How ‘General Hospital’ Wrote Out Steve Burton’s Jason Morgan

Steve Burton as Jason Morgan in General Hospital
Adam Larkey/©ABC/courtesy Everett Collection

Just a week after Steve Burton confirmed that he would be exiting General Hospital over its COVID vaccine mandate, the ABC soap has written out his character, Jason Morgan.

As it turned out, Jason did die when a tunnel collapsed as he was trying to save his long-lost brother, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison). But while Jason’s body wasn’t found — there were no signs of life at the site of the collapse – he’s been declared dead.

“I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculation about me and General Hospital, and I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate,” Burton said in a video he shared on Instagram on November 23. “I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied, which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me. I don’t think anybody should lose their livelihood over this.”

He also made it clear that he’s not closing the door on perhaps playing Jason Morgan again in the future and returning to General Hospital “maybe one day, if these mandates are lifted.” At the time, he hadn’t known when his final episode would be airing (or if it already had).

Burton started playing Jason Morgan in 1991, and his character has been presumed dead before. Whether Jason truly is dead this time or if Burton will return in the future like he is open to or General Hospital might recast the role has yet to be seen.

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  1. R

    RedSushi

    They’re going to lose many fans, specially after firing Jax. Losing Jason was just a bit too far 🥵. Steve Burton helps make the show as great as it is.

    50 12

  2. R

    RedButton

    I hope ABC reconsiders their actions. Steve Burton's character Jason was one of the best on General Hospital. I will really miss him. Please bring him back!!

    43 8

    1. P

      PurpleRing

      I watch Jason and I look for him now

    2. C

      CyanPumpkin

      I agree - gone with PETER !!!!

      2

  3. G

    GreenQuill

    Very disappointed in the decision to let Steve Burton go. He is an amazing actor and I have watched his character from day one Definitely done with General Hospital.

    41 11

  4. O

    OrangeWeights

    This is disappointing and he is was one of my favorite characters on the show. I hate what this pandemic has done to the world and how it has compromised peoples livelihood and free choice of will.

    37 8

    1. G

      GoldDucky

      I wonder what those who down voted your comment were thinking? 

      How can they possibly be against free choice of will when it comes to body autonomy?

      9 8

  5. G

    GoldSubmarine

    very , very disappointed he is one of my favorite characters on the show. Please bring him back

    31 7

  6. G

    GoldMustache

    I’m very sad to hear that Steven Burton or as we all know him as Jason been let go. I’ve been watching GH for 45 years. Never missed an episode. I’m truly sadden by him leaving. I hope they come to their senses and bring him back. He is a big part of GH and it won’t be the same without him.

    34 11

    1. O

      OliveDice

      Me too Patty. It’s been a favorite for many years. And now the producer’s have split the trio of Sonny, Carly and Jason. If the problem between Steve Burton and General hospital cannot come to an amicable solution I may have to find a new soap!!! Please bring “Jason” back!!!!!

      6 2

  7. O

    OrangeDog

    The only storyline that was interesting was Jason and Britt. They had the most chemistry. Show won't be any fun without him. Steve is definitely a class act and has not said anything negative about coworkers. I've been watching since high school - this may be the end for me.

    30 8

  8. G

    GoldChilli

    I think just get the shot ! I have friends that don’t believe in the vaccine, until they both got COVID and one passed away and one pulled through barley , he now believes in the vaccine! And of course I got the vaccine to protect my parents that are in their 80’s. And of course to protect myself from getting extremely sick if I get COVID , hopefully the vaccine will help and keep me and everyone else out of the hospital.

    22 8

    1. G

      GoldChilli

      I have friends that believes in the vaccine. One died within 24 hours of receiving it and the other two have been having heart and kidney complications since they took the first jab. All were in their 30' in good health. Good for Steve, he values his life more than peer pressure. Stay away from that poison everybody.

