General Hospital Star Chris Robinson Dies at 86
Veteran actor Chris Robinson, who is best known to soap fans as Rick Webber on General Hospital and Jack Hamilton on Bold and Beautiful, has died at the age of 86. The sad news was first shared by actor and musician MJ Allen in a Facebook post that reported Robinson passed away in his sleep on June 9, 2025, at his ranch near Sedona, AZ. Heart failure was given as the official cause of death.
A Life In Full
Born on November 5, 1938 in West Palm Beach, Florida, Robinson’s career took off in the ’60s with roles on series like The Donna Reed Show, Ben Casey, Gunsmoke, and The Fugitive. He also starred as Sgt. Alexander “Sandy” Komansky for the last two seasons of ABC’s 12 O’Clock High.
In 1978, Robinson took over the pivotal role of Dr. Rick Webber on GH from Michael Gregory. Rick, Laura’s (Genie Francis) adoptive father, was part of a memorable love triangle involving Denise Alexander’s Lesley Webber and Leslie Charleson’s Monica Quartermaine — one that led Monica’s bitterly jealous husband, Alan Quartermaine, to make several attempts on his life. The actor remained with the soap until 1986, and when news broke of his imminent departure, The National Enquirer noted that Robinson “had a lavish going-away party two weeks ago, although he will be on air into December. More than 100 people attended the party, which included horses, wagons, cactus, and all the things Robinson feels at home with.”
During his time on GH, Robinson was also known for a television commercial for Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup where he declared, “I’m not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.” He also reprised the role of Rick Webber in 2002 for a GH storyline that saw the character murdered. Laura believed she’d committed the crime, but it was later revealed that Scott Baldwin had actually delivered the fatal candlestick blow. Robinson made his final appearance on GH in 2013, when he appeared as Rick’s ghost as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Robinson encountered legal troubles in 1985 when he was sentenced to jail for failing to file income tax returns in 1980 and 1981. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a hefty fine and four months in jail, but a U.S. District judge modified the ruling to allow the actor to serve his time in a guarded community treatment center, allowing him to continue appearing on GH.
In 1987, just after exiting GH, Robinson joined the cast of NBC’s Another World, where he played Jason Frame until the character’s demise in 1989. The role reunited him with former GH co-star Alexander, who was playing Mary McKinnon on AW at the time.
Robinson’s other soap role was playing Taylor’s father, Jack Hamilton, on B&B. He appeared regularly from 1992-96 and then made occasional visits in the years that followed, his last in 2005. During his time on the show, Jack romanced matriarchs Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery) and Sally Spectra (Darlene Conley).
Robinson’s last acting role was playing Ted Hurst in the 2022 film Just for a Week. He is survived by his wife, Jacquie Shane Robinson, children Shane, Coby, Christian, Christopher, Chris, and Taylor, and grandchildren Ivy, Ava, Davey, Brooks, and Knox.
Soap Opera Digest sends its deepest condolences to Robinson’s family, friends and fans.
