Chris Robinson, a name many soap opera fans grew up with, has sadly passed away. He was 86 and died in his sleep on June 9, 2025, at his home near Sedona, Arizona. It was confirmed by one of his close friends and long-time co-star, MJ Allen, who shared the news with fans online. Apparently, Chris had been dealing with heart failure for some time, though he kept most of it private.
It’s one of those moments that hits fans hard, especially people who remember tuning in to see Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital—his most iconic role. People who worked with him say he was not just a talented actor, but also a warm, generous person behind the scenes. After the news broke, social media was full of old clips, heartfelt memories, and messages from people who either knew him or just admired him on-screen.
Even though Chris stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, his name still means something to a lot of people. He made an impact—on his colleagues, his audience, and even younger actors who looked up to him. And that’s not something every actor can say.
His Journey Through Television and Film
Chris was born on November 5, 1938, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He didn’t shoot straight to fame like some actors do—it took years of small roles and guest spots before people really started recognizing him. He began acting in the late 1950s, with early roles in films like The Midnight Story (1957) and later Birdman of Alcatraz. But his big break came in the 1960s, playing Sergeant Sandy Komansky on the war drama 12 O’Clock High.
Then came the role that changed everything—Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital. He first joined the show in 1978 and was a regular until 1986. Fans loved him so much that the show brought him back in the early 2000s. Chris didn’t stop there. He played Jack Hamilton on The Bold and the Beautiful from 1992 to 2005, which just added to his soap opera legacy.
Aside from his TV career, Chris worked on several movies like Catch the Black Sunshine, Thunder County, and The Intruder. That last one was extra special—he not only starred in it but also wrote and directed it, showing just how much he loved storytelling in all forms.
That One Famous Commercial Line Everyone Still Quotes
Even if you weren’t a soap opera fan, chances are you’ve heard Chris Robinson’s voice. Back in 1984, he was in a Vicks Formula 44 commercial where he said, “I’m not a doctor, but I do play one on TV.” It was just one line, but wow—did it catch on. People still quote it today.
That one commercial turned into something way bigger than expected. It became one of those phrases that just stuck around in pop culture. You’d see it in parodies, interviews, and even regular conversations. It was simple, catchy, and—because Chris said it—it worked. It’s kind of funny how one line in an ad can live on for decades, but that’s the kind of reach Chris had.
It also shows something else about him. Chris wasn’t afraid to laugh at himself, to mix things up, or to take on projects outside the typical “actor” path. That ad just gave more people a reason to recognize him and maybe even go back and check out the roles he played on screen.
Legal Troubles Didn’t Break His Spirit
Chris’s journey wasn’t perfect. In 1985, he got into legal trouble—he was charged with income tax evasion. That kind of thing could have ended his career, honestly. But it didn’t. He found a way to keep going, even through the mess. He actually served his sentence during evenings and weekends, so he could still work during the day. Imagine balancing jail time and acting—most people couldn’t do that, but Chris made it happen.
That part of his life doesn’t get talked about as much, probably because people don’t want to focus on the negative. But it’s also part of his story, and it says something about his strength. He didn’t just give up. He didn’t let one mistake define his whole life. That’s rare in this industry, and it’s worth remembering.
His fans never really turned their backs on him either. If anything, they respected him more for facing things head-on and pushing through.
A Quiet Goodbye and Lasting Legacy
Chris’s last on-screen role was in a 2022 indie film called Just for a Week. He did it with his good friend MJ Allen, which feels kind of full-circle, doesn’t it? After so many years in the business, he chose to work with someone he trusted and cared about for his final project.
Off-screen, Chris lived a much quieter life. He spent his later years on a peaceful ranch in Arizona with his wife, Jacquie Shane-Robinson. They had six children—some of them also actors—and five grandkids. So yeah, he had a full life, both professionally and personally.
Chris Robinson may be gone, but he’s definitely not forgotten. His work will keep playing on reruns, clips will keep popping up on YouTube, and fans will keep telling stories about the time they met him or how he made them cry or smile on-screen. That’s what a legacy looks like.
Sadly, GH's Rick, Lesley, Alan and Monica are no longer with us.
— MIchael Fairman (@MichaelFairman) June 11, 2025
Chris Robinson, ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Rick Webber and TV Soap Vet, Dead at 86 - @GeneralHospital #ChrisRobinson #RickWebber @BandB_CBS #AW
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