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: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired
The Wednesday, September 9 episode of General Hospital featured top-notch performances by Finola Hughes and Steve Burton, as Anna holds Jason and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at gunpoint on Mount Emerson.
Anna is not in her right mind as hallucinations of Peter (Wes Ramsey) overtake her, egging her on to shoot and kill Britt. Jason begs Anna to put down the gun, but it’s clear Anna is speaking to someone who is not there, but in a direction that is just past Britt.
Suddenly, Anna screams at Britt, “You’re just like your father!” Anna also tells Britt that she knew Britt was aware that she was locked up on Spoon Island and did nothing to save her. Britt turns to Jason and tells him she had no idea Anna was on the Island, “until Cullum showed up in Port Charles.” That declaration gave Jason pause.
Courtesy/ABC
“PETER” TAKES A BULLET
Next, Anna is overcome with angst, filled with tears and screams out, “I won’t let you beat me!” She fires the gun where the imaginary Peter was standing, as Britt screams and Jason dove to cover her. Now completely shaken, Jason took the weapon from Anna and ordered Britt to leave the scene as Anna collapsed in Jason’s arms.
Jason was so concerned for Anna. She reveals she’s been seeing visions of Peter August since France. Jason shared his theory with Anna that she was manifesting her worst fears about Faison. However he knows deep down Anna would never have shot Britt. Jason promises to come back and clean up the area, but would take Anna home first.
Courtesy/ABC
ANNA ADMITS TO EMMA SHE TRIED TO KILL BRITT
At Anna’s, Jason brings her in the front door as Emma is there. Jason tells Emma (Braedyn Bruner) he would like to return and spend the night. A confused and worried Emma get the full story from her grandmother.
Anna explains she tried to kill Britt and she is not as well as she was pretending to be in France. Cut to: Jason cleaning up the site of Anna’s plot against Britt on Mount Emerson. He moves over and finds bullet casings on the ground and examines one of them.
The story climax also signaled the end of the run for Wes Ramsey, who has been showing up on episodes over the last several months as Anna’s dark side conscience. Now that Anna was able to break the psychological hold visions of “Peter” had on her, it ends this latest return of Ramsey’s.
So, what did you think about the scenes between Anna and Jason? Do you think Jason and Britt’s relationship will come to an end now that seemingly Britt revealed she knew Anna was held captive after Cullum came to town? Glad to know Anna won’t be haunted by visions of Peter August anymore? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Women on the Edge
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
News6 days agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
-
News18 hours agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
-
News4 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
