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: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’

On the Thursday, November 12 episode of General Hospital, as battles line are drawn by Carly’s (Laura Wright) ex-husband, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and her daughter, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), she realizes things are about to get a whole lot worse, and she expressed her fears to Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart).
After Sonny came to see Carly to get her daughter to back off of him; especially when Josslyn lit into him in front of nuAvery (Ayla Bullington), Carly is terrified that Sonny could retaliate against Josslyn. Realizing, Josslyn is in danger, Carly won’t sit by and let anything happen to her. She tells Valentin, “I’ve already lost one kid because of that man. I won’t lose another.”
Viewers won’t soon forget the devastation Carly felt when Morgan (Bryan Craig) died in a car bomb explosion back in 2016 because of Sonny’s dealings in the mob in a complex story involving Julian (William deVry) and Olivia Jerome (Tonja Walker).

Courtesy/ABC
SONNY IS READY FOR WAR
Meanwhile in the aftermath of his visit with Carly, Sonny told his brother Ric what went down when Josslyn disrespected him in front of his own daughter and hurt Avery. Since Josslyn already make it known that she no longer considers herself part of Sonny’s family, he’s decided to treat her accordingly.
Sonnys first step in payback is to take away her support system at JJE by approaching Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel) again, but this time in a much less-friendly way.
Ric points out that this would go against every move Sonny made as a legitimate businessman in Port Charles and would mean he’s back in the mob? Sonny doubles down, saying Josslyn changed the game when she involved Avery. While he showed concern of how bad Carly would feel over all this year, he said he is ready to finish what Josslyn started.
At the Metro Court, Ava (Maura West) is listening to Avery explain what happened between Sonny and Josslyn and how much she hates Josslyn right now, which Ava seems to be OK with.
WILL JOSSLYN’S WORLD BLOW UP ON HER?
Speaking of Josslyn, she is on the pier still after her talk with Hudson and still crying over her confrontation with Sonny and Avery overhearing it, and what she told her sister. Lucas comes across her at the pier while out for his run.
Explaining how badly she feels for what she said about Sonny to Avery, Lucas says that eventually Avery will discover the truth about Sonny. He explains to Josslyn that even though Avery hates her now, she will come to realize that what she said about her father was the truth, and that Josslyn was not lying to her at all.
So, what do you think about Sonny ready to play dirty to take down Josslyn? How will Carly ensure her daughter does not wind up dead? Who do you think is in the right here? Is Josslyn’s vendetta against Sonny justified, at the cost of the relationships with her family? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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.
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