After 14 years of playing the beloved character of Michael Corinthos on the long-running ABC soap-opera General Hospital, actor Chad Duell has officially announced his departure from the show. He shared the news via an emotional Instagram post, marking the end of an era for fans who watched him portray one of the series’ most prominent characters since 2010. General Hospital is an iconic daytime drama that has been gracing television screens since 1963 and the show is no stranger to cast changes, and yet, each departure leaves a significant impact on the storyline and the future of the series.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, Chad Duell expressed the difficulty of his decision but also acknowledged his fans and their continued support, reminding them that this wasn’t goodbye. He wrote:
“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. I’m beyond grateful to Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives,” he wrote. “Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me. This isn’t a goodbye — it’s a see you later.”
Duell’s portrayal of Michael Corinthos, the son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and his ex-wife Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright), has been a cornerstone of the show since 2010. His character underwent significant growth in 14 years and faced several trials and tribulations along the way. Duell’s performance earned him six Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor, and he won the award in 2015. Beyond General Hospital, Duell has appeared in other TV shows like The Young and the Restless and The Suite Life on Deck.
Will ‘General Hospital’ Find A Replacement For Chad Duell?
General Hospitalmarked its 60th anniversary last year and the show has already weathered the exit of several other mainstays in 2024. This includes Kelly Monaco, who played the iconic character of Sam McCall for over two decades, and Jophielle Love, who portrayed Violet Finn. Long-time cast members Tristan Rogers and Emma Samms also departed the show recently. When Chad Duell broke the news of his exit, General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini addressed the situation. He took to X and confirmed it but also mentioned that they will not be recasting Chad Duell at the moment.
“I am sad to confirm the news of Chad Duell’s forthcoming exit from #GeneralHospital. 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. 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.”
General Hospital has remained a ratings juggernaut by consistently ranking among the top-ranked daytime dramas. Despite its longevity, it has earned praise for its exceptional storylines and has won 16 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. In addition to the flagship program, it has spawned several spin-offs, including General Hospital: Night Shift, which is how it continues to thrive in the cultural landscape of television.
