General Hospital
Chad Duell Addresses Rory Gibson ‘Stepping in’ to the Role of GH’s New Michael Corinthos
Being a recast on a soap opera is not easy for the actor coming into a role, especially when they may not be familiar with it while getting to know their new , or when called upon to deliver high-emotional impact moments when you just started. Both Chad Duell and Rory Gibson know a thing or two about it, since both have been recasts, and for Gibson, now two times over, in his daytime career.
When Chad Duell made the decision to exit General Hospital as Michael Corinthos late last year due to personal reasons, at the time, and in the positioning by the show, it appeared that the door was left open for when Chad was ready to return. In fact, to facilitate Duell’s exit, the series burned Michael’s body up pretty badly when he was caught in an explosion in Sonny’s penthouse. However, the show did not burn up Michael’s face.
Fast-forward several months later, Rory Gibson was cast as the new Michael. Since Gibson’s debut back in the middle of May, he has been an anomaly in soaps, where fan reaction to him in short order was swift and positive. Now, for the first time since Chad was recast as Michael, he shared his thoughts on the matter, during an Instagram live on Thursday, June 26, and to connect with his fans.

Photo: ABC
It marked the first time publicly that Duell spoke on his GH recast, expressing: “I wanted to give a little bit of grace to the new person (Rory Gibson) stepping in. I didn’t want it to be all about me … I just wanted it to be a smooth transition and it worked out so well, with him … so I’ve heard.”
Chad fully empathized what Rory was stepping into coming onto the legacy soap opera as a recast, adding, “When I started, it was more of an intense transition on my end. I didn’t have months in between … it was like, one day, boom, the next.” He added, “I’m glad it’s working out, though.”

Photo: ABC
In addition, Chad clarified what was going on behind the scenes with him that precipitated his departure: “I just needed a bit of a break. So, I just needed to step away. For how long, we don’t know. So, that’s really where that stemmed from. That’s where I wanted to give them (GH) enough notice so they can write a story out for Michael, which is the fire thing. So I’m glad I did that. I didn’t want to wait until the very week beforehand to say, ‘Hey! I’m gonna step away for a bit.’’

