General Hospital
General Hospital EP Frank Valentini Promises ‘Great Story’ as Chad Duell Exits as Michael and Shares, ‘There Are No Plans to Recast His Role at This Time’
On the heels of Chad Duell’s announcement, that he has decided to vacate the role as GH’s Michael Corinthos after more than 14 years, the series executive producer, Frank Valentini, took to social media on Saturday night to confirm Duell’s decision and what the immediately plans are for the role of Michael moving forward.
Frank shared on X, “I am sad to confirm the news of Chad Duell’s forthcoming exit from General Hospital. I have loved working with Chad over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He is a terrific actor and will be missed by everyone at GH.”
Next, the EP addressed how the show will write out the character of Michael and if the show will imminently recast. Valentini noted, “There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime.” He then added what GH fans can look forward to teasing, “I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.”

Photo: JPI
Earlier today, Duell took to his Instagram and in part expressed, “After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show. This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life.”
Before Chad’s decision, on-screen viewers have been seeing Michael’s reactions to finding out his wife, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), has feeling for his uncle, Drew Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison). So much so, that Drew and Willow had sex on the floor at the Q’s and can’t seem to fight the attraction they have for one another. In response, Michael slept with his ex, Sasha (Sofia Mattson), after finding out about Willow and Drew’s tryst. How will the show wrap-up loose ends for a solid exit story for Michael in early 2025?

Photo: JPI
According to Frank Valentini, it would seem the plan is to have Chad exit as Michael and put some space between the next time we might see the character as played by a new actor in the role, if and when they recast.
GH has seen several actors exit the show in the last several months and for various reasons including: Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam), Michael Easton (ex-Finn) and two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Robert Gossett (ex-Marshall).
So, what story would you like to see that wraps up Chad’s time as Michael Corinthos? Do you want to see the character be given a rest, or do you hope the show recasts sooner than later? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime. I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year. (2/2)
— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) November 24, 2024
Actually I would like a straight answer as to whether GH has been renewed for the next season. All the cast changes, seemingly random changes in history and established story lines as well as dropped stories does not seem to bode well, especially if it has not been renewed yet as the other 3 soaps have
I agree. Something is up.
GH does not get “renewed”. It has a unique production model in that it is owned, produced and broadcast entirely by the ABC network. Not different divisions or sub companies. It is considered in continual production until the network at some point decides to end it – nobody to notify of a renewal.
This is unlike any other show on the air (daytime or primetime). The other soaps each have production companies and distributors. This makes GH cheaper to produce because they don’t have to pay “two middle men”.
This is good to know actually. And it also makes sense that they cut a lot of the operating costs by producing the show in the ABC family and don’t need the extra negotiation like set locations or set storage and since it’s an ABC owned show they can produce it as long as they want or see profit in it.
Thank you for this great answer.
ABC doesn’t really “renew,” since they directly produce the soap. If it’s in production, then it’s in production. They could tomorrow decide to stop production and it’d be stopped. There is no “renewing” it.
I think they should let Michael’s character chill for a bit. Not too fond of the Michael that subs. But getting rid of porsha would be
I think you mean Portia. You didn’t finish your sentence but I know where you were going. Portia is played by a stunning and solid actress but she is vastly underused. Moreover, Robert Patterson was an excellent stand in for Chad as Michael. He had vastly more chemistry with Willow and he was much more likable..
I don’t care for Portia at all there is just something about her thar does not fit. Jordan and Curtis had great chemistry together.
I said they don’t like portia. I don’t like her either. I don’t like her look so don’t like her eyes I don’t like her whiny whiny attitude. Seems like a doctor would have a more firm voice and attitudes and she does especially when it’s supposed to be a co chief of the hospital.
What has Michael leaving have to do with Portia?
Nothing. I’m not the one who brought her up.
I’m going to have to dIsagree.here. I felt like yes he had good chemistry with willow but he didn’t with the others he had to interact with. That and knowing him from Y&R it made it harder to let go and accept him as Michael.
Porsche is so boring. Please recast her.
Not really boring, but interfering, critical and just a pain in the butt, especially all that stuff about Heather.
Agree! Don’t like Michael’s fill in at all,a recast has big shoes to fill though. Angry n hurt Michael storylines are so much better, I hope Chad Duell will be there til the end of this story. Portia needs to go, wish they would have more story with Terry.
I feel the same way
Why are folks using this breaking news to pick on Portia who is barely ever on? Weird.
I think it’s just an aside of other characters they don’t like and )Ortiz happens to b one of the most annoying ones.
I guess it’s more about who should go versus who is going or why.
I agree Portia should go
I agree with you. I love Chad as Michael.
And I look Portia, but every time she comes into contact with a man (all men!), she thinks she’s a sultry siren and shamelessly flirts. I like her being better portrayed as a professional woman with self-respect. Stop making her seem desperate for a man!
I think the powers that be are afraid of losing viewers if they allow her to have a real love story on camera, even though as a trans woman, her character allows trans people to be portrayed with self-confidemce and respect.
