General Hospital
Chad Duell Opens Up on the Reasons Behind His Decision to Leave General Hospital
Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell, made the announcement back in November, that he was exiting his role of General Hospital’s Michael Corinthos, a role he has played for nearly 15 years. His departure was then confirmed by series, executive producer, Frank Valentini.
Now, for the first time since revealing his decision to leave the ABC soap opera, Duell spoke on more of the reasons why he made this major change in his life and this point in his career, on the latest episode of the Daily Drama podcast with hosts, Steve Burton (Jason, GH) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH).
As GH fans know, Burton and Duell have had a long on-screen relationship as Jason and Michael are very close in Port Charles and their bond was evident during this conversation. Speaking on his departure (which from this interviews seems like he has already wrapped his run), Chad shared, “A lot of stuff has been going on in my life. (With) this break, there’s a few things behind it. As people know, my dad passed away and I’m still coming to terms with that, and, also, my intention was to spend some time back in Arizona but that’s becoming a little harder to do. Right now, I’m just more about doing things mentally, physically, preparing myself for whatever comes, (and) next chapters.”
Photo: ABC
Chad confirmed that Frank Valentini made it clear the door is being left open should Duell decide to return. But before that would even be a consideration, Duell expressed, “We’ll see what happens in the future, but right now I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I stifled myself. Sometimes you have to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable to take a step and that’s kind of what I have not allowed myself to do”.
Being that Chad began his run on GH at age 22 and is now 37, he just felt it was time to see what else might be out there for him. “I feel like I had a very strong complacency and comfort for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that, and who I was with the show (and) this character that I’ve done for so long,” expressed Duell.
Photo: ABC
Knowing he feels he has some work to do on himself, Chad added, “It’s going to be a process, kind of unraveling that and really seeing who I am, and where I am now in my life. There’s a lot of work I have to do to achieve the potential I know that I have.”
In the meantime, Chad also mentioned he is working on the skincare line he launched with his girlfriend Luana called Pura Beauty, and being a dad to 15-month year-old son, Dawson.
Photo: ABC
As to how Chad sees Michael’s GH story playing out with Sasha (Sofia Mattsson) carrying Michael’s baby, it seems as has been previewed by GH co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, that Jason and Sasha will definitely be in each other’s orbit, and Jason may step up to be the father to the child, while Michael exits the canvas. Stay tuned!
So, what are your thoughts on Chad’s decision to exit the role of Michael Corinthos? Do you think he will eventually be back down the line? What do you hope happens in the storyline with Sasha carrying Michael’s baby when he exits the Port Charles canvas? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
his charactor has become wussy no backbone..
“has become”? Always been that way, at least since he’s been in the role.
No backbone? All he’s been is a prick for years. He’s as vindictive as Carly; the way he went after Nina, treated her like garbage, went along with Drew to backstab Ned, and spent a year trying to get Sonny locked up. As for his current story line, that is out of character. Michael is vindictive, and once he heard about Willow kissing Drew, and then actually saw her have sex with Drew, he should’ve been the one to file divorce papers. To me, there’s no coming back from what she did, so there the writers screwed up.
I think Chad has always been great in the role; from wounded boy, sexually traumatized, caught in a conflict between his mother and Sonny vs AJ, his ability to go from sweet and accommodating to angry and malicious; Chad’s been able to convey it all. I’ll miss him.
What do you mean, what she did? She kissed Drew- That’s a far difference in kissing a person than having sex – which is what he did with Sasha! You should be upset that the writers are protecting Michael by covering up the fact that he truly committed adultery which he and Sasha are privy to. I think that he may have told Jason who went to Drew to fight him for having sex with Michael’s wife. I will go reality with you – When the woman was caught in the act of adultery, the men brought the woman and left the man. (Biblical)You must be one of the Biblical guys who’s not for right.
Willow did have sex with Drew. It’s why he got drunk and had sex with Sasha. ??
