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Steve Burton Clarifies Hiatus from ‘General Hospital’: ‘I’m Not Sick, Michelle’s Not Pregnant, and I’m Coming Back This Summer’

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

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.

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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.

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Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle

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Chase, Jason and Drew

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?

In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!

Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?

Britt and Jude

Photo: ABC

Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?

Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.

SPOILERS

Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.

Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.

Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.

 

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‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes

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Jonathan Bennett

It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.

In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.

However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).

Lucas and Joe

Courtesy/ABC

MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE

Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!

“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”

STAYING CAMERA READY

However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.

So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”

While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.

Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”

Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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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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