Photo: ABC
Mental health challenges also played into the need to exit, especially after his father passed away, “I couldn’t get myself going. I’d wake up dragging, go to work, and just feel and look tired.”
The Daytime Emmy-winning actor, played Michael Corinthos for 15 years beginning in 2010 till early 2025.
So, what do you think of Chad Duell’s comments on Rory Gibson being his successor in the role of ‘General Hospital’s’ Michael Corinthos? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I think he could have been a bit more flattering
He was hoping everyone would miss him and complain, but it’s the best recast in soap opera history. New Michael is excellent. We knew Chad has been phoning it in for a while.
Best recast in soap history is a big stretch, Douglass Watson was a recast, Don Hastings was a recast, Marg Dusay was a recast, Susan Seaforth was a recast and I could go on
Even on GH, Leslie Charleson, Genie Francis, and Wally Kurth are recasts for starters each in the role 30+ years after taking it over.
Don’t get me wrong, Rory is doing quite well.
And Kassie DePaiva took over for Mia Korf as Blair Kramer on OLTL. She turned out to be a great Blair but initially the dramatic transformation left viewers puzzled.
Thanks for that history for yes, they all were fantabulous! But I do have to agree that Rory’s entry has been seemless!
I had no idea Douglass was a recast he was such a darling on Another World. Vicky Wyndham was a recast! She replaced Robin Stresser who was a recast as Dorian Lord. Interesting!
right you are.
Completely agree. I always liked Duell’s Michael, but Mr Gibson is fantastic. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s incredibly handsome (yes, I’m gay. As a good amount of GH’s fan base is).
Good for you! A number of the GH actors over the years have been as well.
Rory is going a great job. But guess what if Chad wants to come back someday I hope it happens. Why don’t you people who think Chads character as he portrayed Michael was boring or that he couldn’t act. Why don’t you guys look back on every single thing he’s done in the last 15 years. All access to her respect. It’s one thing to welcome a new Actor, but it’s another thing to trash the actor that was replaced. Actors read comments that are put out there on them good or bad. They also have family and friends that read this stuff. Why don’t you learn to be respectful? This goes to anybody on all social networks.
I like Rory but it’s a different version if the character good but different. I think they could have waited a bit longer for Chad. There were many characters Rory could have played. Either way they are both good
I think if Chad did come back, Rory would make an excellent Nikolas. Same dark good looks, same brooding behavior. Just sayin, we could keep both actors.
Rory would make an excellent Nikolas!! I never thought of that
Rory is doing a terrific job; the additional months allowed him to hone the character even more than in his temporary earlier performances as Michael. Another great recent recast has been with Alexa as Lulu.
I do not like the new Lulu at all! I think both “Michaels” Chad and Rory did and are doing a great job!
That wasn’t him in the temp earlier performances. It was a different actor.
I don’t believe Chad was hoping that for one second. Chad gave 15 long years to GH. He did a great job. He left on good terms and is missed. The new guy is doing a great job and is a great recast. Chad has many friends on that show. Sad you speak badly of him. Many fans love him. I certainly do and wish him the best.
I think he knows he needed and wanted the break but feeling a bit of regret and a bit dejected. It’s human to want to be told no one can fill your shoes. He’s been Michael for fifteen years; that’s his fictional family. Yet the recast was accepted and raved about immediately; some even said they preferred Rory. Not me; I prefer Chad in the role. So, I think just like actors who smile and applaud when someone else wins the award, he’s putting on a happy face for the audience and inwardly screaming, lol.
Completely Agree!
The message I heard seemed to be Chad saying that Rory is doing a good job holding down the fort until he’s ready to come back. I do not want another Billy Miller- Steve Burton situation.
Duell doesn’t have the gravitas that Burton has. The switch in Michaels is more like the switch of Carlys – as both Sarah Brown and Tamara Braun came back to GH – but with completely different characters.
I thought Chad’s comment was classy, but someone will always pick apart what people say or don’t say on these forums.
Completely Agree!
I hope they keep Rory as long as he wants to stay and not do to him what they did to Billy Miller when Burton decided to return. You leave your choice. GH should never take job away from recast unless they choose to leave.
Nobody could replace Billy miller nobody they have literally destroyed the character of Drew I have not watched since Billy left but shame on them for destroying his character and shame on them for destroying the character of Sam!
Well, that’s not likely because Mikey was born on screen, so nobody’s going to believe he had a secret twin brother. Susan Moore was out of town when Jason was born, so that made her having twins slightly plausible, even if it’s a bit much to think tha Alan (a doctor) wouldn’t have known she was carrying twins.
Saying “GH should never take a job away from a recast” would’ve left us with Jed Allan miscast as Edward, Sandra Ferguson as Felicia, and Lesli Kay as Lois. We’d also would’ve missed out on Tyler Christopher’s great second run as Nikolas.
I was intrigued by the direction they took “Jason” under Miller, but thought he had more unexplored potential as Drew.
agree!!! Billy was a great actor and could of and should of made Drew his own. Sad…
How tacky to comment about it. Recasts have been enormously successful on many soaps and no one will miss him that much.
To be fair, he was asked his opinion about the recast. I think he was trying to be as diplomatic as possible.
Very appropriate. Wish him all the best! Relatable as well. Feel his pain.
Chad acts like he is coming back. These actors think they can walk away and expect them to hold the job open. Guess what, everyone loves Rory as Michael. He caught right on. Sorry Chad.
I agree. The new guy is a better fit.
I agree!!!!! Rory is the man!!!!
Chad chose to leave. Sounds like he wanted them to wait for him to come back. Nu Michael is wonderful!!
Chad will always be my favorite Michael and I miss him but Rory is doing an amazing job
No one is holding a place for Chad.
Rory is fabulous and Chad hasn’t been in years
So it goes
Chad chose to leave. The character of Michael is too important for the role to be left open for too long. The show must go on. Love Rory.
Please do not keep the door open for Chad. He made his decision- now Rory has won the hearts of fans. He is SO much better than Chad. Sounds like veiled sour grapes over his decision. Too bad Chad.
I prefer CD over RG
As much as I love Chad and didn’t think anyone could do Michael justice, Rory is doing it! I have nothing but to say about either one of them.
I think Chad was very respectful in his comments.
I really believe that Rory is doing a much better job. The last couple of years Chad seemed to be just phoning it in. I’m hoping that Rory is now the permanent Michael. He is SO GOOD in the part!
Somehow this thread took off into insinuating that Rory is temporary or he will be replaced if Chad wants to return.
Chad is not Steve Burton, James DePaiva nor Rebecca “the real Greenlee” Budig.
Kudos to Rory and the writers for a smooth introduction.
Like them both but want Chad to come back please
I love Chad! No One is a better Michael! I wish he would come back and I think Rory is a decent actor and should play Morgan. Whoever said that nasty thing about Chad wished we would miss him- well that person is an idiot because many of us miss the heck out of him and are waiting for him to return!!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Kelly Monaco Reveals She’s Six Months Sober