      21 13

  9. G

    GreenBee

    VERY disappointed Steve Burton has fallen for all the misinformation re: the vaccine. I really liked his character. His character brought stability and rationality to the often overly emotional, saccharine story lines. Even my husband got hooked on the stories, because of Steve's portrayal and that's saying a lot!

    17 6

  10. B

    BlueHelmet

    I absolutely love Steve Character Jason and I know everyone has a right to choose Whether or not to be vaccinated but, in choosing not to be vaccinated you have to respect and honor the consequences because everyone else has a right to feel safe and if that means being vaccinated then that’s their choice to.

    23 14

    1. G

      GoldChilli

      Good for Steve. He knows the vaccine is garbage and chooses his life over his career. All the people dying from the vaccines is impossible to hide and you have people like Steve giving up millions of dollars because he knows you only get one life. Stay away from the poison people, it is killing more than the virus is.

      4 5

  11. P

    PurpleDucky

    Not misinformation, good information! Did his research and made a good informed decision for his health and life!

    13 6

  12. C

    CyanBottle

    I love the character Jason Morgan, however, we are in a Pandemic and having a hard time getting rid of it because people want to CARE about themselves instead of Thinking of the community. If we all think of mankind and get the Vaccine we can get rid of this Man-Killing decease. Instead it keep getting stronger via manifesting into an Variant version. Love thy neighbor and get Vaccinated. Love Steve Burton/Jason Morgan.

    CJ

    25 18

    1. C

      CyanBike

      Vaccinated or not people are still getting covid. I don't understand what people are not understanding about this. Vaccinated or not you can still spread covid. The shot protects the person getting it no one else. SERIOUSLY HIS CHOICE

      13 10

    2. G

      GoldDucky

      You need to wake up dear friend; & start using that beautiful mind of yours.

      They still highly experimental Covid jabs, falsely labelled as vaccines, where are Norway designed to stop transmission or infection. In fact research afte research, and biostatistics is consistently showing that not only they do not but they contribute to new variants and actually spread the viris 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.

      (data from Israeli Health Authorities)

      2 1

  13. B

    BlueClover

    I think GH is over Jax & Jason is gone well so is GENERAL HOSPITAL. I’m 71 yrs old & watched GH All my life but it’s over gone& dead….🥲😣🥵

    8 2

  14. P

    PurpleBattery

    Get Vaccinated Stop the Spread!

    Did you know Burton contracted COVID and blamed it on his co-stars? Everyone on set are required to get vaccinated. He and Ingo Rademacher refused to receive the shot. If you can’t follow directions then you don’t deserve the right to entertain us. Bye!

    32 27

  15. O

    OrangeFries

    Getting the vaccine is as much about other people’s safety as it is your own personal health. I don’t want to be next to or even kissing someone who hasn’t been vaccinated against a deadly disease. It’s selfish to refuse to get the vaccine. If someone wants to be that self centered they can find a new career.

    49 44

    1. O

      OrangeTree

      Sounds like you have been drinking too much of the kool-aid. I dare to say if you are vaxed by the great & powerful vaccine, why are you worried? Isn't that what a vaccine does; protect you from the illness? Oh wait, I guess it doesn't work. Than why the hell get it? It's called FREEDOM OF CHOICE!! Last time I checked that was the American way.

      21 17

      1. C

        CyanPin

        Amen

        2

    2. G

      GoldChilli

      So you admit the vaccine doesn't work and makes you more likely to get sick and die. Science agrees with you too.

      2 3

    3. R

      RedToast

      What's selfish is thinking you know better than anyone else what they should do with their own immune system!

      Not everyone gets a flu vaccine either. People die from the flu also. Well, they used to anyway. Now just about everyone's death is classified as a COVID death.

      You never heard of anyone ( at least I haven't ) having to take more than one dose of flu medicine a year either. Now they're talking about taking even more booster shots for variants!!!! Flu viruses are not the same either. The variant of a virus is always less lethal than it's original.

      6 5

  16. R

    RedToast

    Just found out why they killed off Jason. That is such BS, I hate to stop watching the show due to all the others, but I don't agree with the mandate either. Sooo, I'm turning you off. What a shame......

