Chad Duell becomes the latest start to say goodbye to General Hospital. The ABC soap opera has had many shocking exits this year, including Kelly Monaco and Michael Easton. Now, Duell is joining the list after deciding to end his 14-year run as Michael Corinthos.
On Saturday, November 23, the actor announced his departure via Instagram. In the post, Duell shared a photo of him and his castmates and wrote, “After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show.”
He then continued, “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.”
The star went on to thank his fans and promised this wasn’t the last they’d see of him.
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. Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me :)
This isn’t a goodbye – it’s a see you later. Much love, Chad.
Duell joined the show in 2010 as the newest Michael recast, taking over from Drew Garrett. With his character being Carly Spencer’s son and Sonny Corinthos’ stepson, Duell was pushed into front-burner storylines. The star won over fans and critics with his performance, and in 2015, he won a Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy.
Chad Duell’s Fans and General Hospital Co-Stars React to His Exit
Duell’s exit is sending shockwaves across the soap opera community. Since he and his character are important parts of the show, many people didn’t expect him to leave. But as his final airdate nears, everyone is bracing for his goodbye.
On his Instagram post, Duell’s co-stars shared heartfelt tributes to the actor.
Sofia Mattsson wrote:
You will be so missed!!!! Excited to see what’s next!
Laura Wright, who plays his onscreen mom, commented:
still mad!! But I adore you!!!
Katelyn MacMullen, who plays Michael’s wife Willow, wrote:
Love you, Chad!!!!
Meanwhile, the fan comments were filled with a mixture of well wishes and anger towards the show.
There’s never been a better Michael. You will be missed! Hope to see you on our screens in some other capacity soon.
Another fan wrote:
Chad, good luck on your next adventure. You will be missed. You are and will always be our soap family.
One viewers hoped Michael doesn’t suffer the same fate as Sam McCall:
They better not kill you off, I can’t handle anymore.
Another commenter expressed their frustration at all the talent leaving the show:
WTF is going on…this is once again horrible news. Get your act together GH admin. Every storyline is collapsing with all these actors leaving be it by force or voluntarily.
The big question is will Michael be recast. The show’s executive producer Frank Valentini tweeted that “there are no plans to recast his role at this time.” He also promised, “a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.”
Currently, Duell is in a big storyline with Michael discovering his wife Willow cheated on him with Drew. But Michael is keeping a big secret. He had a one-night stand with his ex-girlfriend Sasha Gilmore, and now she might be pregnant.
Wonder how General Hospital will wrap up this storyline with Duell’s exit just around the corner.