Longtime General Hospital favorite, Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall), took to her Instagram on Tuesday, September 15 and shared that she is six months, seven days sober from alcohol. Monaco played Sam for 21 years on the ABC soap opera.
Accompanied by a screenshot from the I Am Sober app that tracks the progress of anyone struggling with or trying to not drink, Monaco wrote, “Now the whole 6/7 thing makes sense! #duces.”
Monaco has kept a very low profile since her final episode on General Hospital aired back on October 30, 2024, when Sam had a shocking heart attack and died. It was later revealed that Daytime Emmy nominee, Jeff Kober (ex-Cyrus Renault) injected Sam’s IV with a fatal dose of digitalis.

Photo: JPI
KELLY MONACO HAS KEPT MORE TO HERSELF SINCE LEAVING GH
This year, Kelly has posted on her Instagram account a total of four times, most recently to celebrate her mother, Carmina’s birthday, who turned 70 just four days ago.
Jumping into the comment thread on Kelly announcing her sobriety were several of her former GH co-stars including Brandon Barash (ex-Johnny, GH) who shared, “Love this. Congrats! 👏👏👏,” Ingo Rademacher (ex-Jax, GH) who just posted the hands up and heart emojis, and Lexi Ainsworth (ex-Kristina, GH) who wrote, “So proud of you 👏 badass.”

Photo: ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS BEGINS NEW SEASON; KELLY WAS THE SEASON ONE CHAMP
With this season’s Dancing with the Stars about to kick-off tonight, in which Kelly was the first-ever celebrity winner in season one and returned for an All-Star version, might we hear from her on her picks or thoughts on this year’s batch of contestants?
One thing has remained a constant with Kelly’s unwavering fan base, they want her back on General Hospital, because as we know in the soaps, many characters somehow come back from the dead, so why couldn’t Sam?
Share your thoughts for Kelly and her six months of sobriety via the comment section below and if you would still like to see her back on General Hospital or even another soap opera within the next few years.
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Breaking News
Soap Alums Remembered During In Memoriam Segment at 78th Emmy Awards; Patrick Muldoon Omitted

During last night’s 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, as it does every year, the television academy paid tribute to those in the industry that they’ve lost over the last year; since the previous Emmys held each year in September.
Starting with an emotional tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara by three of her co-stars, Schitt’s Creek’s Annie Murphy and Dan Levy and Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin, the segment then dovetailed into Noah Kahan performing “Bridge over Troubled Water” as the faces and the names of those being remembered were shown on the screen.
Daytime soap alums, who either stayed in the genre for the majority of their career, or went on to primetime success as well, were honored including: Anthony Geary (Luke, GH), Hayden Panettiere (Sarah, OLTL, Lizzie, GL, Juliette, Nashville), James Van Der Beek, (Dawson, Dawson’s Creek, and Stephen, ATWT), Gil Gerard (Alan, The Doctors), June Lockhart (Mariah, GH), Patricia Crowley (Mary, Port Charles and GH), Randolph Mantooth (Clay/Alex, Loving and The City, and Richard, GH) and Jon Cypher (Alex, ATWT and Arthur, Santa Barbara).