    8 4

  17. R

    RedTurtle

    Goodbye General Hospital! Steve Burton can’t be replaced and Port Charles is nothing without Jason Morgan!!!

    7 3

  18. G

    GoldGlasses

    I’m with Steve! This is just another form of communism!! That’s what our country is becoming!! No freedom!! We should boycott General Hospital until they come to their senses!!

    18 14

  19. C

    CyanBike

    Good for General Hospital. I liked the character Jason but dislike his decision to not protect his co-workers who- him and Jax were in close proximity to daily. Buh Bye to the anti-vaccine cult who btw have had dozens of vaccines in their lives but a couple more to save humanity will make them less free. #EducationMatters

    2

  20. C

    CyanBus

    Because it is easily transmittable and people die! Everyone else in the cast got vaccinated!

    4 2

  21. B

    BlueGrapes

    I think this is still a free country’ and cancel culture shpould apply to your producers- natural immunity is far more effective than a vaccine- and I think it’s time to give up on this show and take a sabbatical untjl you appreciate your viewers opinions more than “ woke” millennial6-

    9 7

  22. O

    OliveGrapes

    Can I have your phone Number

    1

  23. G

    GoldTrumpet

    Stephanie Nicole Payton I love you I like to see you I do not have a boyfriend not married falling in love with you

    1

  24. G

    GoldGlasses

    For me, there is no real excitement since Steve Burton is not on show. Just another soap opera and we'll see what happens at nx award show.

    1

  25. C

    CyanBike

    Easy solution — Steve has to get his Covid shots. Problem solved.

    2 1

  26. C

    CyanBus

    Jason made the choose to leave by not being vaccinated. It had nothing to do with him getting fired. I believe all people should get vaccinated so the world can return without the fear of COVID. By not getting vaccinated he is contributing to the ongoing problem. In my opinion, it is a selfish act for him to put so many others in harms way. He could be asymptomatic and pass on Covid to a person who could possibly die. I liked the show too but I'm moving on. Good for ABC sticking to its' guns and making people responsible.

    4 3

  27. G

    GoldSubmarine

    Steve Burton Sucks

    1

  28. G

    GoldAnchor

    Sean Kanan would be a good Jason until they figure out the storyline

    1

  29. C

    CyanCherries

    Nope, no exceptions to mandate. These actors have to interact very closely. He'll be missed but I'd miss a whole lot more people if cast and crew started dying off in real life because he (or anyone else) refuses to get a shot.

    7 6

  30. G

    GreenButton

    Just get the shot stupid

    4 3

    1. G

      GoldChilli

      He values his life more than his career. Smart man.

      1

  31. C

    CyanController

    The hell with the mandate freedom is key live your life they let him go so easy why sell your soul to the devil

    3 2

  32. C

    CyanScissors

    I’ve been watching general hospital as kid Jason made it what it is bring him back

    2 1

  33. P

    PurpleFlame

    People who have been vaccinated still died! What do you say about that?

  34. R

    RedCoffee

    General hospital tv star actor, Steve Burton as Jason Morgan I love you you so much I em not married I em single do you not have a boyfriend I like two see you in town.Uniontown smock, PA my real name is Stephanie Nicole Payton

  35. O

    OrangeController

    Steve burton as Jason Morgan are you going back two Sam

  36. R

    RedQuill

    Show so boring without Steve.

    I now even look for all shows on other channels and hope you will too, to bring down their ratings overall.

    Boo to chanel 7 and disney for taking Jason away from us!

  37. P

    PurpleCar

    As far as doing research did that consist of Fox News Fox News Fox News? When all other news sources not to mention news sources around the world all said the same thing. That vaccines were not going to prevent Covid but to lessen how bad of an infection you get. That anyone with lung problems and any other underlying condition would suffer the most without it.

