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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’

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI and ABC

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.

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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: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!

In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?

Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC

FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS

The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!

Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?

Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

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With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).

On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..

In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”

GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW

So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!

FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD

As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and  and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”

Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.

So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’

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In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.

The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.

Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”

Photo: CDuellIG

SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL

Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.

The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.

In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, 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.”

So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.

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

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