General Hospital
Chad Duell Reveals Health Scare That Kept Him Away From Taping Episodes of General Hospital
When Robert Adamson recently replaced Chad Duell again as GH’s Michael Corinthos shortly after he had subbed for him previously; fans began to wonder if the actor had contracted Covid-19 again.
However, in the latest episode of Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos, GH) State of Mind series, Chad revealed it was a health scare involving his heart that kept him away from taping episodes.
Courtesy/StateofMind
Duell explained to Benard, that he thought he had COVID, but was testing negative: “I had the symptoms of it: the fever, the cough, a weird headache, and I have had COVID a number of times before. On the fourth day, all of a sudden, my chest started hurting unbelievably bad. I felt like I was having a heart attack. Holy crap. It was so painful, I thought if I have COVID, it probably went to my chest. I should go to the hospital.”
When Chad went to the hospital they ran blood tests for his troponin levels to determine whether he had a heart attack, and later performed an angiogram.
According to Chad, the doctors told him that he had, “acute myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscles” that can occur after exposure to a virus. Duell added, “Like Covid and after 3 months after you have had it, sometimes people can get this inflammation of the heart. It’s a long term Covid affect and some people get in their brains.”
Photo: ABC
Chad went on to day to share with Benard that the condition, “Goes away on its own. I took medication, but I thought I was dying. I can’t tell you the pain I felt. I was taking morphine and it wasn’t doing anything. So I was scared, man.” He added, “When you think you might die, you start to reevaluate some things … see what’s important.” As of now, Duell shares, though he has to take it easy, he is feeling better.
In addition, during his State of Mind appearance, Chad reflects on being single for the first time in several years since his break-up with Y&R’s Courtney Hope (Sally). He shares he has been getting to understand and know himself better though his time without being in a relationship.
Watch Chad and Maurice on ;State of Mind; below. Then let us know, were you surprised to hear of Chad’s health scare with his heart? Comment below.
I’m glad they caught the problem and hope he continues in good health. But I will say I really enjoyed Robert Adamson’s Michael. He’s a good and subtle actor, ridiculously handsome, and likable. Considering how odious Michael has become, that’s no small feat.
Souphound
I too enjoyed Robt.Anderson but he just didn’t have that insufferable arrogance that Chad has perfected so well. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever like him again.
I’m glad he’s OK but man if you listen to the video, he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer. If you’re feeling that poorly, GO TO THE DOCTOR.
I suspected he was dealing w/something beyond COVID. Hope he fully recovers & can return to a normal routine.
I’m glad Chad is okay, but state of mind has become unwatchable.
The problem is Maurice; he interrupts all the time and he spends half the time mocking GH.
I agree.
It’s so disrespectful to the viewer. He’s not really into the show now, but that makes us look like fools for investing time in it and can discourage younger actors from wanting to be a part of the show. He could say, instead, “the genre has been great to me; I’ve loved it. Soon I’ll be passing the baton and I know you guys will do it justice…” (lol; well, that’s what I’d say. I’d give the genre and the fans the respect instead of belittling it just because this part of his career is taking a new direction. Don’t disrespect the show or the fans. One REALLY has to suspend disbelief to get into Sonny knowing Maurice is just doing it for the paycheck at this point or to make sure he has enough of an audience for his State of Mind show to be lucrative…
Honestly, this is how I felt about Steve Burton, regarding his attitude about the show. I know he was grateful to have the job but one I heard him say on his podcast that he doesn’t watch “that shit.” I guess its known that he doesn’t watch the show but I felt like crap for investing anytime on it.
Wow! Did he say that? I tried to google it but didn’t find anything. He always seems very savvy about not criticizing GH or ABC. He’s smart that way; not burning any bridges….
But, yes, that’s my point. If an actor on a show doesn’t have enthusiasm for it, or mocks it, then you feel like a sap for watching it! lol…It takes an extra effort to suspend disbelief and just get into the character…blocking the actor and his words.
Yes he does
The only “young person” who’s new on the show that Maurice is working with is the actor playing Dex. The actor playing Rory is new, too, but they don’t have scenes together. So, sounds like he’s ranting about Evan Hofer (Dex). Either way, I think it’s tacky to talk about on his show.
