General Hospital
Steve Burton Clarifies Hiatus from ‘General Hospital’: ‘I’m Not Sick, Michelle’s Not Pregnant, and I’m Coming Back This Summer’
Earlier this week, social media was abuzz when General Hospital star, Steve Burton took to his Instagram to announce he is stepping away from his role as Jason Morgan for several months with plans on returning over the summer to the ABC daytime drama.
Burton who married Michelle Lundstrom back on May 17, 2025 is looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife and his kids with some much needed time off. Now, in the latest episode of Steve and Bradford Anderson’s (Spinelli, GH) podcast, That’s Awesome, Burton opened up further at what led to his decision, citing how James Van Der Beek’s (ex-ATWT and Dawson Leery, Dawson’s Creek) tragic death at 48 from colorectal cancer, and leaving behind 6 children and his wife, Kimberly, is why time is so important with your loved ones.
“Life is more important than anything else,” Steve expressed. “I had a couple executive producers who said once, ‘Hey, family and life is way more important than any show that you’re ever going to do.’ That really hits home after after the passing of James Van Der Beek. You look at James and his family and all this guy wanted was five more minutes with his wife and kids, you know?”

Photo: VanDerBeekIG
Burton continued, “Everything’s perspective. I’m grateful for the show, obviously, it’s been my whole life, and to step away is not always easy. It’s like family there. But, I have a family too. I’m newly married. I want to take a break. I want to live life a little bit and go enjoy. When you get on the hamster wheel of the process of this (working in the soaps), and I’ve been doing it along time, I’m just excited to take a break, spend time with the family, and just go live a little, and be grateful that I have a chance to do that. That’s a gift in itself.”
TIMETABLE FOR RETURN TO GH
“I know, I’ll be back in the summer. I’m sure they’re going to have a great story planned,” confirmed Burton. “My wife Michelle coaches people, and I coach people, and we just see so many people that are going through so many trials and hardships in their life, and we can’t sweat this small stuff. But when you look at guys like James Van Der Beek who just passed you cannot get time back. I’ve been doing this for a long time since I’ve been 15-years-old. That’s 40 years of this.”

Photo: JPI
In addition, Steve took time to address the negative comments he received upon announcing he was taking a break from General Hospital and all the rumors and speculation that came with it. Burton shut down much of it, explaining, “I’m not sick, Michelle’s not pregnant, and I’m coming back in the summer. There you go.”
ADDRESSING THE HATERS
Steve also took a moment to address the haters on social media, explaining, “The craziness that I’ve gotten messages about just taking a break, I can’t even believe these people are allowed to be on social media. It’s so negative and hateful. Like, I just don’t even understand. Let’s get our perspective straight. It’s a blessing to wake up and go, ‘I have no ailments. I feel good. I’m 55. I want to go live a life,” and it’s OK, too.”
You can check out this week’s episode of the That’s Awesome titled appropriately titled, “Gimme a BREAK” below.
Share your thoughts on what Steve explained as to his reason’s for his temporary exit from GH, what story do you think will be awaiting him when he returns and the negative comments he received after announcing his decision to take time off to be with his family, via the comment section below.
Kudos to Steve for being upfront about this. It’s really none of the audience’s business why he wants a break. Just be greatful he’s looking forward to returning in a few months.
Frank should be commended for making breaks happen for long-time performers. Kirsten just came back, Steve will, and now Finola (off contract as of today) when she’s ready.
He desveres the best! ENJOY ENJOY! You deserve it!! We will see you later! Your priorities are right on!
He’s so cute
He was pretty honest in his previous statement(s), but of course, online culture just twists everything and Facebook groups make up continued lies, which confuses many so easily.
It’s a shame that Steve has to defend himself and his desire to take a break from the show to spend time with his wife and children. I respect and applaud his decision to take this extended break.
I am happy that he is returning to GH and will remain on the show.
I did watch the podcast. I thought Steve would make the announcement that he has renewed his contract with GH for another year or two. I’m assuming he did so since he is returning in the summer. I found it interesting that he and Bradford talked about the benefits of being on GH in a recurring status as opposed to a contract role. I might be reading too much into their conversation, but I got the impressio that Steve is weighing the options on staying with GH in a contract role vs recurring. If he the option to stay on in a recurring status, go for it. He can still be on GH and have more free time to spend with his family and pursue his other business ventures. Life is short, do what makes you happy.
Steve ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF
No need to explain to anyone!
See you back in Summer 2022
I just don’t understand people. Just because you’re anonymous doesn’t mean you should be cruel
Honestly, I’ve grown apathetic about the comings and goings of Steve Burton’s Jason. I’m always happy to see him but also know GH will survive just fine without him for a spell of time. As long as they don’t kill Jason off for the third time resulting in Carly and Britt having a grief contest, I’m good.
I take him at hos word. He’ll return
Steve’s family time is great. Rumor said Britt and Jason’s lovestory has bombed. No, the writers cannot write lovestories !! Their chemistry is off the charts in spite of these hateful writers. They only write hate, WSB, and endless storylines !
If he comes back good. If he doesn’t that’s ok too. Hes come and gone alot over the years. There’s other storylines on GH.
I was happy when you returned to GH. Now I am just as happy to know you will be returning to it. Taking a little ‘me time’ is a good thing and it helps you refresh yourself. God speed.
General Hospital
Kearran Giovanni Debuts on ‘General Hospital’ as Anna Devane’s New Therapist

