Chris Robinson, best known for his iconic role as Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital, has died at the age of 86.
His passing was confirmed by fellow actor MJ Allen in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Robinson died in his sleep on June 9 at his home near Sedona, Arizona. “He had been in heart failure for some time, and that is his official cause of death,” Allen wrote.
ABC’s General Hospital paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
Born in Florida, Robinson began his acting journey in the late 1950s, initially working as a stuntman in films like Diary of a High School Bride and Beast From Haunted Cave. In the 1960s, he appeared in popular series including Sea Hunt, 77 Sunset Strip, Perry Mason, Combat!, and Gunsmoke.
His breakthrough came in 1978 when he joined General Hospital, playing Dr. Rick Webber, the adoptive father of Laura (Genie Francis). Robinson became central to one of daytime television’s most famous love triangles, involving Monica and Lesley, played by Leslie Charleson and Denise Alexander—both of whom also passed away earlier this year.
Beyond daytime drama, Robinson gained mainstream recognition for his Vicks Formula 44 commercial, delivering the now-famous line: “I’m not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.”
After a nine-year run on General Hospital, he took on the role of Jason Frame in Another World, reuniting with Denise Alexander, and later played Jack Hamilton on The Bold and the Beautiful for three years. In 1994, he returned to GH for Laura’s second wedding to Luke, revisiting a dramatic storyline from Laura’s past.
His final screen role was in the 2022 comedy Just for a Week.
Chris Robinson is survived by his wife of 14 years, artist Jacquie Shane-Robinson, and his seven sons: Shane, Coby, Christian, Taylor, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Lance, and Robb Walker. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Ivy, Ava, Davey, Brooks, and Knox.