Our world is not filled with strictly heterosexual couples and if GH can have gay/queer storylines (although they REALLY messed up when they abruptly ended the Christina/Allison relationship), then they should also have trans ones.
Just my opinion.
I find it very interesting that Frank Valentini issued a statement about Chad Duell exit and was silent about Kelly Monaco’s exit. I stand by my statement that GH 2024 has been a bad year for us fan.
I think Frank Valentini wants Chad to one day return to GH. Which is why I believe Chad will just simply move away from Port Charles. Frank Valentini definitely wanted Kelly Monaco gone and never able to come back
Frank valentini is the one that needs to go. He should never have gotten rid of Kelly Monaco and I believe there was some underlying tensions between them to do with the upper levels. Wrong move
I did not like the new personality of Kelly’s character. She always seemed to be whining about the things that made her likable. Like Jason. Don’t bring het back. Portia is annoying to, but he writers have started to give her substance. I will miss Michael and wish him well. His writers also let his character down with their story lines for him. I think Willow is his problem. I thought she was going to die which would have been OK with me and maybe Michael would have stayed. Oh, thanks for sending Drew away. He’s annoying too.
Tired of Sam’s whining as well – especially regarding Jason!
Apparently Frank and Kelly no longer got along that’s why he didn’t speak out on her behalf
Hate to see Michael go. He can go to Sonny’s island and take Portia and Natalie with him.
Why are some of you picking on Portia? She’s seldom on and when she is, she’s affable, gentle and far less irritating than many of her co stars. This piece is about Chad leaving GH. Why you have to use it as an excuse to pick on Portia, I will never understand. Cameron’s Drew? Now that I would understand!
I agree with the Portia comments. She doesn’t add anything. Not a fan of her or Natalia.
Portia is one of the most irritating characters!!
Portia’s irritating but Carly isn’t? This post has nothing to do with Portia but the actor who plays Michael Corinthos, Chad. Keep the focus there.
Her and her damn daughter
“No plans to recast his role at this time” sounds rather ominous. Michael is a foundational character with strong familial ties to Carly, Sonny, Jason and the Quartermaine family. He absolutely needs to be recast. Carly and Sonny, and by extension, Jason, cannot lose another son. The fact that Frank claims that there are no plans for a Michael recast gives me pause about the future of GH.
I was thinking the same. I hope they don’t kill off Michael like they did Morgan and Sam. I want to see Chad come back in the future. He owns the character Michael. He stepped into that role and played it so well the I can’t see any other actor in that role, but a good substitute will do until Chad decides to come back.
No plans at this time does not mean there will be no in plans later. Michael will more than likely be recast. As far as I see it Michael may go out of town and claim it’s for a business trip just to get away for awhile or see what what Willow and Drew will do when he not close by. He could hire someone to keep an eye out on them. We just have to wait and see what’s the plans are.
Michael is an important legacy character, but as Lulu’s 4-year coma illustrated, core characters can take a break. DZ took a year or more off before returning as Dante. Michael will likely be back (actor TBD) in 2026.
I agree, but wonder how they will proceed with the Willow, Drew and Sasha SL without Michael, isn’t he an integral part of this SL?
There’s scuttlebutt brewing about more cast cuts. Some of those you listed have been mentioned as being on the chopping block.
Right now, counting Duell, there’s 35 contract performers – highest in a long time.
Michael is Sonny’s adoptive son, he’s Jason’s nephew.
Michael is not Jason’s son
Maybe you worded it wrong
Michael has been a complete asshat. Sonny murdered his father AJ in cold blood 10 years ago. Now this year, Sonny brutally murdered an FBI Agent, and Michael is covering for him?? What a way to ruin a character. I think the character needs a rest and some refocusing by the writers.
I would love for the role of Michael to return even, if it is played by someone else.
No way Sonny makes GH
The person that stepped in for Michael should be the person that they recast for Michael
Nope I didn’t like his fill in. They need to try to keep Michael
I’ve watched GH since the beginning. There have been writing ups and downs throughout the years, as can be expected with a long-running show. But, what we’ve been subjected to, especially over the past year, has left my head spinning. Loss after loss, tragedy after tragedy, fight after fight, affair after affair, and it has been exhausting. So tired of the vitriol between Christina and Molly. So tired of the endless tension. It’s become very apparent that the writer’s lack creativity, and that laziness has filled the scripts. Whatever happened to some lightness and humor to balance the storylines? Without Jane Elliott’s amazing acting, things have become ‘Debby Downer’, 8.0. Just about anyone could do a better job with the writing — even Satan and Steve OG. At least they have fun and creative ideas when they comment here. All I can say is THIS BATCH OF WRITERS NEED TO GO, NOW! GH is a shadow of it former self. So disappointing.
Totally agree. Terrible writing lately. Probably will be another baby switch with teasing a few pregnancies. Molly is desperate. I don’t like Michael being so mean & vengeful, Sonny 2.0. He was the sweet, leval-headed Quartermain!
