‘General Hospital’s‘ John J. York Gives Health Update, Remembers Late Tristan Rogers

General Hospital John J York now and then — Everett Collection; Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

What To Know

John J. York celebrates 35 years as Mac Scorpio on General Hospital, reflecting on his character’s evolution.
York fondly remembers his late costar Tristan Rogers.
After a serious health crisis in 2023, York shares an update.

Mercenaries tend not to have long shelf lives on soap operas, but John J. York, cast as mercenary Malcolm “Mac” Scorpio back in 1991, has enjoyed a 35-year stay on General Hospital! In addition to celebrating his 35 years on the soap, York gives a health update, remembers his beloved costar Tristan Rogers and shares more, while speaking exclusively to our sister publication TV Weekly.

York says that when he started on the ABC soap opera, Mac was described as a “mercenary, a guy with an edge. After a while, whatever personality traits I had as a human being came across onscreen. That’s when the slow turn began. Mac’s not a bad guy. He’s a good guy!”

Mac came to town on a ship (the SS Tracy) and was literally tossed into the waters of San Pedro, California, by his brother, Robert Scorpio (the late Tristan Rogers). But York hardly felt thrown into the deep end figuratively, given Rogers’ support.

GENERAL HOSPITAL, from left: Tristan Rogers, John J. York, (1991), 1963- ,

Craig Sjodin/ABC /Courtesy Everett Collection

“Tristan was an icon in daytime,” York recalls of his TV older brother. “He was funny, and he embraced me. He took me under his wing. We spent a lot of time in dressing rooms talking about our scenes. He was always available and spontaneous. Tristan had a special spark, and I’m thankful he was there for me.”

Mac became a solid citizen as Port Charles’ chief of police, and surrogate dad to Robin, Maxie and George, before the show gave him a biological son in Cody Bell (Josh Kelly).

On the romantic front, the writers used the show’s 50th anniversary in 2013 to have Felicia (Kristina Wagner) finally choose Mac over Frisco (Jack Wagner). “I was humbled by that,” York says of Felicia’s decision. “I was aware of the many Frisco and Felicia fans. They’re still out there, but Mac and Felicia have such a strong bond.”

Mac has spent 35 years on General Hospital without many trips to the hospital itself, but in real life he endured a medical crisis in 2023. That’s when York took a hiatus from the show to undergo successful treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome and smoldering multiple myeloma.

GENERAL HOSPITAL - “Episode 15748” - “General Hospital" airs Monday - Friday, on ABC (check local listings). JOHN J. YORK, KRISTINA WAGNER

Disney/Christine Bartolucci

Today, he happily reports that he’s “doing very well. It’s more about maintenance now. I was going to the hospital every day for six months for a while. Now, it’s a visit every four months.”

York is immensely grateful for the support he received from his GH family and his fans during his health crisis. “There were times I was in the hospital, alone, and I was praying,” he says. “My colleagues, Frank [Valentini, GH‘s executive producer], Kristina, Jon Lindstrom [Kevin], and others were all in touch, sending videos, sending support, and sending love. GH is my home away from home. I love it. I’m so grateful to be on this iconic show. Let’s go for another 35 years!”