  38. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    I love you I like to see you falling in love you I em not married I em Single so so much I em stephanie nicole Payton

  39. C

    CyanRaindrop

    There are a lot of great people on GH and it's said to see how Steve Burton no longer has a job. Long time viewer, but gone now!

  40. O

    OrangeBike

    Bring Steve Burton back to General Hospital as Jason Morgan!! Very disappointed that he was let go for standing up for his beliefs!! It’s time for them to realize they have made a huge mistake by lettIng him go and get him back while there is still a show to bring him back to!

  41. O

    OrangeRaindrop

    He has to follow rules just like everybody else if he want work o GH

  42. G

    GoldTrumpet

    I think that Jason should be back, that is the reason I would watch this show

  43. C

    CyanBus

    Steve burton stated “ don’t loose livelyhood over this” but people are loosing their lives over this!!!!!!

    Get the damn vaccine stop this shit!!! U take a chicken pox vaccine or any other vaccine so WHY can’t people take this vaccine!!!!

    U lost ur job because of this.. at least ur rich right!!!

  44. O

    OliveBullhorn

    No they’re not. No it wasn’t. No one cares about soaps anymore anyway

    1 1

  45. R

    RedWrench

    What part of GLOBAL PANDEMIC and THE MEDICAL EXPERTS AR TRYING TO SAVE OUR LIVES do you not understand? Wow.

  46. R

    RedWrench

    The Covid vaccine is a modified version of the SARS vaccine, which has been around for decades and is considered quite safe. I personally don't know of a single person who has died, or grown two heads, or mutated into some sort of "monster" because of the shots...and I live in a "blue" state where most people have already had their dose! But nice try...

  47. R

    RedWrench

    But statistically, unvaccinated people are the ones most likely to die of Covid. Getting the vaccine doesn't promise 100% immunity but it can help keep you alive if you do catch the virus. Therefore common sense would dictate that the more people who get the shots, the better our chances AS A SPECIES of surviving this global pandemic. This isn't about politics or religion for the love of God! Covid doesn't care how you vote or which church you do or don't attend. Covid is an equal opportunity killer.

  48. C

    CyanPumpkin

    I did not like the fact that he married Carly that was odd I thought after a long friendly relationship with her and Sonny’s right hand man I just couldn’t get with that one other than that I would love to see him play Jason again married to Alexis daughter. ❤️

  49. O

    OrangeWeights

    Please reconsider Steve Burton back on the show he is really one of the two main characters on the show. Please bring him back.

  50. O

    OrangePumpkin

    This is lousy! We have watched for over 20 years and dropping Jason is by far the worst mistake the GH management has ever made!

  51. O

    OliveDice

    I think with Steve Burton, (Jason) not being on the show it is taking on a sort of emptiness to the show. Jason, Sonny and Carly are my favorite trio and with one of them missing it just doesn’t seem to fit. Oh and BTW:….I REALLY wish Nina would take a hike!!!!! Her constantly “running into” Sonny is simply nauseating!!!! She needs to get a grip and get over herself!!!!

  52. G

    GoldChilli

    I THINK IT SUCKS! JASON IS THEONLY PERSON ON THE PROGRAM THAT WAS A PERSON YOU COULD REALLY LIKE,I'VE WATCHED MY LAST GENERAL HOSPITAL..

  53. G

    GreenCupcake

    I have watched GH from the very few est day. My husbands cousin was Alan Quartermane who recently passed I think they cd have tested Steve Burton

    We lost Sonny for a while and it was sad but at least we got to see another side of his character. Firing Jason is just wrong but rules are rules. WE DID MANAGE TO GET LAURA BACK. HOPE WE CAN GET JASON BACK. JAX HAS BEEN IN AND OUT SO MANY TIMES

    1 1

  54. P

    PurplePopsicle

    hink that it shouldn't have happend to him 🙁

  55. B

    BlueGrapes

    I'am so disapointed in ABC 's decision. If I hadn't been so involved in this Soap opera I would have dropped it along time ago.. I have been watching this soap opera since the very beginning. All I have to say is I hope you find you brain and bring Jason back. And I don't mean a replacement because no one can replace Steve Burton as Jason Morgan..

