Chris Robinson, a prolific actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital, has died at the age of 86. He passed peacefully in his sleep at 12:30 a.m. on June 9, 2025, at his ranch near Sedona, Arizona, after a period of heart failure. His official cause of death has been cited as heart failure. The news was shared by filmmaker and musician MJ Allen on Facebook (source).
Chris Robinson, Iconic 'General Hospital' Actor, Dies at 86
With a screen career that spanned more than six decades, Robinson brought depth and charisma to over 100 roles across television and film from 1957 to 2022. He rose to national prominence on General Hospital, where his portrayal of Dr. Rick Webber helped shape the golden era of daytime drama. As the on-screen father of Laura Spencer, he was part of the legendary “Luke and Laura” wedding — the highest-rated episode in daytime TV history.
During his GH tenure, Robinson played a pivotal role in launching the careers of future stars like John Stamos, Rick Springfield, and Richard Dean Anderson. He also famously appeared in Vick’s commercials, delivering the iconic line: “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.”
Robinson’s extensive television credits include appearances in Savannah Smiles, 12 O’Clock High, The Donna Reed Show, Sea Hunt, Death Valley Days (alongside Ronald Reagan), Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Wagon Train, Perry Mason, Fantasy Island, CHiPs, Barnaby Jones, and Murder, She Wrote. He also made appearances on Another World and The Bold and the Beautiful, and remained a fixture in Soap Opera Digest features and Celebrity Family Feud appearances.
On the big screen, Robinson shared scenes with screen legends such as Mickey Rooney, Charlton Heston, Dick Clark, Ted Cassidy, and Yvonne DeCarlo. He also directed episodes of Baretta, Cannon, and Barnaby Jones, proving his versatility behind the camera.
Robinson’s final acting role came in 2022’s Just For a Week, where he played the lead role of Ted Hurst.
A Florida native, Chris Robinson is survived by his wife of 14 years, artist and actress Jacquie Shane-Robinson, who appeared in his final three films. He is also survived by his sons Shane, Coby, Christian, Taylor, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Lance, and adopted son Robb Walker, along with five grandchildren: Ivy, Ava, Davey, Brooks, and Knox.
Chris and Jacquie enjoyed life on their medieval-style ranch along Oak Creek, where they raised animals, curated art, and lived creatively. A lifelong outdoorsman and former stuntman, Chris was known to ride his ATV across their property well into his later years.
Robinson leaves behind a lasting legacy in both daytime television and Hollywood at large. His contributions to the arts, both in front of and behind the camera, will not be forgotten.
