General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Talks Leaving Michael Corinthos Behind and His Most Difficult Storyline
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.
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
Kate Mansi Wraps On-Screen Run as ‘General Hospital’s’ Kristina Corinthos-Davis
The Friday, June 12 episode of General Hospital marked the last for Daytime Emmy winner, Kate Mansi as Kristina Corinthos-Davis. As previously reported, the character was accepted to medical school at UCLA in California, making the end of the run for Mansi who played Kristina for three years.
The decision to depart GH was all Mansi’s decision and as also previously reported, GH executive producer Frank Valentini had left the door open for a return down the line and is currently not planning on recasting the part.
In story, in her final episode, having already said goodbye on Thursday’s show to her parents, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), Kristina meets up with her siblings, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) and Michael (Rory Gibson). The three have a chat at the Metro Court Gardens.

Courtesy/ABC
SIBLING ADVICE
Before she leaves Port Charles, Kristina tells her brother and sister, she wants them to be there for each other, while each is managing their personal relationships: Molly with Cody (Josh Kelly) and Michael with Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Kristina thanked them for taking her to the airport and urged them to lean on each other while she was gone.
In her last scene, Kristina tells Molly and Michael right before they head for her flight, “I want each of you to be the person the other can call. OK? To show up for each other, no questions asked. Because that’s what you’ve been for me.”
KATE’S NEXT MOVE
Speaking with TV Insider, Mansi shared what she is up to next which has included accompanying her husband, Matt McInnis to Europe. Kate explained she had made the decision a few months back to exit GH. “I knew my contract was up in April and I wanted to give them the proper notice so that they could plan their future storytelling.” Kate added, “Given that my husband is working in Europe predominantly and I’ll be traveling so much, that’s what this next chapter of my life will be.”
Kate expressed that the news of her exit was hard to share with people, because she would feel sad when talking about it. Ultimately, the first to know were Nancy Lee Grahn, Kristen Vaganos, and Rory Gibson. She chose not to tell Maurice Benard, because she was so close to him in real-life, until they filmed their last episode together which aired yesterday.
There’s more! Kate gave a final tease that she has project in the works sharing, “I’m excited to have booked a short-term project in the fall that works within my schedule.” As to a future return to GH, Mansi doesn’t rule it out, “It’s Port Charles. Anything is possible.”
So, what did you think of Kate’s final scenes as Kristina with Sonny, Alexis, Molly and Michael? Do you hope Kate come back in a few years time? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can catch the scenes where Kristina tells her parents she is leaving Port Charles below.
General Hospital
Troy Lennon Appel Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ in Contract Role of the Mysterious ‘Hudson’
There are even more newbies coming to General Hospital with the news today that Troy Lennon Appel is joining the cast of the ABC daytime drama series in the contract role of “Hudson.” Look for Appel to make his debut on the July 30th episode.
What we do know is that Hudson is a business executive with mysterious ties. As first reported by TV Insider, Troy has already been enjoying his time on the legacy soap opera. He enthused, “Working on GH has been nothing short of an incredible, fast-paced experience, Everyone is very professional; they’re on top of every intricate part of this very established, well-oiled machine, and I’m just trying to keep up and not halt the process in any way.”
In a statement, General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini expressed: “Troy is a terrific guy, and we are excited to have him join our cast. And fans will be intrigued to see how his character fits into the story.“
FOUR NEWCOMERS IN SHORT ORDER
Appel’s casting comes on the heels of three other major additions coming to Port Charles, and all should be landing on-air next month in July. As previously reported, Dean Geyer has joined the cast as Tristan Robert and is set to debut on the July 13 episode. Daytime vet, Kelly Kruger (ex-B&B and Y&R) has signed on to play the new Serena Baldwin and Kayden Brenna Tokarski is the new Scout Cain, the daughter of Drew (Cameron Mathison) and the late Sam (Kelly Monaco).
Apple added on his GH experience thus far, “So many of the cast and crew have gone out of their way to welcome me, and I am immensely grateful for how simple and easy this transition has been. I owe it all to them. They know what they’re doing, and I hope to learn as much as I can and add to the show, to the best of my ability.”
Troy’s previous credits have included: Revenge Best Served Chilled, Blackmail, Lies and Murder, and Lethally Blonde. Finding Master Right and Menflix, and he appeared with The Goldbergs star Hayley Orrantia’s music video for her single, “Find Yourself Somebody.”
So, what do you think about the casting of Troy Lennon Appel to General Hospital? Who will Hudson actually have ties to, since it is a contract role? Will you be intrigued to see all the new arrivals next month in Port Charles? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Avery Pohl Joins Cast of Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Series
Previously on General Hospital, Esme Prince caused so much trouble for Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) until the character went overboard and was presumed dead back in January of 2024.
Esme’s portrayer, Avery Pohl was heralded by GH fans as one of the great young baddies in recent memory. And now, Pohl is taking her talents to the new Netflix series, and joining the Scooby-Doo universe in an undisclosed role in the upcoming show, Scooby-Doo Orgins!
News of Pohl’s casting came via Deadline when they revealed 12 actors joining the upcoming live-action series which also includes notables: Sara Gilbert (ex-The Talk and The Connors), and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), plus previously announced, MacKenna Grace (ex-Faith, The Young and the Restless) who plays the central role of Daphne Blake. Tanner Hagen takes on Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson plays Velma Dinkley, Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones, and even Paul Walter Hauser also appears in a secret role, and not to be left out, Scooby-Doo himself.

Courtesy/ABC
ZOINKS, RUH-RO AND JEEPERS!
Avery Pohl took to her Instagram upon the reveal of her new project and said, “Dog’s outta the bag. So grateful to work with so many talented and kind individuals.” Immediately many of her former GH castmates congratulated the actress including: Tabyana Ali and her predecessor in the role of Trina, Sydney Mikalya and Eden McCoy (Josslyn).
According to the official loglines for Scooby-Doo Origins, its a, “Modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”
The series, which introduced supernatural mystery-solving teens Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers and their talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo, originally aired on CBS from 1969-76. It then moved to ABC, where various versions of the show aired until 1986. The Scooby-Doo franchise has also released three movies more than adozen animated series, and over 40 animated home entertainment movies.
WILL ESME PRINCE RETURN TO GH?
Pohl received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2025, in the Outstanding Guest Performer category and initially debuted on GH back in 2021.
In case you missed it, Avery participated in a livestream chat last year along with GH’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow) and their acting coach and soap alum Holly Gagnier (ex-Days, GH, and OLTL) on the Michael Fairman Channel. You can check it out below.
Now, share your congrats for Avery on landing her upcoming role in ‘Scooby-Doo Origins’ Let us know, if you hope GH brings back Esme one day and Spencer Cassadine via the comment section.
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