    4 4

  56. C

    CyanController

    I just record the show now!! Without my favorite character Jason, not really any interest!! Maybe Carly will go searching for Jason!!! Hell , let Willow find him!!😳🤣

  57. C

    CyanFish

    Bye bye GH. Long time fan ....no or now that Stone Cold is out!

    2 2

  58. C

    CyanCoathanger

    I understand ABC’s concerns about the virus but they firmed when we when we’re all on lockdown and everyone was masked up and they made adjustments for the Actors then so why can’t they do that for Steve? Why lose a such a talent that brings in viewers? That I don’t understand!…GH has a lot of talented Actors but Steve is like part of the history and backbone of GH. He brings something to the table that I don’t see any replacement Actor that they could get that would be able to fill his shoes. I’m so over watching GH and I’ve been watching for over 40 years but when they do this because of his religious and health believes and not willing to work with him on adjustments..I’m done!

    6 6

  59. G

    GreenPlane

    Shame on General Hospital for doing this. I will never watch the show again (started in mid-1960's) until they bring him back!!!! This should NEVER have been made POLITICAL!!!!

    4 4

  60. B

    BlueBullhorn

    I have watched this show for over 45 years and I am so disappointed that this is what happened to Steve Burton personally. I will not support the reason this decision was made. Good bye GH!

    6 6

  61. G

    GoldDucky

    I think everyone has lost their freaking minds!!!!! Letting the government rule our lives with just a freakin “do it or leave” mentality. Didn’t realize people were so desperate for a socialist government all this time. It’s just unbefuckinlieveable

    6 6

  62. O

    OliveProcessor

    Jason had always been one of my favorite characters, but his “personal choice” impacts the health of his coworkers, so goodbye!

    7 7

    1. G

      GoldChilli

      Good for him, he is safer now. Being in close quarters with vaccinated people is a guaranteed way to get sick and possibly die. You couldn't pay me to be in a room of vaccinated people, they are dangerous.

      1

  63. O

    OliveUmbrella

    I am proud of you for standing with your believes

    5 5

    1. B

      BlueBoomerang

      Steve I will be praying for your return. I hate this situation but it is what it is the mean time I pray that your finances hold out until your return or get another gig.

      1 1

  64. C

    CyanAirBalloon

    I hope Steve Burton reconsiders HIS actions. A very good, long-time friend of mine absolutely REFUSED to get vaccinated. His memorial is being held this coming Saturday.

    1

  65. R

    RedWrench

    Body autonomy? Really? If a friend of yours climbed out on a ledge, 30 stories up, would you let him jump to his death out of respect for his "body autonomy"? Or would you try to talk him down and save his life? If you truly cared for that friend you'd be begging him not to jump and to hell with his silly "body autonomy" excuses! Similarly, loved ones are begging their anti-vaxxers to do the right thing and just get the silly old shot. Ignore Tucker Carlson's brand of misinformation---he himself has had the vaccine, by the way!----and listen to what the medical experts say.

    1

  66. C

    CyanBasketball

    My mother watched GH for many years during my elementary, middle and high school years. I retired in 2017 and have watched GH daily and recorded if I had to miss show for any reason. I LOVED Jason more than any other character on the show. The vaccine is important, I GUESS, after all, people still get the virus even after having been vaccinated. And, who in the world knows what is in these vaccines and what they will do to us in the long run. They made a poor decision and I am terribly disappointed.

    1

  67. O

    OrangeController

    I quit watching because of this. I started watching GH many Years ago and actually remember the day they interrupted General Hospital because President Reagan had been shot. The day I found out why Jason and Jax were forced to leave the show I quit watching and deleted every episode of my DVR.

