Connect with us

General Hospital

8

‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Talks Leaving Michael Corinthos Behind and His Most Difficult Storyline

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Courtesy: TheAbleShow

It’s been almost a full year since Daytime Emmy-winner Chad Duell stepped away from the role of Michael Corinthos on ABC’s General Hospital after a nearly 15-year run. Duell’s last on-screen episode aired on the ABC soap opera back on January 21, 2025. The character was recast with Rory Gibson, who debuted at the end of May of last year during the GH Nurses’ Ball storyline.

Duell sat down with the hosts of You Tube’s The Able Show where the series features interviews with guests from the worlds of entertainment, culture, technology, sports, and the arts. The series is produced by a a team of individuals with disabilities.

Speaking on what his takeaway from his time on General Hospital, Duell shared it was his co-stars and more: “It’s just those relationships. I mean, I grew up in a lot of ways there. That’s the most fond memories I have is the growth I’ve had as a man there.”

DECISION TO LEAVE GENERAL HOSPITAL

Photo: JPI

Duell doubled-down on what he initially said a year ago when he made the decision in late 2024 to leave his Daytime Emmy-winning role. “I’m blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have,” explained Chad. “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.”

BECOMING MICHAEL CORINTHOS

Chad also explained to the co-hosts his back-story of landing the role of Michael and how he wound up replacing Drew Garrett who was his predecessor in the part. “I was reading first, not for that character. Basically, what happened was they liked me enough to basically fire the other guy for me. I had such immense pressure. They’re watching me on my first day, and I just got somebody fired. I sweated through two shirts. I also felt sick. They had me in the guy’s same wardrobe which was 10 sizes too small. For me, it was about overcoming all these limitations and fears and going through the fire. That’s really what it was, and what drew me to play Michael.”

MICHAEL’S RAPE STORYLINE

Photo: ABC

While other U.S. daytime soap operas had previously alluded to male sexual assault or featured controversial female rape storylines, this 2010-2011 storyline was the first to explore the aftermath and reality of a male prison rape in detail. The victim was a young Michael who was raped by fellow inmate Carter (Josh Wingate). It was in January of 2011 that Michael finally admitted that he was assaulted, and under then GH head writer, Bob Guza Jr., the story focused heavily on the trauma and the recovery process.

Duell shared that this story was his greatest challenge during his time on GH. “When I first started as that character, in the first year. I had to play a rape storyline. The rape happened to my character. It’s the first time in the history of any soap they’ve ever done that. That was very hard for me. It was like you had to put yourself there emotionally.”

Now below, check out Chad’s interview on The Able Show. 

Then let us know, do you remember Chad’s performance in Michael’s rape storyline? Do you hope to see him back on another spap someday? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, you can check out the emotional moment when Chad admits to Jason what happened to his prison also below.

 

8 Comments

8 Comments
oldest
newest

As much as I’ve enjoyed seeing Rory Gibson as Michael and his take on the role, I do miss Chad Duell in the role. I wouldn’t mind seeing him pop up on another soap at some point (which I know he said in previous interviews he was open to if the right role came). He looks amazing, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future.

Will always be Michael for me, Rory plays him much too cold

For me, Rory is the Michael who should have been. By that I mean, he’s the viable genetic off spring of Carly and AJ off set by being raised by Jason and Sonny. Michael should have a very dark side to him. Rory does periodically offer a smile which is like the sun parting the dark sky. Will is a bit too cherubic as Michael.

Ahem. I meant to Chad, not Will.

I might be wrong but it sounds like he needed a break but fully expected to come back when he was ready. I don’t think he expected the recast to be such a huge success. So now coming back doesn’t seem to be an option.

Right? He stepped into a very difficult storyline and he was just brilliant though, like an old pro, I just loved him.

He’s talented and I wish the absolute best for him.

Sounds like Chad’s leaving GH happened at the right time for both him and the character.

Chad had a long run as Michael with a well-deserved Emmy from the storyline of AJ’s death and its aftermath. The character, however, was getting stagnant in recent years and needed a reset.