Photo: TVAcademy
THOSE HONORED AND THOSE WHO WERE NOT
However, in a glaring omission, the producers of the In Memoriam failed to include Days of our Lives beloved star, Patrick Muldoon who played the OG Austin Reed and also Richard Hart on Melrose Place. Muldoon passed away in April of this year at 57.
After Kahan concluded his performance, a special tribute to Rob Reiner began with Jamie Lee Curtis taking to the stage to share some warm words about her late friend.
In a ironic and sad twist, Curtis shared ,“Last week, Robbie won an Emmy for guest actor in a comedy series for his beautiful work on The Bear, and he now holds the record of 48 years for the longest gap between acting Emmys, which was previously held by his father Carl Reiner, at 37 years.”
Reiner, who along with his wife, Michele Reiner were killed by their son, Nick Reiner, is currently awaiting a decision if he will stand trial. Prosecutors on Tuesday, shared they will not seek the death penalty if he is convicted at trial, but instead life in prison. Curtis said of Rob, “He was generous and kind and funny as hell, and a friend to all. We all miss Rob and Michele and all those we lost this year.” The Emmys then faded to black and went to commercial break.
So, were you happy to see those who you know from their work in soap operas included in the 2026 In Memoriam tribute at the Primetime Emmys? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, in case you missed it, you can watch it below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Break Up After Realizing They Can’t Trust Each Other

Trust issues were cited as the reason for the break-up of Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) on the Monday, September 14 episode of General Hospital, ending the their complicated romance once and for all.
The episode began with the pick-up of Jason and Britt’s argument over Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) at the Quartermaine boathouse. Britt is in disbelief that Jason continues to take Anna’s side, and that he will not back her up as her witness, as she wants to report Anna’s attempted murder of her to the PCPD.
Jason tells Britt that Anna had been pushed to the brink through the mental torture she’d endured while held captive at Wyndemere, and accused Britt of doing nothing to save her, when she knew exactly what was going on as she was at Wyndemere as well. Britt told Jason that she’d been a victim of Sidwell and Cullum too, and by the time she figured out what was happening to Anna, they had moved her somewhere else.

Courtesy/ABC
BELIEF SYSTEM BROKEN
Then, Jason clearly lets Britt know he doesn’t believe her version of what transpired. An enraged Britt fires back at Jason in disbelief, that he is siding with Anna instead of her, when he was on Mount Emerson and saw for himself how Anna was planning to kill her. Suddenly, Britt wants to know if Jason would have helped Anna cover her tracks, if Anna had killed her.
Next, Jason argued that Britt seemingly needs to believe Anna would have killed her when he knows deep down Anna would never have murdered her. Jason thinks Britt is trying to absolve herself of her own guilt and complicity in keeping Anna locked up.
Britt shouts “You need to believe that! Otherwise, you’d have to admit that your friend is unhinged and dangerous. And she would have killed someone you say you love!” Now at a complete impasse, Britt walks out on Jason realizing they don’t trust each other and calls it quits.

Courtesy/ABC
PICKING UP THE PIECES
Later, Jason finds Carly (Laura Wright) at the Metro Court, and while in an elevator fills her in that he doesn’t trust Britt, and that as much as he loves her, he doesn’t trust her like he does Carly. Britt is back at the hospital.
A concerned Tristan (Dean Geyer) tries to talk to her about what transpired with Anna. However, Britt clams up and walks away from any discussion.
Now in the General Hospital teaser video for the action on Tuesday, September 15, Jason ask Carly (over beers and a game of pool) “When you lie for a living, how long before you start lying to yourself? Take a look at that below.
Let us know, are you glad that Jason and Britt finally called it quits? What about the reason that the couple broke-up, over Britt knowing about Anna being locked-up at Wyndemere and Jason not willing to back Britt about Anna trying to kill her? Is Tristan the next man for Britt? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.
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