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: Nina is Frantic, Sonny is Mistrustful, Chase and Willow are Being Framed
The highly-anticipated Monday, May 11 episode of General Hospital picked right back up with the drama; which also sets the tone for today’s next installment of the ABC daytime drama series.
In another excellent performance by Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros, Nina is watching things unravel right before her eyes, and she is always playing defense to try to cover for the events that just transpired.
Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) ends up on the floor of Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) house unable to move after Nina injected him with the paralytic drug dose meant for Drew. Her intended target was Valentin (James Patrick Stuart), but during the Jack/Valentin Brawl, she struck the wrong guy! Valentin helps Nina turn Brennan on to his back and then makes his exit before anyone sees him as she calls the paramedics who rush Jack to GH.
Courtesy/ABC
MAN DOWN
In the meantime, Drew, who has overheard all the screaming in the other room, starts to have mobility in his hands and is trying to reach for the phone since his weekly dose went to Brennan instead of him. Now at the hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) has questions for Nina on how Jack ended up like this; which Nina claims one minute they were talking and all of sudden he dropped to the floor.
A panicked Nina calls Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), who went out for a run and ran into Chase (Josh Swickard). She tells her daughter using cryptic words that Jack got the dose of meds meant for Drew. Alarmed, Willow runs back to Drew’s, but not before having conversations with Chase about how she will help ensure he and Brook Lynn have the best chance at keeping baby Phoebe, after all, they had been through so much when she lost their baby.
SNAPS TELL ALL?
The moments of closeness between Willow and Chase are snapped by a photographer or someone hiding in the bushes as it seems like Michael’s plan to implicate Willow and Chase by making it look like their having an affair is underway. How far will this go?
Meanwhile, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) went at Lulu (Alexa Havins) for keeping him in the dark about Rocco (Finn Carr) being the person who shot Cullum and their elaborate cover-up. Things get worse when Lulu mentioned “Nathan” also knows and helped Rocco the night on the pier of the shooting. Dante is livid that as Rocco’s father, she felt he could not be trusted, and it was for him to figure out how he would navigate the information to protect their son; even if he is the police commissioner. Lulu also shared she did not want to tell him, because of what happened when Michael went to prison all those years ago.
Courtesy/ABC
BROTHER TO BROTHER
At Ava’s (Maura West) art gallery, Sonny (Maurice Benard) with gun in hand, rails at Ric (Rick Hearst) for lying and deceiving him. Ric confesses he was being dishonest, but not about anything to do with Sonny or the business. He shows Sonny the secret art transaction he was working with Ava. The reason is, he wanted to surprise Elizabeth with it as they have a special weekend planned. Ric explained that the sale had to be be done covertly because of a legal conflict involving the seller’s divorce. Eventually, Sonny lowers his gun. Cooler heads prevail and the two brothers hope there will come a time where Ric’s loyalty to Sonny will never be in question.
Carly (Laura Wright) learns what happened to Jack from Valentin, and feels badly for Jack. Valentin also tells her Jack does not know where Josslyn is and now that he is incapacitated that means that Cullum will take over the day to day of the WSB bureau in Port Charles and things are about to get worse.
Courtesy/ABC
In the final moments of the episode, Willow runs into Drew’s house and stops Drew from dialing the phone near his wheelchair. She scolds her husband and says, “Looks like no one can be trusted to keep an eye on you except me.” we fade to black.
So, what did you think of the performance of Cynthia Watros? How much longer can Nina and Willow get away with what they have done to Drew and now Brennan? Elizabeth already mentioned to Lucas, what are the odds that two men have the same medical issue at the same house. Are you glad Willow and Chase are being framed, or annoyed by it? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, check out the scenes below with Sonny and Ric, and Ethan and Ava.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
Those expecting Jonathan Bennett’s new General Hospital character of Joe Fitzpatrick to be the latest doctor to arrive in Port Charles. Think again! When Joe arrives on the scene he will be an officer with the Port Charles Police Department (PCPD).
That might be good news for the police force, who has had a lot of trouble (pretty much always!) solving cases, and with Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) pretending to be cop, Nathan West, and Chase (Josh Swickard) working his back up the ranks, police commissioner, Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) who could use a some helping hands, unless they are corrupt?
In the latest issue of TV Guide Magazine on newsstands now, Bennett shares a little more insight into what we can expect from Joe, when he first gets into the mix. You can circle next Monday, May 18 for the actor’s GH debut.
THE MYSTERY OF JOE
“Returning to daytime television was not on my bingo card for 2026.(However) I feel like I hit the jackpot when this opportunity came because the character is something that I really wanted to play.”
As soap fans know, Jonathan started his career on All My Children as JR Chandler from 2001-2002. Since that time Bennett went to fame with the motion picture Mean Girls, playing Aaron Samuels then continued on a path acting and producing and hosting where he had become a mainstay on the Hallmark Channel and Food Network. Bennett’s Hallmark reality-competition series, Finding Mr. Christmas was just nominated for three Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Speaking on GH’s Joe and the PCPD, Bennett teased, “I’m feeling excited, and I’m also laughing because I can’t wait for the world to see what Joe Fitzpatrick is really all about.”
Could Joe Fitzpatrick be a closeted cop? An out cop? Neither? Will he be a good guy who might help crack the case of who shot Drew and help Willow get her comeuppance? Will he be investigating the shenanigans that might lead him into the path of Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis)? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
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.
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AMERICAN IDOL: Who Won Season 24? Did Your Favorite Take Home the Title?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina is Frantic, Sonny is Mistrustful, Chase and Willow are Being Framed
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Previews His New Role as PCPD Officer Joe Fitzpatrick
‘The Young and the Restless’ Tamara Braun Teases Sienna and Nick Relationship Turn, ‘There is Some Chemistry’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan is Rocked at News of Delilah; Is Baby Phoebe His Child?
Y&R’s Joshua Morrow Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’: His Co-Stars Couldn’t Agree More (Exclusive)
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Brennan, Cassius and Dante Discover Bombshell Revelations
How ‘General Hospital’s’ Ned and Lois Love Story Moved Rosabel Kurth, Daughter of Wally Kurth and Rena Sofer, to Tears and Served as Inspiration
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AMERICAN IDOL: Who Won Season 24? Did Your Favorite Take Home the Title?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina is Frantic, Sonny is Mistrustful, Chase and Willow are Being Framed
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Mistakes and Cover-Ups Impact the Lives of Drew, Nina, Dante and Brennan
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