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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
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