Chris Robinson, the veteran soap opera actor best known for his role as Dr. Rick Webber on “General Hospital” and for coining the famous phrase “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV,” died June 9, 2025, at age 86.
Robinson passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:30 a.m. at his ranch near Sedona, Arizona, according to his representative. The cause of death was heart failure, with officials noting he had been battling the condition for some time.
The news was first announced by filmmaker MJ Allen, who collaborated with Robinson on several projects including the 2022 film “Just for a Week.” Allen confirmed the actor’s passing through a Facebook post, describing Robinson as a “Hollywood legend” and “good friend.”
Born November 5, 1938, in West Palm Beach, Florida, Robinson launched his acting career in the late 1950s with stunt work in low-budget films. His early credits included “Diary of a High School Bride” and “Beast From Haunted Cave,” where he designed the creature costume himself. He transitioned to feature films in the 1960s, appearing alongside Burt Lancaster in “The Young Savages” (1961) and “Birdman of Alcatraz” (1962).
Robinson gained recognition in television through guest appearances on popular series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including “Sea Hunt,” “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason,” “The Fugitive,” and “Hogan’s Heroes.” His first regular television role came in 1967 as Sergeant Alexander “Sandy” Komansky on the ABC military drama “12 O’Clock High” during its second and third seasons.
However, it was his casting as Dr. Rick Webber on “General Hospital” in 1978 that brought Robinson widespread fame. Taking over the role from Michael Gregory, Robinson portrayed the adoptive father of Laura, played by Genie Francis, who was part of the iconic “Luke and Laura” storyline. His character became central to one of daytime television’s most memorable love triangles, involving Dr. Lesley Webber and Dr. Monica Quartermaine.
Robinson appeared in more than 1,000 episodes of “General Hospital” from 1978 to 1986. He briefly returned to the show in 2002 for approximately 20 episodes, where his character met a controversial end after being beaten to death by Scott Baldwin, played by Kin Shriner. Robinson made a final appearance on the show in April 2013 during its 50th anniversary celebration.
During his tenure on “General Hospital,” Robinson became a cultural icon through his appearance in Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercials in the mid-1980s. His delivery of the line “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV” became one of the most recognizable catchphrases in advertising history, frequently referenced in popular culture and late-night television.
Following his departure from “General Hospital,” Robinson continued his soap opera career on “Another World,” where he played Jason Frame from 1988 to 1989, reuniting with former “General Hospital” co-star Denise Alexander. He then joined the cast of “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 1992, portraying ladies’ man and gambling addict Jack Hamilton. Robinson appeared in nearly 250 episodes of the CBS soap opera, remaining with the show until 2002 and making a final appearance in 2005.
Robinson’s career extended beyond soap operas, with guest appearances on numerous primetime series including “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Fantasy Island.” He also directed episodes of “Baretta,” “Cannon,” and “Barnaby Jones.” In 1977, he wrote, starred in, and directed “The Great Balloon Race,” featuring Frank Gifford and Phyllis Diller.
In 1985, Robinson faced legal troubles when he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges for filing false returns on $490,000 in income from 1980 to 1981. He avoided prison time that would have interfered with his “General Hospital” duties by serving his sentence on nights and weekends, allowing him to continue daytime television taping.
The official “General Hospital” Instagram account honored Robinson following news of his death. The show’s tribute stated that “General Hospital’s enduring legacy owes a debt of gratitude to Chris Robinson and his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber.” Co-stars also paid tribute, with Genie Francis posting a throwback photo of Robinson walking her character down the aisle, writing that she was “so sad” and that he would “be missed.”
Robinson’s death marks the end of an era for soap opera fans, as he was the final surviving member of “General Hospital’s” famous 1980s love triangle. His co-stars Denise Alexander (Lesley) and Leslie Charleson (Monica) both passed away earlier in 2025, Alexander in March at age 85 and Charleson in January at age 79.
Robinson is survived by his wife of 14 years, artist Jacquie Shane-Robinson, and seven sons: Shane, Coby, Christian, Taylor, Christopher, Christopher Lance, and adopted son Robb Walker. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Ivy, Ava, Davey, Brooks, and Knox.
His final acting credit was in the 2022 independent film “Just for a Week,” marking the end of a career that spanned more than 60 years and included over 100 television and film appearances.
