the father of Cane Ashby, from on and off since 2010, with his final television appearance before his death in his scenes with Billy Flynn (Cane) back on the August 26th episode of the CBS daytime drama series.
Now, during the Friday October 10th livestream conversation with Billy and his Y&R co-star, Jason Thompson (Billy, formerly Patrick, GH) on the Michael Fairman Channel, the two actors recalled their time working with the legendary actor. On GH, Jason previously played Dr. Patrick Drake, who was married to Scorpio’s daughter, Robin (Kimberly McCullough), hence he shared many a scene with Rogers.
Courtesy/CBS
Billy Flynn has the honor of taping Tristan’s final scenes with him, which were shown as Cane having flashbacks of a conversation with his father before he died. Flynn opened up about that pivotal experience. “He was incredible. I felt fortunate to be able to have that time and that moment with him. Tristan drove the scenes with the level of heart that he had,” expressed Billy. “I’ve said it before. He had one line, that I still think about where he says, ‘what a woman.’ (referencing Jill Abbott) That one line stuck with me. I remember he said that line, and I just sat and looked at him. We got along and obviously he wanted to do the scenes, and I assume at the time he was probably in a lot of pain. He just showed up and he crushed it.”
As to if Flynn had any idea of how sick Tristan was at the time the veteran actor visited the set of Y&R to film his final scenes, Billy recalled, “Beforehand they told me he the kind of shape he would be in. I think he had gotten worse since he agreed to do the scenes. I worked with Joe Mascolo (ex-Stefano, DAYS) for all those years, and he wasn’t doing well. So, it was a gift and it was dark because Cane’s losing his father, and then in real life, you know, Tristan obviously isn’t doing well. The weight of that wasn’t lost on me.”
Courtesy/CBS
Flynn spoke on the hard tape day he had where for most of it he had monologue after monologue where Cane leaves a video message for his children. However, Billy shared that when he got to perform the scenes with Tristan Rogers, all the anxiety from his earlier scenes went away. “I sat down in a room with him and all of that kind of just left, and I just got to kind of be of service, and be in that moment with him. I kind of felt like there’s a part of me in a kind of an alternate world where I’m like, ‘I would’ve liked like Daniel (Goddard, ex-Cane, Y&R, now Henry, GH) to have these scenes with Tristan. He had that long relationship with Tristan on-camera, but I felt lucky to have it.”
Sadly, Jason Thompson was not taping the day Tristan visited Y&R for the last time. “Unfortunately, I was not in that day. Tristan was in my dressing room, which I thought was kind of a special moment,” shared Jason. “However, I didn’t get to see him. Tristan had this kind of edge, this kind of rock and roll, ‘whatever, I’m going do it this way, even if they’re not going to like it.’ He just had that about him. I just always admired that. When I was younger at GH, we (as Patrick and Robert) went on some capers together.”
Photo: JPI
Jason remembered when he learned the news that Rogers lost his battle with cancer. “When I heard he had passed, Kimberly McCullough was my first call. Freakily enough, about a week before that, I’ve got this project that I’ve had in my mind for a while. I was texting with Kimberly and I said, ‘We have to talk to Tristan as soon as possible, he’s not doing well.’ Then, three days later, he ended up passing away. I talked to Kimberly obviously a couple times about it. We were texting and we got on the phone, and she just was, not to speak for her, but she’s like, ‘this one hit me really hard.’ I can totally understand that. She was seven-years-old when she first played Tristan’s daughter on GH.”
Photo: ABC
Thompson added, “Not in the exact same way, but I still talk to my former on-screen daughter, Brooklyn (Rae Silzer, ex-Emma, GH). We still stay in contact and she was five when she came on the , and I know the relationship that I had with Brooklyn, Times that by 10 with what Tristan and Kimberly had. At the end of the day, it’s incredibly special that we get to spend this kind of time with someone, and as an audience member, that you get to see someone like this show up as often as they did for as long as they did, like Tristan. So it’s a gift ultimately. It was very sad to hear what was happening with him, and obviously on the day that he passed, but my, God! He brought so much to everything, and every scene that he was in.”
Photo: JPI
Jason also shared what his on-screen mom Jess Walton thought of her time working opposite Rogers. “Jess Walton would say Tristan was her favorite person to ever work with because it was just always fun, always crazy. He was willing to do what some actors wouldn’t want to do. He’d be like, “Hell yeah, I’ll do that.” He had that kind of energy about him,” expressed Thompson. “I have a lot of respect there and am just thankful that got to meet him and know him the way that I did.”
Watch the full conversation with Billy and Jason below.
Now let us know, what did you think of the remembrances shared by Billy and Jason on their late co-star, Tristan Rogers via the comment section below.
Sorry, I have nothing against Billy Flynn, but the good bye scene should have been with the original Cane given the lack of history with these two. I loved seeing Tristan, but this seemed misplaced.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
