Even though I started watching General Hospital the summer of 1980 — I, like the majority of the country, was sucked in by the phenomenon that was Luke and Laura — my first, heart-stopping super-couple was Robert and Holly in 1983. I was 13. I was a peculiar child. But, even as I followed their ups and downs, I had no idea how this couple would mark me for the rest of my life.
Key Takeaways
- Robert and Holly defined supercouple.
- Robert adored his wife no matter what.
- Robert’s adoration of Holly was the blueprint for relationships.
In the Beginning
Robert (Tristan Rogers, who passed away recently) and Holly (Emma Samms) weren’t even in love the first time they exchanged vows. Holly was pregnant with a presumed dead Luke’s (Anthony Geary) baby, and Robert married her to keep the British-born Holly from being deported. (How Australian Robert was an American citizen, we’re still a bit fuzzy on.) This move infuriated Robert’s then-girlfriend, Jackie (played at the time by Demi Moore, most recently by Kim Delaney).
Yet, Robert insisted on standing by Holly. He stood by her when she miscarried, he stood by her when she pushed him away, and, eventually, the two fell in love.
In the Middle
Things got a little more complicated when Luke returned. There was a mysterious disc that could destroy the world, along with a hostage situation… You know, the usual tiny life hiccups. Holly realized she loved Robert and left Luke behind. (Laura [Genie Francis], returning from her own death a few months later, kept another uncomfortable situation from developing.)
That’s when the fun really began. Robert and Holly were commonly acknowledged to be daytime’s most happily married couple. While others cheated on each other and played endless rounds of “Who’s the Daddy,” Robert and Holly were partners in crime. Well, rather, Robert was the Chief of Police, and Holly fluttered around him, wanting to be part of his sleuthing and capering.
It was very “I Love Lucy,” only instead of wanting Ricky to put her in his show, Holly wanted Robert to let her play spy.
In the End
The best part was, no matter what Holly did — investigate behind Robert’s back, offer him unsolicited advice on his investigation, put herself in danger (and then get herself out of danger) — Robert put up with her. He indulged her. Heck, he celebrated her whimsy. I didn’t realize that’s what my 13-year-old brain imprinted as the perfect romantic relationship. Until many years later. 2006, to be exact.
That’s when Holly returned to GH, following Robert’s own return from the dead. (Ignore that it was part of the monkey virus storyline. I do.) By that point, I’d been married to my husband for 7 years. For Holly’s return, GH showed flashbacks from her and Robert’s heyday.
That’s when I realized that the adoring way Robert looked at Holly was exactly the adoring way that my husband looked at me. No wonder I fell for the guy! In addition, he puts up with me. He indulges me. He celebrates my whimsy. Forty years ago, Robert Scorpio showed me the ideal romantic relationship. Which is how I ended up with one that’s still going strong 27 years later.
