Chad Duell is signing himself out of “General Hospital.” The Daytime Emmy-winning soap star said Saturday that he’s leaving the Port Charles-set daytime drama after a 14-year stint.
Chad Duell, who played Michael Corinthos III on "General Hospital" for 14 years.
Duell debuted on the long-running ABC series in 2010 as Michael Corinthos III, the adoptive son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard).
Chad Duell is reflecting on his General Hospital exit after 14 years and explaining why he decided to walk away from the ABC sudser.
Duell's Announcement and Reflections
Duell announced the news himself on Saturday, with a post on social media. “After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” the actor wrote on Instagram. “This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life."
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“After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” the actor wrote on Instagram. “This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life. I’m beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.
The cast of "General Hospital".
Duell also noted wanting to spend more time with his partner and their baby son, adding, “I’m preparing myself for next chapter. It’s different because I have a kid now. “It’s a life adjustment,” Duell said during a recent appearance on the Daily Drama Podcast with Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson. “A lot of stuff’s been going on in my life.
Duell, 37, who won his supporting actor Emmy in 2015, also thanked the show’s loyal fans for their “unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives.”
“Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me,” he added, sharing a cast photo. “This isn’t a goodbye-it’s a see you later.”
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The Legacy of Michael Corinthos
Duell’s Michael Corinthos was the adopted son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (played by Maurice Benard) on the long-running ABC soap.
Duell’s character - a love child intertwining the rival Quartermaine and Corinthos families - was born onscreen in 1997 and was at the center of a heated custody battle since birth. As the character aged on television, Dylan Cash portrayed a younger version of Michael from 2002 to 2008 and Drew Garrett briefly played a teenage version in 2009. Duell took over the character in 2010 after Garrett left the show. (“Young and the Restless” star Robert Adamson also briefly played the part in 2022 and earlier this year because of a scheduling conflict.)
Duell originally took over Michael Corinthos when he replaced Drew Garrett in 2010. Garrett had previously taken over the role from Dylan Cash in 2009; Cash originated the character in 2002. Duell won a Daytime Emmy for his General Hospital performance in 2015.
Frank Valentini's Statement and Future Plans
Frank Valentini, executive producer for the show, confirmed Duell’s announcement in a social media post that noted he was “sad” about the exit. “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,” Valentini wrote.
Executive producer Frank Valentini said in a tweet that he was sad to confirm Duell’s departure, reflecting on the star’s time on the series and announcing the decision not to re-cast his character.
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“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,” Valentini wrote Saturday on X, adding, “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.”
In a follow-up post, he added: “There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime. The actor said the door was left open to return in the future possibly, but Duell says he has “a few things planned” for himself.
Representatives for ABC declined to comment beyond Valentini’s statement when reached Monday by The Times.
Valentini hinted that Duell’s final episode would air in 2025.
Co-Star Reactions
Duell’s co-stars shared their thoughts in the Instagram comments, simultaneously congratulating and haranguing him.
- “Who wrote this for you…. Just kidding. I love you Cheddar,” wrote Dom Zamprogna, who left the soap in 2018 but returned in 2020.
- “Love you brother,” wrote Cameron Mathison, who starred in “General Hospital” and its spinoff, “All My Children.”
- “You will be so missed!!!! Excited to see what’s next!” wrote Sofia Mattsson, who plays Sasha Gilmore on “General Hospital.”
- “Still mad !! But I adore you !!!” Carly Corinthos actor Laura Wright added.
- “Love you, Chad!!!!” wrote Katelyn MacMullen, who plays Willow Corinthos.
General Hospital's Legacy
“General Hospital” is the longest-running scripted drama and longest-running American soap opera still in production. The Doris and Frank Hursley-created series debuted in 1963 and marked it its 60th anniversary last year. The series aired its 15,000th episode in June 2022 and is the broadcast network’s sole remaining soap opera after the network’s other daytime dramas concluded.
“All My Children,” which connected “General Hospital” and “One Life to Live,” went off the air in 2011; “One Life to Live” concluded in 2012 - though the shows have since been resurrected online.
| Actor | Character | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Dylan Cash | Young Michael Corinthos | 2002-2008 |
| Drew Garrett | Teenage Michael Corinthos | 2009 |
| Chad Duell | Michael Corinthos III | 2010-2024 |
| Robert Adamson | Michael Corinthos III (temporary) | 2022, 2024 |
Actors who have portrayed Michael Corinthos over the years.
“To all the fans: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives,” Duell continued.
CHAD DUELL, "Michael Corinthos" on General Hospital Exclusive Interview on The Jim Masters Show
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