The soap opera world mourns the loss of veteran actor Chris Robinson, who passed away due to heart failure at his home near Sedona, Arizona, on June 9. Robinson’s illustrious career lives on through his extensive body of work across television and film, from his early days as a stunt actor to his final role. What made Robinson’s return to “General Hospital” controversial?
A Soap Opera Legend’s Final Curtain Call
Chris Robinson, the beloved actor who portrayed Dr. Rick Webber on “General Hospital,” has died at the age of 86. He passed away in his sleep on June 9 at his home near Sedona, Arizona, with heart failure cited as the cause of death.
The news was confirmed by actor MJ Allen in a Facebook announcement, stating, “He had been in heart failure for some time, and is his official cause of death.” The official “General Hospital” account acknowledged Robinson’s significant contribution to the show, expressing, “General Hospital’s enduring legacy owes a debt of gratitude to Chris Robinson and his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber.”
General Hospital's enduring legacy owes a debt of gratitude to Chris Robinson and his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber. Our hearts go out to his family and friends as they mourn their loss. May he rest in peace. #GH pic.twitter.com/5eRvKlcdni
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) June 11, 2025
From Stunt Actor to Soap Star
Robinson began his entertainment career in the late 1950s as a stunt actor before transitioning to roles in films like “Diary of a High School Bride” and “Beast From Haunted Cave.” Throughout the 1960s, he made numerous guest appearances on popular television series including “Sea Hunt,” “77 Sunset Strip,” “Hawaiian Eye,” “Combat!,” “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason,” and “Hogan’s Heroes.”
His television presence continued to grow in the 1970s with roles on shows like “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Barnaby Jones,” and “Chips.” In 1978, Robinson achieved worldwide fame when he joined “General Hospital” as Dr. Rick Webber, becoming a central figure in one of the show’s most popular storylines.
It’s so hard being a GH fan these days. Another GH veteran has left us Chris Robinson. My prayers and condolences are with the family friends and co stars of Chris Robinson . Chris Robinson was one of my favorites on GH as Rick Webber. I’m so sad about this #GH #GeneralHospital pic.twitter.com/RtYVDyjoCN
— Alicia (@LukeLauraGH) June 11, 2025
Legacy Beyond Port Charles
Robinson’s portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber involved him in a captivating love triangle with the characters Monica and Lesley, which became one of the show’s most memorable storylines. His popularity from “General Hospital” led to him becoming the spokesperson for Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup, where he coined the famous phrase, “I’m not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.”
After his initial run on “General Hospital,” Robinson went on to appear in other soap operas, including “Another World” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” He made a notable return to “General Hospital” 16 years after leaving the show for a storyline involving his character’s controversial past.
Robinson’s final acting role was in the 2022 comedy film “Just for a Week,” capping a career that spanned over six decades. He is survived by his wife, Jacquie Shane-Robinson, seven sons, and five grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that touched millions of viewers.