GENERAL HOSPITAL - ABC's “General Hospital” stars Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos. (Disney/Ricky Middlesworth)
GH’s Chad Duell Says He’s ‘Glad’ About Michael’s Fiery Exit Story
Chad Duell, the acclaimed Daytime Emmy-winning actor known for bringing Michael Corinthos to life on *General Hospital*, recently announced his departure from the long-running soap opera, marking the end of an era for both him and fans alike. As his character faced a dramatic exit, ignited by a fiery incident that kicked off in January 2025, Duell shared intimate insights regarding this major life transition. His candid reflections reveal a mix of personal challenges and professional aspirations that shaped his decision.
Reasons for Leaving
Duell’s choice to leave *General Hospital* was deeply influenced by personal circumstances that have significantly impacted his life. Most notably, he faced the grief of losing his father, a loss that profoundly affected him. In his discussions, Duell candidly admitted this was the first time he experienced such a significant loss, making the emotional toll even more challenging. Coupled with this, Duell celebrated the joys and difficulties of fatherhood after welcoming his son Dawson in August 2023. The birth of his child brought immense joy but also prompted him to reassess his priorities, emphasizing the need to balance his personal life with his demanding career.
Reflection on His Time at GH
During his heartfelt conversation with fellow actor Maurice Benard, who portrays Sonny Corinthos, Duell reflected on the overall experience he had while working on *General Hospital*. He looked back fondly on his journey, even expressing feelings of unrealized potential that contributed to his decision to step away. Despite these struggles, Duell acknowledged the incredible blessing that his time on the show has been for him. He expressed gratitude towards the show’s writers and producers, particularly CEO Frank Valentini, who was supportive of Duell’s decision. Finding clever ways to facilitate Michael’s exit rather than resorting to a typical dramatic death scene, Duell commended the thoughtfulness behind how his character’s departure was approached.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Looking beyond *General Hospital*, Duell emphasized that his departure is a step toward personal growth rather than simply exiting the acting stage. He envisions dedicating more time to his family as a critical part of this new chapter in his life. While he plans to take a break from acting, he has not closed the door on future opportunities in the industry. Duell indicated that he remains open to potential roles that may arise, suggesting a desire to return to the screen with a fresh perspective and renewed vigor.
As Duell navigates this pivotal moment in his life, he showcases the delicate balance many actors face between personal challenges and professional life in the spotlight. His story mirrors the experiences of countless individuals within the fast-paced world of soap operas, where passion and commitment intersect with the need for personal reflection and growth.
Fans and followers of Chad Duell can look forward to what the future holds not just for the actor, but also for Michael Corinthos. As he embarks on this new journey, many will be eager to see how Duell leverages his experiences and insights to shape what comes next in his career.
