Chad Duell Teases Potential ‘General Hospital’ Return: They ‘Left the Door Open’
Chad Duell shocked the soap world when he announced he was leaving General Hospital in November 2024, and now he’s opening up about his decision and whether or not he will be returning to the daytime drama.
Appearing on the latest episode of his former costars Bradford Anderson and Steve Burton‘s Daily Drama Podcast, Duell explained why he chose to step away from his role as Michael Corinthos, a character he’s played since he joined the long-running soap opera in 2010.
“It’s just a life adjustment. A lot of stuff has been going on in my life… This break, there’s a few things behind it,” Duell said, per Soap Opera Digest, noting how the loss of a family member played a part in his decision.
“My dad passed away, and I’m still coming to terms with that,” he continued. “Also, my intention was to spend some time back in Arizona, but that’s becoming a little harder to do. Luana [Lucci, his partner] has school. Dawson [their son] goes to this daycare out here… Right now I’m just more about doing things mentally, physically… preparing myself for whatever next chapters [come].”
Duell didn’t go into detail on what those “next chapters” could involve, but he didn’t rule out a return to General Hospital. “Frank [Valentini, the soap’s executive producer] left the door open there,” he explained. “So we’ll see what happens in the future.”
For now, though, Duell said he is “just trying to grow in ways that maybe I feel like I’ve stifled myself,” adding, “Sometimes you have to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable to take a step.”
While Duell noted how much he loved working on General Hospital, he acknowledged that playing the same role for 14 years made him settle into the “comfortable and safe job… But safety and comfort [are] the enemy of progress a lot of times.”
“I feel like I had a very strong complacency and comfort for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that,” he continued. “Who I was was the show and the character I’ve done for so long. It’s going to be a process kind of unraveling that and really seeing who I am, especially now in my life.”
He concluded, “I don’t know what the future holds, but there’s a lot of work I have to do to achieve the potential that I know I have, not just in career-wise, but in a lot of aspects. I feel like I’ve been in that bubble of comfort for such a long time. As an artist, to be repeating the same kind of thing can kind of be a little stagnant, but I’m still extremely blessed to be able to [have been on GH] for as long as I have.”
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O
I'm so glad that since they left the window open for him to return that at least they're not killing off his character!
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O
I agree so happy they left the door open.
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R
Love the door staying open for a possible return
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O
I am loving they will leave the door open for Chad. God be with you.
You have lots of fans. Young to Old.
Enjoy life it is what I wish for you and your beautiful family.
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G
Best wishes to you Chad hope to see you in the future
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B
Chaud, we don't want you to leave. Get some rest for a while and come back to GH. Cause we will miss you very much. I like the way you handled things and it is getting gooder and you are leaving. Stay
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G
Ya 1st deepest condolences on your father I lost my dad at 17 cancer I'm iss him every day me happy u have a handsome son .It's hard Chad Happy New Year to u girlfriend baby doll boy .❣️
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F
I like Chad but Rory plays a better Michael his expressionsS and his eyes are emotional and Chad didnt do the Michael like Rory does so keep Rory as Michael. Chad left and now he wants his character back but he cont have it he's been replaced and we want Rory to stay as Michael. Chad find another job
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F
Yeah, that train has left the station, so he needs to move on. He wanted to leave, to try something new, so he should just go ahead and continue on that path.
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B
Loved Chad as Michael and wish him well know what it’s like losing your dad & mom. However really love Rory as Michael IMO he’s a much better Michael. He seems to embrace Michael in a way that Chad didn’t with his expressions movements and passions. Sorry but would like to keep Rory as Michael for my part. Maybe Chad could be a different character. He’s a very good actor. Surely he can do other roles on different shows as well. Good luck Chad.
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R
I love Rory Gibson, Chad Duell, Drew Garrett, and Dylan Cash as Michael Corinthos III. Each actor brought a beautiful performance and take on what qualities made Michael such a pivotal character over the years. All the actors that have played him were stellar in their performances. I believe that each actor played the role on the behest of the writers. The writers definitely gave Michael some great challenges and depth over the years. I understand that they had to recast the role. Rory Gibson is a juggernaut. He has so much fire and depth. I miss Michael’s vulnerability while balancing his strength that Chad Duell brought to life. Michael always scheming and trying to one up Willow doesn’t seem like the Michael we once knew. Rory does show some of Michael’s vulnerability when he’s talking to Jacinda or his former lady love and mother of his youngest child, Sasha. I miss Sasha a lot. She genuinely loves and cares for Michael. Jacinda is sweet. Sasha has so much heart.
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The actor who played Sasha is starting on Days, ICYMI.
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K
I agree, I wish Chad much success in his whatever endeavors he pursue but I think Rory brings so much more life and passion to the character. I would like to see him return as a different character on GH.
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G
I'm definitely happy about the door remaining open for Chad and I completely understand his reasonings. Well said and my best to you, Chad.
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C
I like the new Michael. He can’t just leave like that and then come back because I really like Rory, he does a really good job of playing Michael
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M
I felt the same at first about Chad leaving but Rorey as Michael on GH has much more talent to offer! Please keep Rorey!
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M
No Chad! Rory the new Michael is the best actor and if GH put Chad back in his place I will stop watching GH! Chad left the show for too long to come back now!
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C
Chad, you've been such a loving and caring person on GH. I feel you're that way in real life. Please don't give up on GH. I've enjoyed your character since the first day on GH. I've been a fan for 60 years.
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B
I’m sorry for whatever Chad has been going through. However I’m quite happy with Rory as Michael and believe he makes a much better Michael than Chad. If he comes back to GH it must be in an entirely different role. Rory has completely taken over the role of Michael made it own. Most of us don’t want to see him leave. 💞💞
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P
I have been a fan of GH since the 60’s. It’s really hard to see people come and go. I realize it happenes, but still hoping you will find your way back as Michael. Hoping it’s isn’t too long before you will be back! You are like family.. There are cast members who make soaps their career. I don’t think they regret it. Anyway hope this isn’t the end of Michael/Chad.. 👍
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O
Will be so different without you💔
Please come back!
No one can replace you❤️
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P
I love Michael/Chad.& Ava & Valentine. bring back Nicholas & Spencer, keep Ava for sure...im certainly tired of willow & drew.
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G
I will miss you, but we all have to slow down and take time for ourselves and our family. Hope to see you on GH again. Love you and Michael.
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G
OMG. I would give anything to have Chad back!!! Rory has grown on me as an actor, but he’s not a good replacement for Chad. Every time he shows up, my first thought is who is that? I also think the writers have tried to pivot his character a bit, and it doesn’t work. He’s the nice Corinthos, he can be tough sometimes, but there is always a decent guy in there, and I don’t feel it with Michael’s replacement.
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B
I hate to see u go as Michael. I have enjoyed watching u since u started on the show. Good luck and hurry back.
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C
Good. Hopefully, we'll see Michael again. I'd love to see him come back and not only get revenge on Willow, but reunite with Sasha and their baby. Michael/Sasha have always had more chemistry than Michael/Willow did.