‘General Hospital’: Steve Burton Gets Candid About Return to Show After Controversial Firing
Steve Burton reprised his role as Jason Morgan on General Hospital in March, a little over two years after being fired from the soap for refusing to follow the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Now, the long-time soap star is opening up about his return and how “amazing” it feels to be back.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet of the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Burton said, “It’s been amazing to come back to the show. It’s always felt like home. I love the cast, I love the crew, and life is amazing right now. It really is, truly.”
Burton has played bad boy Jason Morgan on and off since 1991, originally vacating the role in 2012 before returning to the soap in 2017. He was written out of the show in 2021 over his refusal to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
At the time of his firing, Burton took to his Instagram page to share the news, stating, “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.”
“I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied. Which, you know, hurts,” he continued. “But this is also about personal freedom for me. I don’t think anyone should lose their livelihood over this.”
Despite his firing, Burton said he’d “always be grateful” to General Hospital for what it did for his career. He also stated, “I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open. That’s always been my perspective.”
After being dropped from General Hospital, Burton reprised his Days of Our Lives as Harris Michales for the show’s spinoff, Beyond Salem, before returning to the main soap itself. He announced his exit from Days back in January.
Right now, Burton is all-in on General Hospital, telling ET he will stick with the soap “if it’s on another 60 years.”
The Daytime Emmy winner also touched on the passing of General Hospital alum Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot during a suspected attempted robbery in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 25.
“I said it on our podcast, and just in general, he was just a guy you could always count on,” Burton said, referring to Wactor as “an incredible man.” “He was selfless, giving, as we see. My prayers to his family.”
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R
Seriously, after everything and people are talking about him being allowed back on the set?!! Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and like he said, health issues as well. I love his honesty about being hurt,who wouldn't be. To Rule Follower: he didn't walk off the show, he gave his rightfully reasons and was fired from his "family" and we love him. He was gracious, dignified with no bad mouthing anyone. He's actually a wonderful person as well as an awesome actor. Do you know how many got got the vaccine and got COVID even more than once?! GH and him are good 💯 💖
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B
He waited until the mandate was lifted like a gentleman never making a fuss about it. Unlike the other one. He took his firing like the rules dictated was naturally hurt by it but accepted them for safety of his cast mates who did follow rules. Don’t blame the scientists for following guidelines that they had all the information at that time! Rules are there for reasons whether you like it or not. Love Steve Burton so glad he’s back as Jason will watch him whether in the mob or behind the desk. Whatever he chooses to do now he’s back in Port Charles is fine. I’m hoping he does stay with Britt they make a great couple even though some disagree with me. She’s so very happy with him now!!
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S
In light of recent Fauci developments, at a minimum Steve should sue Fauci and other bad actors (social media, other new outlets) who suppressed the truth or people who did not believe Fauci's hoax.
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R
He should have not been let back on the set. Sets a bad example that not following the rules doesn’t matter. He is a selfish person who only thinks of himself.
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R
Well he was let back on the set because the vaccine mandate was lifted by Disney/ABC.
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R
He made a personal choice. He wasn't breaking the rules. He has that right as the rest of us do. It also sounds like he understood the consequences. His choice, your choice ,all Americans choice. I assume you chose the shot, he didn't! Who are we to judge........
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