Rory has been excellent so far and Chad seems to be enjoying his new possibilities. The best of both worlds.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Drew Spots Willow and Chase in a Close Moment; What’s Monet’s MO?

Published

on

By

Willow, Chase and Drew

The Wednesday, September 23 episode of General Hospital brought with it some moments to ponder for the future direction of key storylines.

First, Chase (Josh Swickard) is ramping up his custody battle with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), focusing on not losing his rights to baby Phoebe. Ava (Maura West) threw suspicion on Carly (Laura Wright) in a discussion with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) to save her friend Nina (Cynthia Watros) from being considered the prime suspect in the disappearance/murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), and lucky Drew (Cameron Mathison) might have struck gold after seeing Willow and Chase looking awfully “palsy-walsy.”

The episode opened up with the introduction of the arrival of a new character to the canvas legal eagle Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard) who had a meeting with her potential client, Chase.

Monet

Courtesy/ABC

ALL THE MONET

Monet then told Chase for this case to work in his favor, he needs to move back into the Quartermaines, if his goal is to not lose his daughter. Citing concerns over Tracy (Jane Elliot), Monet told Chase she would handle things with Tracy. Chase agreed to move forward with Monet representing him.

Later, Monet shows up at Tracy’s and the two have a terse confrontation, but is it all for show? Do they know each other, or are they going to be true adversaries, because Tracy also wants Chase out of Brook Lynn’s life? As previously teased, Monet will be revealed to have a connection into Port Charles, but who?

NOT MY MANAGER

In addition, Trina (Tabyana Ali) decided to continue her recording deal with Gio (Giovanni Mazza) under the auspices of music executive Simon (Grady Eldridge), as long as Brook Lynn is no longer a part of the project or being her manager, The decision was made after Brook Lynn came to smooth things over with Trina at her apartment. In the end, Brook Lynn was forlorn and left putting Gio in an uncomfortable position with his mother.

DREW’S MACHINATIONS

At Aurora Wellness, Drew confronted Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) about knowing that Willow was the one who’d shot him and how Kai and Trinas stole incriminating evidence against Portia (Brook Kerr) from his safe. Next thing you know, Drew offers Kai a job at Aurora! Kai is stunned and declines, but Drew say the offer is open-ended for him.

Then, Chase is seen lifting weights when Willow approaches him (both in workout clothes, yet again, or something like that). Willow sees Chase is stressed and says he needed to clear his head after meeting with a new divorce attorney. Willow grabbed Chase’s hand as the supportive “friend,” just as Drew turned the corner and witnessed the close little moment between the exes.

Check out the scenes at Aurora Wellness between Drew and his former intern, Kai below.

Now let us know, how will Drew use the closeness he sees between Chase and Willow to his advantage? Who is Monet really? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

 

 

Continue Reading

General Hospital

Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber

Published

on

By

Alley Mills

Heather Webber, one of the all-time villains in General Hospital history is on her way back to the canvas, when two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Alley Mills reprises the role beginning on the Thursday, November 5 episode.

TV Insider revealed the comeback news today. Mills began playing the role of Heather back in October of 2002. The previous Heathers included: Robin Mattson, Mary O’Brien and the very first Heather, who was none other than Georganne LaPiere (the half-sister of Cher).

As for Mills, she actually took home the Daytime Emmy last year at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series. She won in the same category back in 2022.

Heather Webber

Photo: ABC

FROM THE WONDERS YEARS TO THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL TO GENERAL HOSPITAL

Alley Mills assumed the role of Heather Webber in October 2022 and had ended her initial run in 2023 and then was back again in 2024. Soap fans also know that Mills had played Pam Douglas on the The Bold and the Beautiful since 2006 and appeared on the series through 2019, and made appearance in story in 2021 and 2022.

On B&B, Alley was a part of the memorable storyline which saw Pam and Stephanie’s (Susan Flannery) mother, Ann Douglas (the late Betty White) pass away. In addition to GH and B&B. primetime fans know Alley as Norma Arnold, the mom of the ABC’s hit late 80s and early 90s series, The Wonder Years.

