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 Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
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