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.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired

The Wednesday, September 9 episode of General Hospital featured top-notch performances by Finola Hughes and Steve Burton, as Anna holds Jason and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at gunpoint on Mount Emerson.
Anna is not in her right mind as hallucinations of Peter (Wes Ramsey) overtake her, egging her on to shoot and kill Britt. Jason begs Anna to put down the gun, but it’s clear Anna is speaking to someone who is not there, but in a direction that is just past Britt.
Suddenly, Anna screams at Britt, “You’re just like your father!” Anna also tells Britt that she knew Britt was aware that she was locked up on Spoon Island and did nothing to save her. Britt turns to Jason and tells him she had no idea Anna was on the Island, “until Cullum showed up in Port Charles.” That declaration gave Jason pause.

Courtesy/ABC
“PETER” TAKES A BULLET
Next, Anna is overcome with angst, filled with tears and screams out, “I won’t let you beat me!” She fires the gun where the imaginary Peter was standing, as Britt screams and Jason dove to cover her. Now completely shaken, Jason took the weapon from Anna and ordered Britt to leave the scene as Anna collapsed in Jason’s arms.
Jason was so concerned for Anna. She reveals she’s been seeing visions of Peter August since France. Jason shared his theory with Anna that she was manifesting her worst fears about Faison. However he knows deep down Anna would never have shot Britt. Jason promises to come back and clean up the area, but would take Anna home first.

Courtesy/ABC
ANNA ADMITS TO EMMA SHE TRIED TO KILL BRITT
At Anna’s, Jason brings her in the front door as Emma is there. Jason tells Emma (Braedyn Bruner) he would like to return and spend the night. A confused and worried Emma get the full story from her grandmother.
Anna explains she tried to kill Britt and she is not as well as she was pretending to be in France. Cut to: Jason cleaning up the site of Anna’s plot against Britt on Mount Emerson. He moves over and finds bullet casings on the ground and examines one of them.
The story climax also signaled the end of the run for Wes Ramsey, who has been showing up on episodes over the last several months as Anna’s dark side conscience. Now that Anna was able to break the psychological hold visions of “Peter” had on her, it ends this latest return of Ramsey’s.
So, what did you think about the scenes between Anna and Jason? Do you think Jason and Britt’s relationship will come to an end now that seemingly Britt revealed she knew Anna was held captive after Cullum came to town? Glad to know Anna won’t be haunted by visions of Peter August anymore? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?

The marriage of Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) may have come to an end by the conclusion of the Tuesday, September 8 episode of General Hospital.
In story, confronted by Trina (Tabyana Ali), and in front of a room full of Quartermaines, Brook Lynn copped to being the other driver involved in the crash that scarred Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) face and ultimately sent Curtis (Donnell Turner) to prison.
Chase, who thinks at this point Brook Lynn was covering up her involvement by protecting someone else in the family is shocked to learn it’s Brook Lynn who actually was the driver. Brook Lynn explains she never saw any evidence of a crash when she ran into Jordan’s car, so she didn’t stop to check on anyone. Trina and Jordan are outraged as is Chase.

Courtesy/ABC
CHASE PUTS BROOK LYNN ON BLAST
Soon, it comes out that Tracy (Jane Elliot) was involved in the cover-up, and tries to point out that Brook Lynn wasn’t responsible for causing the accident or Curtis punching Isaiah, but Trina says that Brook Lynn tore her family apart, and her father is in prison without the ability to see his newborn son. Trina storms out with Kai (Jen Austin Astrup).
Next, Chase goes on blast on Brook Lynn in front of her entire family. Chase starts to walk out the front door as Brook Lynn tries to stop him. At this point, Chase is all about being lied to, and he goes in on his wife, that they promised there would be no more secrets between them.
Brook Lynn digs a deeper hole for herself when she explained that she’d had a glass of wine before getting in the car to see Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Trina perform at Charlie’s. She admits to being terrified that she’d lose any chance of adopting baby Phoebe, if she called the police.
TO THE GATEHOUSE HE GOES
Chase is furious that Brook Lynn framed Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) for what she caused and did. With that, Chase leaves Brook Lynn in the dust and heads straight to the gatehouse door to see Willow!
Cut to: Brook Lynn devastated on the staircase of the Q mansion and her dad, Ned Ashton (Wally Kurth) sitting with his daughter to try to comfort her when she decrees her marriage is over.
Now in the pick-up, take a look at the General Hospital teaser video for today’s Wednesday, September 9, episode below.
So, what did you think of how Brook Lynn’s life just blew up in front of her? Does she deserve to have Chase walk out on her for what she did? Do you want Brook Lynn and Chase to work things out, or are you betting by the end of this week Chase and Willow will have hit the sheets? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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