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: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, several residents of Port Charles are reeling from their actions in the just released GH video spoilers for the week of May 11-15!
First, Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) confesses to Portia (Brook Kerr) that he is a suspect as the other driver who was involved in Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car accident that disfigured her face. But as viewers know, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is the one after a talk with Portia that pointed Justine (Nazeen Contractor) towards Isaiah. But is the culprit really Isaiah, or is it Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), or is Jordan solely at fault for taking her eyes off the road to kiss Curtis?
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) armed with the information that Rocco (Finn Carr) shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), confronts his ex-wife Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) at her home. An angry Dante says, “You know it was Rocco who shot Cullum. Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Lulu admits it was Rocco, but how is she going to explain why she kept Rocco’s father out of the loop?

Courtesy/ABC
Then, in the exciting pick-up from Friday’s cliffhanger, Nina (Cynthia Watros) is in a continued panic as now Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) finds himself at the hospital looking unconscious and hooked up to machines. In addition, back at Drew’s house, now that Drew (Cameron Mathison) did not receive his dose of medication to keep him in a locked-in state (since Nina jabbed Jack with it), he is starting to show signs of life and is moving his fingers to try to dial the phone for help.
Later, a series of images are set agains the statement by Sidwell (Carlo Rota), who says, “We have a mess on our hands.” Sidwell is the one supplying Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) with the drug to keep Drew paralyzed and unable to speak. Now that Jack got a dose, how can they control what happens next, and what will Willow do when she finds out that Nina gave Jack the medication meant for Drew? Stay tuned.
Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of May 11-15.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Nina warns Willow. Lulu is in the hot seat. Elizabeth puts the pieces together. Ethan and Ava clash. Ric defends himself.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Lulu seeks out Britt. Dante has words with “Nathan.” Curtis takes on a mission. Rocco clashes with Danny and Charlotte. Isaiah is in the hot seat.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Ethan issues an invitation to Kristina. Michael lets Jacinda in on his plan. Willow meets with Sidwell. Curtis worries about Jordan.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Britt weighs her options. Tracy is outraged. Laura explains her actions. Carly has questions for Nina. Dante has a tough conversation.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
Carly stonewalls Cullum. Valentin strategizes. “Nathan” confides in a surprising someone. Elizabeth opens up to Dante. Ric and Alexis come together for Molly.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, Mistakes Leaves Traces below.
Weigh-in: What do you think Nina and Willow will do to cover their tracks with Jack getting jabbed with Drew’s medication? Will they continue to somehow keep him in a locked-in state? Will Drew pretend he is still unable to move as he starts coming around to dupe Willow and Nina and eventually get away? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and let us know what story point you are most looking forward to this week on GH.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Asher Antonyzyn Teases When Danny Finds Out Rocco Shot Cullum and Jason Took the Blame, Relationship Status with Charlotte
On General Hospital, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) cannot just sit idly by why his father, Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) was dragged away by the WSB for shooting WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes). As Danny one day will find out, it was Rocco (Finn Carr), his brother, who did the deed, and Jason covered for Rocco to protect him. Thus, Danny feels all alone in this world without his dad.
In addition and in recent scenes, GH viewers saw that Danny is considering and wanting to get into the mafia like his dad. He had gone to see Sonny (Maurice Benard) about it and wound up in a conversation with Ric (Rick Hearst) and Sonny. Afterwards, he overheard the men talking about Sidwell (Carlo Rota). So, Danny knows that Sidwell had something to do with Jason disappearing too.
On Sunday, Asher Antonyzyn joined his TV dad, Steve Burton and Burton’s That’s Awesome Podcast partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) for an all-new episode, where the young actor was able to articulate his feelings and thoughts on Danny’s current emotional state and situation in Port Charles while his dad has been taken away to who knows where.

