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 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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