I think Sasha will be pregnant. Molly and her husband will split.
Thanks for the shoutout Sassy! You are spot on with the lack of creativity. I try to shy away from posting fan fiction, but since you suggested…
My long-stirring storyline for Michael is something that I don’t know has ever been done to an adult in daytime. What if he were switched at birth and we just find out about now? The real Q heir (more dynamic and ruthless) is out there with the same birthmark that both Alan & AJ had. This new heir is out for his birthright and unites the family against him. Michael struggles to figure out who he (Michael) really is. Sadly, this plot would’ve worked better with both an active Monica & AJ.
Final fantasy plot line – a Sonny lookalike appears in PC. This kind (non mobster) is revealed to be Nico Kelly. Oh, the possibilities.
No that wouldn’t work, there’s only one Sonie.
As long as they will let me work remotely from Hell, I’ll be happy to write this show!
To Satan and OG, you’re hired! As Sassy Duck said, you guys make much better writers and know all all the past and present facts, which apparently these so-called writers do not!
They’ve totally de-clawed Tracy. She’s practically become Lila. The recent storyline with Anna, Robert and Holly showed glimpses of the GH glory days, before it became the Soapranos. So of course, Robert and Holly have left and taken the adventure with them. Totall agree, Sassy, that the ick factor of this show, particulary Drillow, has greatly increased. It seems that the legacy scene-stealers — Robert, Scott and Tracy — have been collectively been muted. What HAS happened to Scotty? Does anyone else care?
Yeah I wonder what happened to Scotty. Is he sick in real life?
Kin Shriner keeps posting on social media. He fully recovered from foot surgery. Hopefully he’ll return with a juicy explanation for Scott’s absence in 2025.
I would like to see Michael’s exit to be open so that he could return if he decides to come back. We really like him but would not like a replacement for him. Would like to see Drew gone.
Please no recast.They need to send him off on a business trip and decides not to come back to Port Charles for now.
Happy that Sasha will not be paired with Michael – which is what I was so afraid of in the aftermath of the Horrible Holly storyline that killed Cody & Sasha. Just not in for a regurgitation of an old romance that only ended because GH wanted Willow and Michael together so badly. See where that got them. At least we got to see them happy for more than 2 minutes. Cody & Sasha not so much.
Sondra Jenkins I want to see our original Michael come back to being Michael
Dylan doesn’t act anymore according to the internet.
Who is Dylan? Can’t find a mention of this “Dylan” in the article….
Dylan Cash was the original child version of Michael. He was a red headed kid, that some of the Sonny haters called “Chucky” because he slightly resembled the serial killing doll character from the movies & recent SyFy series.
He was last seen in 2008 when 12 year old Michael was shot in the head by Claudia Zacchara (she was aiming at somebody else, but the bullet bounced off of something else and into Mikey)
Michael spent a year in a coma after the injury, but came out as a SORASed 17 year old, first played by Drew Garrett, who took out Claudia with an ax handle when she tried to steal newborn baby Josslyn from Carly. Chad took over the role soon after that.
Dylan Cash, the red-headed little boy, who played Michael 2002–2008. The one who Claudia shot in the head.
Dylan Cash played Michael as a child until he was shot in the head instead of Sonny. The character was in a coma for about a year. Michael was then aged and played for one year by Drew Garrett before Chad Duell assumed the role.
I believe your promises when an if they happen.
The show has steadily gone downhill for me…I’ve been watching GH for over 20 years… lately it’s boring..bringing back people that brought no excitement r interest to have leaving people that kept the show interesting and kept the viewer involved. Sooooo having Michael leave too well…again will leave another void that could just be it for us.
Well I love chad as Michael Corinthos, Chad you will be missed in the roll. All I can say about a recast, I hope they take some time to work on it so that we have a decent new Michael Corinthos. I didn’t like the guy that replaced him temporarily so I’m hoping that he’s not the option.
I could see Willow being with either Cody or back with Chase that is if Michael and Willow get divorced.
Just don’t kill him off, please. Perhaps Michael can disappear and presumed dead just to reappear in the future, soap opera style.
Time to not watch General Hospital Iam done I don’t think they take care of their employees the employees made the show and now they are leaving Good luck general hospital
I hate he is leaving but u kinda figured with Sam leaving.
One has nothing to do with the other.
Will miss the role of Michael. Chad Duell’s is a fantastic actor. Wishing him great success in what ever his next adventure takes him in his craft. Maybe a recast????
Did you not even read the article, where Valentini explicitly states they’re not recasting at this time.
Too many good ones are gone. You should recast Michael soon. If we loose any more main characters, the show isn’t going to be worth watching!
Recast ASAP there is a delisious story that can’t happen unless Michael is there. There have been too many actors leaving GH they can’t handle this & keep the integrity of the soap. Please get a recast.
Chad has issues let’s address that. He married lasted two months then he lived with Courtney found out that was a scam lasted six weeks . Now he had a baby with a whatever. The man has issues ! Put this to rest
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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