A Legendary Farewell to a Daytime Icon

The world of daytime television is preparing for an emotional moment as The Young and the Restless airs the final televised appearance of beloved actor Tristan Rogers, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 79 following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

In a heartfelt and fitting tribute to one of soap opera’s most enduring talents, Y&R will honor Rogers by broadcasting the last episode he filmed before his passing — featuring a return to his fan-favorite role as the infamous conman Colin Atkinson.

This final performance not only marks the end of a legendary career that spanned more than five decades but also offers longtime fans a chance to say goodbye to a character who stirred up trouble, created chaos, and always did it with a sly smile and a glint in his eye.

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Tristan Rogers: A Soap Opera Legend

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Tristan Rogers began his acting career in his home country before making the leap to international fame. He became a household name in the United States for his portrayal of Robert Scorpio on General Hospital in the early 1980s — a role that solidified his place as one of daytime’s most iconic leading men.

However, it was his turn as Colin Atkinson on The Young and the Restless that introduced him to a new generation of viewers and gave the actor a second, equally impactful act in daytime drama. Debuting in 2010, Rogers’ Colin was a suave, morally ambiguous schemer whose presence always spelled trouble — especially for his son Cane Ashby (played by Daniel Goddard) and former flame Jill Abbott (Jess Walton).

Colin wasn’t just a villain; he was layered, charismatic, and — at times — disarmingly charming. It’s those complex qualities that Rogers brought to life with precision and flair, captivating audiences and breathing life into a character who could never truly be written off.

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A Goodbye Wrapped in Storytelling

Tristan Rogers’ death came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike. While he had revealed his cancer diagnosis just this past summer, the news of his passing still sent waves through the soap community. Yet, even in his final months, Rogers chose to do what he loved most: perform.

In a final act of dedication to his craft and to the fans who supported him for decades, Rogers returned to the set of The Young and the Restless to film one last appearance as Colin. That episode will air Tuesday, August 26, and promises to be a moving farewell to both the actor and the character.

According to CBS, the special episode will not only provide an update on Colin’s life offscreen over the past few years, but also weave him back into the Genoa City tapestry — one final time.

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Jill and Colin: A Love Story With Bite

In an emotional video tribute posted to Y&R’s official social media accounts, actress Jess Walton — who shared the screen with Rogers for years — paid homage to her on-screen partner.

“Tristan was one of a kind,” Walton said in the tribute. “He was a consummate professional, an artist with impeccable timing, and a joy to work with. Our scenes as Jill and Colin were always electric — whether we were fighting or falling in love, he made it magic.”

The tribute was followed by a poignant flashback to one of Jill and Colin’s most memorable scenes — a passionate, tension-filled exchange that perfectly captured the chemistry that made their dynamic unforgettable.

Fans will remember that Jill and Colin’s relationship was as volatile as it was passionate. One moment, he was sweeping her off her feet; the next, he was swindling her out of her fortune. Their love story was twisted, fiery, and endlessly entertaining — a credit to the powerhouse performances of both actors.

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The Return of Colin Atkinson

The last time Colin was seen in Genoa City, he had left a trail of deception in his wake. His involvement in a financial scam had not only betrayed his son Cane, but also cost Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) a massive sum of money. Colin’s schemes forced Cane to flee, as accusations and suspicion clouded his name.

Years passed, and Colin vanished from the canvas, leaving only the damage behind. But in a more recent storyline twist, Cane returned and revealed to Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) that his father had died — and, in a shocking turn of events, claimed Colin had changed his ways. According to Cane, father and son had built a legitimate business together called Arabesque, and Colin had renounced his criminal lifestyle.

Of course, Lily was skeptical — and so were viewers.

Now, with this surprise final episode, the show appears poised to answer some long-standing questions:

• Did Colin truly reform?

• What was his real motivation behind starting Arabesque?

• And how will his final appearance reshape the lives of those he left behind?

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More Than Just an Episode — A Farewell

While the upcoming episode promises dramatic reveals and emotional reunions, it’s clear that The Young and the Restless is using this opportunity to honor the man behind the role. Showrunners have hinted that the episode will blend scripted storytelling with subtle acknowledgments of Rogers’ real-life passing, allowing fans a heartfelt goodbye without breaking the narrative flow.

The emotional weight of the episode is expected to be immense — not just for viewers, but for cast and crew who had the privilege of working alongside Rogers throughout his career.

“This is more than just another plot point,” a source close to the production shared. “This is our way of saying thank you to Tristan for everything he gave to this show, and to the world of daytime television.”

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A Lasting Legacy

Tristan Rogers leaves behind a towering legacy — not just in soap operas, but in the world of television. With more than 40 years in the industry, dozens of memorable roles, and a fanbase that spans generations, his contributions will not be forgotten.

Whether you knew him best as the dashing spy Robert Scorpio or the devious Colin Atkinson, one thing is certain: Tristan Rogers made an impact. He made us laugh, gasp, cry, and, above all, believe in the characters he brought to life.

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Don’t Miss This Historic Episode

Tristan Rogers’ final appearance on The Young and the Restless airs Tuesday, August 26 on CBS. The episode will feature never-before-seen footage, a powerful storyline arc, and a tribute worthy of a soap opera legend.

Set your DVR. Grab your tissues. Tune in.

This is more than just an episode — it’s the final bow of a beloved actor who never stopped performing, even in the face of life’s greatest challenge. A man who, in his final days, chose not to fade quietly, but to leave us with one last performance — a lasting gift from an unforgettable talent.

Rest in peace, Tristan Rogers. Your stories live on.