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Chad Duell is saying goodbye to “General Hospital.”
The actor, 37, announced on Saturday that he quit the soap opera series. Duell has played Michael Corinthos since 2010.
“After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” Duell wrote in an Instagram post.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for me,” he continued, “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.”
Duell went on, “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,” he concluded his message.
“General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) addressing the future of Duell’s character.
“I am sad to confirm the news of Chad Duell’s forthcoming exit from #GeneralHospital,” Valentini, 62, wrote. “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,” Valentini added. “I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.”
Michael Corinthos, the son of A.J. Quartermaine (Sean Kanan) and Carly Spencer ( Laura Wright), was originally played by Dylan Cash from 2002 to 2008, and then by Drew Garrett from 2009 to 2010.
Duell took over the role in 2010. He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2015.
Last year, Duell told Soap Opera Digest what he likes most about his “General Hospital” character.
“I feel like he always puts his family first and he’s always had good intentions,” the actor said. “He likes to give people the benefit of the doubt; he’s not malicious and he’s very protective and supportive of his family and always wanting to keep the peace. He has a good heart and he’s a good father.”
Robert Adamson, 39, has played Michael intermittently since 2022 when Duell has had scheduling conflicts. It’s possible Adamson may take over the role for good now.
Duell’s exit from the ABC series comes after longtime star Kelly Monaco was written off the show.
Monaco’s final episode as Sam McCall aired on November 1. The actress, 48, previously said in a since-deleted social media comment that her exit from the series after 21 years “still doesn’t make any sense to me.”
She also labeled her departure as “retaliation.”