    1

  68. P

    PurpleDucky

    I think they lost 2 of the most amazing actors on General Hospital. Been watching all my life at least past 50 years. It hurts my heart that they were forced to leave something they loved over misguided and misinformation on effectiveness of these bogus vaccines which are truly human experiments! I will pray for those that gave into these mandates which are unconstitutional 🇺🇸#DONOTCOMPLY#STEVE#INGA

    1 2

  69. O

    OrangeFish

    I have been a fan of this GH show for over 50 years. I am so sorry to see him leave again, you are a great actor. I respect your reason, and understand the show decision to let you Go.

    1 2

  70. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    BringJason back he will probably be with Carley

    1

  71. O

    OrangeTag

    These mandates are rediculous. Those who are worried should just get vaccines and leave everyone else alone

    2 3

  72. O

    OrangeTag

    Jason is the main reason I watch- I think I’m done

    1 2

  73. P

    PurpleAnchor

    I support steve( Jason ) and Jax standing up to the vax mandates, i miss you both i hope you come back someday 💁‍♀️

    3 4

  74. C

    CyanBasketball

    My thoughts are not pleasant because I've been a loyal fan of GH for many years even when Steve Burton left in 1991 to play on another Soap. However, this time is different. I understand both sides. GH could of offered Steve to take the COVID-19 testing. That's assuming they did and Steve declined that solution as well. He's working around and involved with too many people to not be safe, either. However, it's his choice and it's unfortunate because this Virus is going to be around for a long time. Whatever Steve's beliefs, he's entitled to them but he needs to think about his other coworkers as well. It's truly a great lost to the GH cast/family. He's one amongst many who feels that way and have lost their jobs.

    2 3

  75. G

    GreenGoggles

    It’s already bad enough without Jason AGAIN. AND NOW JAXX TOO. WHAT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS

    1

  76. O

    OliveBox

    Jason and Ajax need to come back! Are you trying to get the show cancelled? Rethink your decisions.

    2

  77. C

    CyanScissors

    I stopped watching last time Jason left and I will again. I will come back if he does.

    2

  78. B

    BlueChefHat

    He should have gotten the vaccination to keep people around him safe. Selfish of him. I think they made the right decision letting him go. I’d be happy to see Trevor St. John take his place!

    6 8

  79. P

    PurpleRing

    Let's keep the freaking politics out of it! Get vaccinated so we all can get out of this mess. Scientists and doctors says it is safe to get it, but you don't trust them? I wanna hear you say that when you (god forbid) get covid and run to the hospital to be treated by those same doctors. Thanks to the unvaccinated we have a new variant, thanks for nothing!

    4 6

    1. G

      GoldChilli

      We have a nurse in the family, she says the hospitals are all filled with vaccinated and they are dropping like flies. Too bad the fake news isn't telling you the truth. Good luck with that poison, you will be saying what all the ones who passed away said, I'm vaccinated, this can't be happening....

      3

  80. P

    PurplePopsicle

    This really STINKS!!!! Really people!! Control is what it’s alllll about!! The show is only hurting its self by forcing this vaccine even if you do get vaccine you still can get the COVID. Get tested as easy ass that!! Loose you job is way to extreme!!! Just my opinion and it does count. Loved watching this show but won’t be as happy to watch as much😔

    6 8

  81. R

    RedQuill

    Good for Steve stand your ground no vaccine 💉 shots for my family

    3

  82. P

    PurplePopsicle

    NOT happy at all with these Covid mandates!

    3

  83. C

    CyanMagnet

    I cannot believe you're letting him go again he's the main character on a show I will not be watching it again when he left the last time I never watched it he plays that character Jason Morgan very well nobody else can big deal dekova you go home you take time off your heel you come back you will see your ratings going down cuz I will file or Jason wherever he goes you need to fire the person getting rid of all these top players recreate that show now y'all need to get your stuff together and see who makes this show last Jason didn't make it people left your ratings that go to other shows and I follow Jason when he went to another show like I said you need to fire the writer who keeps writing all these stars out cuz they want a little bit more money you go see your ratings going down again forever Jason go he's the most following person on General Hospital now we see where it goes Tunex soap opera any everybody will follow Jason

    3