NEED TO KNOW
Tristan Rogers made his final television appearance on The Young and the Restless, less than two weeks after his death.
On the Aug. 26 episode of the CBS soap opera, Rogers — who died at age 79 on Aug. 15 — returned for a one-episode reprisal of his character Colin Atkinson.
During the episode, Cane (Billy Flynn) had a flashback of a conversation with his late father, Colin. While at his father’s bedside, Cane poured himself a drink and offered his father water.
“I don’t suppose you could put a drop of scotch in it,” Colin asked Cane, who refused.
Back in the present, Cane recorded a heartfelt video for his estranged children Charlie and Mattie, noting that he wanted to be there for them after his own difficult relationship with Colin.
His business partner Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) entered and while talking to her, Cane admitted that he was concerned that he was becoming just like his dad. He wondered, “Is that true? I mean, have I become the worst parts of the man?”
After getting some reassurance from Phyllis, Cane sent the video to his children before having another flashback to his time with his father.
During their conversation, Cane asked him to stick around so he could add more zeroes into their bank account, but Colin said, “I’m tired. I’m too tired.”
Bobby Bank/Getty
His father also made a point about ending the use of Cane’s alter ego Aristotle Dumas, saying, “Wait too long and the mask burns into the skin.” Cane made it clear that wouldn’t happen, but his father insisted, “Famous last words.”
After Colin noted that Dumas had served his purpose, his father said, “Then you bury Dumas forever, son. You promise me.”
The episode concluded with a title card which read: “In Loving Memory of Tristan Rogers 1946-2025” alongside a picture of the late actor.
One day prior to the episode airing, the show announced that Rogers would reprise his role as Colin for his final television appearance on The Young and the Restless.
“On behalf of the entire Y&R family, Jess Walton pays tribute to her longtime scene partner, Tristan Rogers, who makes his final television appearance on tomorrow’s episode of The Young and the Restless,” the Aug. 25 announcement on Instagram read. “As we revisit one of their most memorable scenes — an emotional moment between Jill and Colin from 2014— we are reminded of the lasting impact Tristan brought to our show, both on and off screen.”
“He will forever be missed,” the announcement concluded.
Rogers first played the role of Colin in 2010 to 2012. He returned to the soap opera from 2014 to 2017 before reprising the role again in 2019.
Following the announcement, Flynn paid tribute to the late star on social media.
“Tomorrow is a very special episode. I didn’t know Tristan as well as Daniel [Goddard, who previously played Cane] or the rest of the cast that were lucky enough to know him over the years,” he wrote on his Instagram Story. “I am grateful and honored to have worked with such an amazing man and brilliant character.”
Billy Flynn/Instagram
The Australian actor’s manager, Meryl Soodak, confirmed his death on Friday, Aug. 15, after it was revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Soodak told ABC 7 Eyewitness News that another one of Rogers’ roles — playing Robert Scorpio on General Hospital — “meant everything to him.”
“He loved being Scorpio, and he created that role from nothing,” Soodak continued. “He was supposed to work a day, and he ended up making it into something huge. He was just a genuinely loyal, kind human being, and he loved his family.”
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The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS (check local listings).