No – Michael got with Sasha when he thought all Willow & Drew did was kiss one time. It was after the rendezvous with Sasha that he saw the nanny cam video.
He hasn’t even been allowed to speak to Willow ALONE since the sex-in-the-playroom was shown at the Quartermaine Christmas party.
That part. Between Nina and Drew keeping her busy and afraid of what Michael *may* be up to, DESPITE what he said at the party and even at the gatehouse when he let her leave with the kids, they haven’t had a private word between them since the video went public.
If Willow actually had a brain of her own to operate, she’d have made time for HER HUSBAND instead of inviting her lover to Christmas, and tried to talk. Even not knowing about Nina filing the separation paperwork – which shouldn’t be legal without Willow’s signature, and I’m still not sure why Michael wouldn’t have questioned, but I guess they’re just going to go all the way to divorce court without talking to each other at this point – why wouldn’t they have met the morning after to discuss the next steps between themselves? Nothing was contentious at that point, between them, and she needs to let it stay that way for the kids. He’s allowed to be angry at Drew, he’s even allowed to want revenge. If she didn’t anticipate that, she really hasn’t paid attention to angry Michael over the years. Trying to take his kids is only going to spread that anger. He’s been protecting her so far, but she’s doing herself no favors.
im sorry to see him go and i understand that he want to do other things i will miss him and maybe he will return some day good luck and bless him always,
Wish he wasnt leaving. Would live to see him and sasha back together
Word salad
Still don’t understand his reason for leaving. Just come out and say “I want to try new things”, “I need a break”, “I want to grieve for my dad”. I don’t know his reason, but whatever; I hope he decides to come back sooner than later. Good luck. Gods speed.
Maybe he needs a break from the people in these forums constantly nitpicking everything that he says. I know that comes with the territory of being an actor, but some people have zero empathy.
Exactly!
Ummm I believe that’s pretty much what he did say
He was quite clear. His identity has been wrapped up in playing Michael Quartermaine. He got too comfy, too complacent, which hasn’t allowed him to branch out from that safety net to try other things. At the same time, he wants to work on himself. His dad died, he has a child, and if you know anything about Chad he hasn’t had a great track record with relationships. One quick marriage, I think which lasted weeks and then a divorce from a long-time girlfriend. A five-year-live-in relationship with actress Courtney Hope and then a “divorce” weeks after a marriage that he said later on was never official because they never signed the papers. Seems he needs to figure out his life; his commitments, etc. “Me time.”
Nothing new than what he previously told us about why he was leaving, honestly. But am wishing him the best.
I’m sad that Chad is leaving. On the other hand , very proud that he his stepping away to find himself so to speak.
I love Chad’s role as Michael Corinthos on general hospital, but if he has Something better to do with his life. In the future. God bless him I’ll miss him and I wish him all the best.
Very glad to see he is not being killed off, probably will go blind or loose his ability to walk and have to go out of town for recovery. Hope he returns soon Michael is important to the story and Chad plays him well
What in the actual f**k?
I understand he goes to prison for insider-trading and consequently dies there.
Violet, looks like you’ve been going down the rabbit hole of speculative prediction websites. Take them with a grain of salt, as most are made up fan fiction.
Yes indeed
I will miss him alot, glad to see Jason step up for him. Hope he will return at some point. I understand. Everyone has to find there own path. Know he will be missed.
Good luck to him in the future. Everybody needs to do what they need to do both mentally and physically, especially with a son in the picture. ❤️
Wish him well, sad that were losing another Quartermaine even though he goes by another name. Hopefully, they won’t wait too long to recast.
I wish him the best. I have always enjoyed the way he presents himself. As for his character, he can only do what is written for his character and I appreciate all the hard work he has done. I hope in the end ( after time off to reflect and recuperate he can decide to come back as I do enjoy his performances
I totally get why Chad wants to take a break, given a huge loss in his personal life. But hopefully he will be back soon. As a Spencer, a Quartermaine, and a Corinthos, Michael is a huge part of GH’s core and cannot be gone for too long.