When GH viewers last saw Heather and her crime spree as The Hook, she had taken the life of Brando Corbin (the late Johnny Wactor) and what was believed at the time to be the life of Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), although a few years later, Britt showed up alive.

Heather wound up in the slammer at Pentonville, but got released in 2024, when it was revealed that she had a bad hip replacement which resulted in cobalt poisoning which was said to be the root cause of her erratic behavior.

WHAT BRINGS HEATHER WEBBER BACK INTO THE STORY?

Eventually, Heather’s son, Steven Lars (Scott Reeves) returned to Port Charles to retrieve his mother, and to make sure she was taken care for out of town. Now the question becomes, why is Heather back on the GH canvas in 2026?

One theory! Could Heather be revealed as the person stalking Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali)? After all, Heather is the mother to the late Esme Prince (Avery Pohl). Perhaps, she wants retribution for her daughter, and this is her twisted way of doing it? Or, is something else at play here? Stay tuned!

Take a look at our conversation with Alley from the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards immediately following her second Emmy win below.

Now let us know, excited to know Alley Mills is returning as Heather? What do you think will be her storyline this time around? Weigh-in via the comment section.

 

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jordan Sees Sonny and Justine Making Out, Britt and Anna Have a Chat, Valentin is Livid

Published

on

By

General Hospital, Jordan

On the Tuesday, September 22 episode of General Hospital, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) got an earful from Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) after her proposed stunt to get damning evidence against Drew (Cameron Mathison), Anna (Finola Hughes) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had a conversation they needed to have, and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) came upon Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Justine (Nazneen Contractor) making out in the parking lot of the Brown Dog Bar.

Let’s take a closer look as the action and story that went down: First, Valentin was horrified to learn what Charlotte was plotting to get Drew to leave Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) alone. Learning that Charlotte thought that her plan to make it look as if Drew was making out with a teenage girl was a great idea, Valentin fired back. “Dammit, why can’t you admit you put your life at risk?”

Valentin firmly told his daughter that she will not have any more contact with Danny. However, Charlotte said she will see Danny at school, Valentin stated, “Not anymore.” Will Valentin put Charlotte in another high school? Send her out of town or leave town with his daughter? Stay tuned.

APOLOGY ACCEPTED

After leaving the Brown Dog Bar, Britt headed over to Aurora Wellness and had a tense confrontation with Anna, the woman who planned on killing her. Anna apologized to Britt noting she would always regret what she did and would like to smooth things over with Britt if she would let her.

Taking in Anna’s apology, Britt also apologized for not coming to Anna’s rescue sooner while Anna was locked up in Wyndemere. Anna says she understands Britt was made to believe she was dying of Huntington’s disease. However, Anna said that Cesar Faison had caused just as much long-term damage to his daughter as he has with her. That moment, leaves Britt startled.

JORDAN OFFERS AN ENDORSEMENT THEN GETS AN EYEFUL

Back at the Brown Dog, Jordan offered Justine her endorsement for the Port Charles district attorney position. Jordan even went one step further and said as much as she does not like going out in public (due to her facial scars) she would help organize a kick-off rally.

Jordan also let Justine know she will have tough competition during her DA election campaign, and for Justine not to be surprised if one of her competitors goes looking for any dirt or skeletons they can dig up on her. While Justine glances over at Sonny, who is at another table, she tells Jordan she is confident no one will find anything to use against her.

HOWEVER at the end of the episode, Sonny followed Justine into the parking lot after they had separately exited the Brown Dog Bar, where they flirted and reminisced about their first kiss in the same spot. Next thing you know, the two are making out when Jordan happens upon the scenes and is witness to their smooches. We fade to black.

Take a look at the final moments from today’s GH in a scene entitled, “Not Public Knowledge” below.

Then weigh-in, Why do you think it was Jordan who came upon Sonny and Justine’s romance? How will Jordan use the intel to her own advantage, or will she? What do you think Britt will do next? And what did you think of Charlotte’s plan to get some video on Drew to use against him to get him to leave Danny alone? Let us know in the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

8
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x