Photo: ABC
MY BROTHER, MY FATHER
When asked how Danny will feel when he learns Rocco was the person who shot Cullum, and who is dad took the fall for, Antonyzyn shared, “Danny still doesn’t know that it was Rocco who shot Cullum and and all that. He still thinks, ‘Why would my dad do this (and shoot Cullum)?” Then, they take him away. When he does find out, I think he’s going to be pretty upset that his dad is being wrongfully accused, and that this entire time Rocco has just been watching Danny struggle through it all and he hasn’t said anything. I’m super glad Danny and Rocco are eventually going to go at it. They’ve been like brothers and they are so close to each other. I’m excited that they will get a little conflict with each other.”
Asher also also shared Danny’s impulsive nature is a big part of the story. “Right now, I think it’s about the anger that his dad was the only person he kind of had left. In the stuff that will be coming out soon, it seems that his dad’s the only person he can trust. So, he’s just missing that relationship and seeing Rocco with his family, and Charlotte with her family, and just all of that. He is just really upset that his dad was wrongfully taken from him.”
JOINING THE MOB
The young actor also explained, because of Danny’s upset, it’s what drove him to wanting in on the mob. “Danny went to Sonny and Rick not knowing where to start, as he was just so angry. He just wanted ammunition, ans he just wanted to do something”. Asher added, “Danny just couldn’t just stand there anymore. So, I think him hearing the name “Sidwell” gives him like a target to try and do something to get his dad back, just so he feels like he’s doing something.”

Photo: ABC
One of the hot topics on social media a few months back occurred when Charlotte and Danny (Bluesy Burke) shared a kiss. Fans were screaming how they were related. Well, it seems from Asher’s comments, that entire potential romance had been sidelined.
CHARLOTTE AND DANNY BESTIES FOR NOW?
“There was for a hot second (something between them). Danny and Charlotte had those scenes together,” Asher stated. “They (Charlotte and Danny) really didn’t really know how to go about it. I mean, Danny talked to his grandma and his dad about if they were related and they said “distant cousins” like great grandfathers, great-great grandfathers, but at the end of the day, still related a little bit.”
Antonyzyn clarified where Charlotte and Danny are with each other, as of now. “So after that, they had one scene together and they’ve kind of realized that it’a like a Jason and Carly (Laura Wright) relationship where they have so much love for each other that they don’t feel like it’s right to go into something like that again.”
You can catch the full conversation with Asher, Steve and Bradford below.
Now let us know, what do you think Danny will do with the intel when he finds out that Rocco shot Cullum and his dad took the fall for it? Are you glad it seems that Charlotte and Danny seem to be no longer a romantic young teen romance? Do you think Danny will go after Sidwell, and get entrenched at Wyndemere? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
General Hospital
GH’s Dominic Zamprogna On How Dante Plans to Deal with Lulu and Rocco’s Cover-Up After Learning His Son Shot Cullum
By the end of the Friday May 8 episode of General Hospital, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) with the help of Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) put two and two and realized, that his son, Rocco (Finn Carr) is the person who shot WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) in the back, and was the person who Jason (Steve Burton) was protecting.
This revelation hits the police commissioner like a ton of bricks, especially when he realizes his ex-wife Lulu has been in on the secret and not telling him about it. So, where does Dante go from here? In a new conversation with Soap Opera Digest, multi-Daytime Emmy nominee, Dominic Zamprogna shared what viewers can expect.
Zamprogna expressed on Lulu and Rocco not coming to him for help, “He gets that the reason they probably didn’t want to tell him is because they’re worried that he’s too by the book, but this is his son! He has a lot of anger over them not telling him.”

Courtesy/ABC
KEPT IN THE DARK – COMING INTO THE LIGHT
Armed with the truth, Dante’s caught between a rock and a hard place, “This puts him in a situation where he’s potentially going to do things that he wouldn’t normally do, and that’s a big deal for him. Dante having to confront these people for lying to him is going to be good drama and conflict. There is huge emotional fallout from all of this. It has a big effect on his relationships.”
Next week, look for Lulu (Alexa Havins) to be the first-person Dante confronts, “Alexa is so good in those scenes. She is such a powerful actress. But as far as Dante and Lulu go, I could see it taking them a very long time to heal from this, because of her lack of transparency.”
A THANK YOU TO JASON
As far as what Jason did for his son, and how Sonny’s enforcer was grabbed by the WSB and sent away, Zamprogna knows Dante will have a lot of thanking to do, if and when they connect on-screen when Steve Burton returns from his hiatus this summer.”
“Like we needed another reason to love Jason,” Zamprogna scoff, but acknowledging how Dante “definitely (is) going to be owing Jason big-time when he gets back to town!”
So, the once happy family of Dante, Rocco and Lulu is about to fall apart, but can they all work together to keep Rocco safe? Just wait till Dante finds out that his buddy “Nathan” is really Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) ! Something tells me in the end he is going to save Lulu from the guy.
Now, let us know are you looking forward to Dante confronting Lulu and Rocco? How can he protect his son in his position as police commissioner? Will he just look the other way? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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