And now that Sasha has been revealed as a Scorpio (as dragonshit crazy as that decision was) and she’s carrying Michael’s baby… is there anybody in town that kid will NOT be related to, one way or another??
Money right he be back like he never left
I believe he will return at some point. Unless he finds what he wants to do. As for Sasha an Jason that’s bs. Jason needs someone he can relate to.. help her with the baby but they don’t need to pair them up for that. Sasha has alot of people that will support her. Find a new person for Jason to be with or bring Sam back for him
I don’t like it when they get rid of veterans or good characters on GH, like the actor who was killed off and then ended up being killed in real life. If he was still on GH he would probably still be alive.
They are not getting rid of him. He is choosing to leave with the option of coming back when he is ready.
That’s irresponsible to speculate on how one might be alive if he was still a part of the show. Actors get dismissed from soaps all the time – it’s necessary to kept them somewhat fresh. What you’ve implied is disrespectful to Johnny Wactor’s memory.
I think it’s sad that Micheal is leaving I don’t like the guy they have been replacing with from time to time he has know personality. Be careful with his replacement UT can change a lot on general hospital show
He’s not being replaced.
So predictable. Michael goes to prison. Then comes back in PC In 18 months.
Wow ! I’ll miss him Hope he finds what he looking for “soon” I have to say this though “GH has changed” They’re destroying characters , changing their personalities. Have them do things we know the character would absolutely never do !! I don’t watch everyday like I have almost all my life ! It bothers me it’s changed ! But I still watch . It’s on Roku 24 hours a day I’ve found myself watching as I’m channel scrolling
I love Jason he did the same thing with Carly when she had Michael he said he was the father that’s okay if he claims the baby Sasha is carrying.but please don’t let Spencer come back as the one who stabbed and killed Dex Spencer has been through enough been watching since 1969
actually, I hope he doesn’t leave. I would rather see him get with Sasha and have a nice life. I like the two of them together.
He might as well leave, the writers have never let him be happy for more than a month. They recast Lulu and Emma, got rid of Sam, Austin, and Finn. It’s like they want the show to fail. He’s probably getting out while the getting out is on his terms. I will miss his portrayal of Micheal very much. And the whole Drew and Willow thing is too far out there and ugly for me to care about at this point. It’s like the writers are trying to drive viewers away….
You completely ignored his reasons and projected your own. As for “Emma,” Brooklyn Silzer is in nursing school. As for “Lulu” Emme Rylan wasn’t the original, and while I think she’s adorable and did a good job, I actually think this recast is better and much more similar to the original Lulu, Julie Berman. While I liked Austin and Finn, they are really not GH characters; they’re new characters. If Roger or Michael were to come back, I’d rather they come back as their OLTl characters, Todd and John McBain, both of whom were way better characters than GH ever wrote for these two actors. On the other hand, the show brought back legacy characters Rick and Lucky and that’s been fantastic having them back. Hope they’re staying for the long haul.
Drew and Willow aren’t “ugly.” They are not breaking ground. Soaps have always had these kinds of stories and age difference. Mothers and daughter sleep with the same man or men Kiki and Ava, Alexis and Sam, men with the same woman Dante and Sonny with Sam, brothers with the same women: Jason and AJ with Courtney, with Carly, Nikiolas and Lucky with Liz. As for “Michael” being happy? He’s had a great run with Willow, much longer than most couples…almost all at some point break up.
Didn’t like what l had to say the writers suck l hate to see Chad leave but l can understand how he feels needs a overdue break good luck Chad hope to see you soon
He’s lasted longer than I could. For the last 6 years most of his dialog has been Willow, Wiley, Willow, Wiley. He must be bored to tears.
Chads life, Chad choice. Just like any work force, we are all replaceable. Chad serviced GH long enough. Bring in a new actor.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
-
News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital7 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News6 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Interviews1 week agoRoger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
