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
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
If Anna Devane’s (Finola Hughes) new therapist on General Hospital looks familiar to you, it’s because actress Kearran Giovanni, who plays Dr. Nichols, previously played a doctor on One Life to Live!.
Viewers tuning-in to the Thursday, September 10 episode of GH got their first look at Dr. Nichols who has been brought in to help Anna recover from her PTSD and trauma following the reveal that she has been suffering from a break in reality since before being put in mental health facility in France, after being gaslighted by Cullum and company earlier in the year.
One Life to Live fans will recall that Kearran Giovanni played Dr. Vivian Wright in 2009, and it was then she first worked with current General Hospital EP, Frank Valentini, who at the time was at the helm in Llanview.
Photo: JPI
WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU SEEN KEARRAN GIOVANNI?
Giovanni appeared on OLTL in the recurring role through 2012 and in the final ABC episode of the beloved series was the the ob/gyn who delivered Destiny Evans (Shenell Edmonds) and Matthew Buchanan’s (Eddie Alderson) baby into the world, whom they named Drew Buchanan II after Bo Buchanan’s (Robert S, Woods) late son. In addition, Vivian has been dating Shaun Evans (Sean Ringgold).
In addition to One Life to Love, Giovanni has very impressive credits having appeared in numerous TV series and motion pictures including starring in the TNT drama Major Crimes from 2012-18, ABC’s Designated Survivor 2017-19, the CW’s Black Lightning from 2019-20. Most recently, Giovanni appeared on the Fox series, The Resident and has a recurring role on the CW’s crime series, Walker from 202-2024.
HEALING ANNA
On today’s General Hospital, after Anna’s harrowing meltdown where she almost shot and killed Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) after seeing visions of “Peter August” (Wes Ramsey), Jason (Steve Burton) saved the day and talked Anna down from committing murder. Now, Dr. Nichols was introduced as a valuable staff member at the hospital. Although, this marked the first time in the history of the show we have heard of her character.
So, do you remember seeing Kearran Giovanni on One Life to Live? Happy to see that Anna may have a qualified therapist in charge of her healing, unless the doctor turns out to be not on the up and up? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
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