Maurice talks too much; he always brings the conversation to himself and barely lets the person he’s interviewing finish their thought.
Yes..agree! Poor Maurice…hes not knowing when to quit! Hes never really been a favorite actor…one dimentional. And….really tacky to disrespect a show that gave him a million chances over the years and a very good living
Yep; he’s able to sell his autobiography to a built-in audience, one who also follows his State Of Mind show, because of the fans being on GH has brought him. It also allowed him a steady, high income, and a company that allowed him to incorporate his mental health experience into the show…
I agree Maurice should not be mocking GH. He is not a good actor. He cannot get through a scene without fumbling, stumbling and stuttering over his lines. Who else would employ an actor that does this!
Rebecca1
Maurice is a little full of himself as well as when he’s playing Sonny. He just plays a guy giving everyone his advice whether they want or ask for it. El Patron’,can’t find right punctuation for this. Anyway, I think you get what I mean.
Hi Violet; LOL; I guess art imitates life with Sonny/Maurice.
If you want to see Maurice’s range as an actor try finding Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter tv move 1991. Brings new meaning to CRINGE.
Hey Rebecca! My feeling is he is talking about the hugely talented Nicholas Chavez (Spencer) who is the breakout star of GH. Spencer and Sonny have had scenes together.
Hi Harry! Long time… You could be right! I didn’t think of Nicholas Chavez. Seems though, that Maurice is very friendly with Marcus Coloma who plays Nikolas, and in turn Marcus is very friendly with Nicholas Chavez…so he doesn’t have a problem with him. Rumor has it that Maurice is very particular about his scene partners and feels a need to tell them how to play their roles…and he’s used to being looked up to….
On another note, I know that Chavez is getting heaps of praise and I’m probably in the minority, but I’m not as thrilled. While he’s obviously very good-looking, and is a good actor, I just think he’s way over-the-top in many scenes, and he shouts too much. I really think he’d be way better if he toned it down. He can be poignant without raging all the time.
LOL; Wes (Peter) used to get criticized for being too Shakespearean. I think Nicholas is, as well. I can see the two of them on stage enacting Macbeth. lol
Poor Chad I hope he is feeling better! That is so scary.
I wonder who on the show “newer younger persons” that Maurice is referring. Apparently someone is not showing the regular elders respect..
Actually that has nothing to do with a show it’s that way in real life now. Many of the younger generation thinks they are due the privileges … entitled? Not!
Not all but many in this younger generation has no respect for older adults.
Scary. Glad he’s ok now.
That’s terrible so sorry you had to deal not to mention your brake up I don’t like Sally and you can do better next time . Make a deal with yourself that you don’t get with someone who can live with out you and find someone who love you forever and can work out thing instead of leaving . Know yourself better don’t make a promise you can t keep . Trust me kids can’t deal with this either . Be true to yourself before your can be true to another person. Life can flip on a dime . Always be ready to leave this world as a truly truthful person and be proud of ever you do . Everything you do will effect you and your loved ones don’t hurt people and don’t let them hurt yourself . Forgive and then forget . Move on in a healthy way .
Sharyl
Are you the resident marriage counselor? I bet Chad has been waiting and hoping that a fan would come along with all this much needed advice. First of all you don’t know Chad nor Courtney whom you claim to dislike. Iam not crazy about “Sally” either but she and Courtney Hope are two different people who are probably not alike at all. Chad seems to be doing better so cool your jets,lady.
Sharyl…a “brake” is on your car and to break up is hopefully what you are trying to say. And, I don’t think you can fit another cliche in you response.
jab?
Maurice has become too arrogant to watch anymore. I quit watching his YouTube series. Have respect for the show that made you as popular as you are. Maybe ABC Disney and GH should do some serious contemplation when his contract next comes up for renewal.
One can only imagine what he truly stews and festers over… scared to death ? Take some acting lesson, you clearly have no way with women, no acting skill. Can’t go out without catching covid, ” I have had covid a numbers of times. Jeepers. You’re way too old to be hiding behind, hot mess’ sonny and Carly. OH well, your show stinks with or without you.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
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