Few names in daytime television evoke as much nostalgia, admiration, and heartfelt loyalty as Kimberly McCullough. This month, the beloved actress and director marked a remarkable milestone:

40 years since her debut as Robin Scorpio on General Hospital. What makes the moment even more special is how it was first spotlighted — not by the show itself, but by an adoring fan who shared the memory,

prompting McCullough to revisit the beginning of a journey that would shape both her career and soap opera history.

A Blast From the Past

The year was 1985. On September 6, Robert Scorpio (portrayed by Tristan Rogers, who has since passed away) walked into his home and was met by a surprise that would forever alter his life — and the lives of viewers watching from their living rooms. Standing there was a bright-eyed little girl with a simple introduction:

“My name is Robin.”

That little girl was Kimberly McCullough, only seven years old at the time, making her General Hospital debut as Robin Scorpio, the daughter of Robert and Anna Devane (Finola Hughes). What started as a single scene quickly blossomed into one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant legacies in daytime storytelling.

Looking back at that moment, McCullough took to Instagram Stories to reshare the clip after a fan posted it, reminding the world that it had been 40 years since her entrance into Port Charles. With a touch of humility and nostalgia, she wrote:

“Goodness. Tristan and I.”

It was a tribute not only to her very first co-star but also to the late Tristan Rogers, whose portrayal of Robert Scorpio remains iconic to this day.

Robin Scorpio: A Rare Soap Opera Journey

What makes McCullough’s milestone so extraordinary is that she didn’t just play a character — she grew up with one. Few soap stars can say they were introduced as a child and evolved in real time before the eyes of viewers for decades.

• Childhood Years (1985–1995): Robin’s early years were filled with adventure, family drama, and the complexities of being the daughter of two legendary figures, Robert and Anna. McCullough’s natural talent and vulnerability made Robin instantly beloved, even as a child.
• The HIV Storyline (1995): In what remains one of General Hospital’s most groundbreaking story arcs, Robin contracted HIV following the death of her first love, Stone Cates (Michael Sutton). The storyline was lauded for its realism, sensitivity, and courage, with McCullough’s performances earning universal acclaim. This arc turned Robin into a symbol of strength and resilience for countless viewers navigating similar challenges in real life.
• Adulthood and Patrick Drake Romance: In the 2000s, Robin’s romance with Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson) became one of GH’s most captivating love stories. The pair married, welcomed their daughter Emma, and faced triumphs and heartbreaks together, cementing Robin’s role as a cornerstone character.
• The Farewell and Returns: After leaving in 2001 to pursue other opportunities, McCullough made multiple returns. Her 2004 comeback reignited storylines until 2013, when Robin and Patrick relocated to California. Since then, she has made emotional guest appearances, most notably in 2021 for the farewell tribute to Sean Donely (after the passing of actor John Reilly).

Kimberly McCullough Beyond Robin Scorpio

Though fans still identify her most with Robin, McCullough has spent recent years thriving behind the camera. After leaving GH full-time, she pursued a career in directing — and has since become one of television’s most in-demand directors.

Her impressive résumé includes work on:

• The Conners
• The Bold Type
• One Day at a Time
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Her transition from actress to director is a testament to her creative vision, discipline, and determination. While many actors struggle to reinvent themselves after long soap runs, McCullough has not only reinvented but excelled, carving out a second career that continues to soar.

Remembering Tristan Rogers

McCullough’s anniversary also carried a bittersweet note, as it coincided with memories of her late co-star, Tristan Rogers, who passed away earlier this year. Their father-daughter dynamic was central to Robin’s earliest storylines and remains etched in the memories of fans.

Their very first scene together — Robert asking, “Who are you?” and Robin replying with her name — has become one of GH’s most replayed and celebrated introductions. As Soap Hub once reported, it even ranked among Rogers’ personal “Top Five GH Moments.”

McCullough’s simple Instagram caption, “Goodness. Tristan and I,” spoke volumes about their bond. It was both a reflection on how far she had come and a quiet tribute to the man who helped introduce her to the world of Port Charles.

No More Robin?

Though Robin Scorpio hasn’t been a regular presence on GH in years, her absence doesn’t diminish her significance. In fact, it underscores how rare her story is in soap history. Very few characters, especially those introduced as children, become so deeply embedded in the fabric of a show.

McCullough has stated in the past that her focus is now firmly on directing. While GH fans still hope for Robin’s return in future storylines, it’s clear that McCullough’s priorities have shifted. That said, her willingness to step back into Robin’s shoes for milestone moments — such as the 2021 Sean Donely tribute — leaves the door open for future guest appearances.

Fans Celebrate 40 Years of Robin Scorpio

The reaction to McCullough’s milestone has been nothing short of overwhelming. Fans took to social media to share their favorite Robin moments — from her early days as a precocious child to her heartbreaking scenes with Stone, and her tender love story with Patrick.

Many pointed out how Robin’s HIV storyline helped shift perceptions in the 1990s, providing education and empathy to audiences at a time when HIV/AIDS was still heavily stigmatized. Others reflected on Robin’s resilience, her intelligence, and her ability to balance the Cassadine/Scorpio legacy with her own personal struggles.

For fans, celebrating Kimberly McCullough’s 40 years on General Hospital is as much about honoring Robin’s fictional journey as it is about acknowledging McCullough’s extraordinary real-life career trajectory.

A Legacy That Endures

Kimberly McCullough’s career stands as a testament to the enduring power of daytime television. For four decades, she has touched lives — first as a young actress who grew into one of soap opera’s most beloved heroines, and now as a director shaping stories from behind the lens.

Her celebration of this milestone isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognizing how her journey continues to inspire both fans and colleagues. McCullough’s ability to transition from child star to adult actress, and now to acclaimed director, is a rare feat in Hollywood — and one that reflects her determination and talent.

The Bottom Line

As Kimberly McCullough celebrates 40 years since her first scene as Robin Scorpio, the milestone feels less like a chapter closed and more like a legacy cemented. She may no longer be a daily fixture in Port Charles, but her impact on General Hospital — and daytime television as a whole — remains undeniable.

Robin Scorpio will forever be remembered as a character who combined vulnerability with strength, innocence with wisdom, and heart with resilience. And Kimberly McCullough, the actress who brought her to life, will always be celebrated as one of the genre’s most influential talents.

For fans, the milestone is both a trip down memory lane and a reminder of the incredible journey that began with a simple question:

“Who are you?”

“My name is Robin.”

And with that, a soap opera legend was born.