‘General Hospital’ First Look: Rory Gibson Talks Taking Over as Michael Corinthos
Exclusive
Michael Corinthos will return to General Hospital on Friday, May 23, but with a new face. Rory Gibson, who played Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless) from 2021-2023, has stepped into the role last played by Daytime Emmy-winner Chad Duell, who exited in January after a 15-year run.
“We are excited to welcome Rory to our show,” says a spokesperson.
Gibson reports that his path to the ABC soap was a protracted process. “I originally sent in a tape for Vaughn [Bryce Durfee],” he reveals. “I came in and did a chemistry read with Eden [McCoy, Josslyn Jacks], then I had a nice little chat with Frank [Valentini, executive producer] afterwards, and I could kind of see the wheels turning as we were talking.”
Sure enough, Gibson got a callback a few days later, but for a different role. “It was super, super top secret,” he relays. “I came in and screen-tested for that with Kate Mansi [Kristina Corinthos] and Katey MacMullen [Willow Tait], and it went well. They were super warm and welcoming. A couple weeks went by, and they brought me in for another screen test with Steve Burton [Jason Morgan] and Laura Wright [Carly Spencer]. About a week after that, they locked me in, and it’s been a nice little journey ever since.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
While Port Charles was unfamiliar territory for him, the soap itself wasn’t. “My family watched General Hospital religiously when I was growing up,” Gibson explains. ‘My grandma and my mom were diehard fans, which made it kind of a trip when I came in for the screen test, especially with Steve, because I just remember seeing Steve’s face when I was a little kid on my mom’s television.”
So, when Gibson secured the job, his relatives were understandably ecstatic. “I called my grandma first, and she was just shouting, hollering, screaming,” he reports. “Right when I got off the phone, I could just hear her yell out to my uncle in the background, ‘He’s Michael Corinthos!’ So, they were very, very excited.”
Before he reported to work, Gibson familiarized himself with Michael’s complicated past and family connections but didn’t delve too deep into the archives. “You don’t want to necessarily copy anything that anyone’s done before, and I know Chad really owned this role and he did incredible, incredible work, so I tried to stay away from watching too many old episodes and was more looking things up online,” Gibson notes. “And then the show sent me a huge summary of who he was, so that was extremely helpful. Outside of that, it was honestly just endless phone calls with my friend, Jenna, who is a diehard fan, just asking her everything about the character that she could possibly think of. So, I got a pretty in-depth summary of who Michael was and where he might be in his life right now, considering all the traumatic things that led up to the point of me getting there.’
Disney/Christine Bartolucci)
As for where Michael is upon his return to town, Gibson offers, “He is at a huge crossroads in his life. He has a thirst for vengeance and justice because it’s no secret what Drew [Quartermaine, Cameron Mathison] put him through. I think he’s at a place where he so badly wants to have a calm and peaceful life, especially after everything he’s gone through, but I don’t necessarily see that happening for him.”
Gibson says his first day went smoothly, and the cast and crew have helped him find his way in the role. “When I first came on, our casting director Mark Teschner, who is a gem of a man, really took me under his wing and showed me around and introduced me to people and made sure that I was comfortable and had everything that I needed,” he shares. “As far as the cast, Katey MacMullen and Sofia Mattsson [Sasha Gilmore] have both been unbelievably kind. They’re two of the sweetest, loveliest people anyone would ever have the joy of meeting, and they’ve really shown me the ropes.”
He has also enjoyed getting to know his other costars. ‘It’s been pretty incredible,” Gibson raves. “Maurice [Benard, Sonny Corinthos] plays such an intense, intimidating guy on the show, and then behind the scenes, he’s such a jokester and so lighthearted and fun and easy to be around. Same goes for Steve [Burton] and Laura [Wright]. I cannot speak highly enough of how unbelievably great this cast is. Everyone’s so lovely; we’re exchanging numbers already and talking about like going on little hangs. It’s been a wonderful time.”
The only bump in the road so far has been a social media entry that drew unintended attention. Gibson admits he was surprised when he posted what he thought was an innocuous photo from his dressing room that led eagle-eyed fans to figure out he had been cast on the soap. “You see a brown door and a blank wall,” he muses. “And then I started getting flooded with DMs of, ‘You’re at GH! You’re at GH,’ and I was like, ‘What is going on? How do all these people know?’ I had a brief second of being like, ‘Oh, gosh, I hope I’m not in trouble. I thought this was pretty low-key.’ So since then, I made sure not to post anything.”
While speculation that he was the show’s new Michael played out online, Gibson kept things under wraps. “When you’re jumping in as a recast, especially filling in for someone who’s done it for so long and did such a great job, it can be kind of an intimidating thing to do,” he concedes. “It’s not my first time doing it because I jumped into Noah over at Y&R after Robert [Adamson, who also filled in as Michael on GH] had played it for quite a while, too. So, it’s been a really nice kind of quiet reception. Everyone has been really cool thus far.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Looking back on his time in Genoa City, Gibson feels nothing but gratitude. “Oh, I loved it, I really did,” he raves. “Everyone became like family. I still spend quite a lot of time with a lot of my cast members over there. Josh Morrow [Nick Newman, Y&R], his son Crew [Morrow, Will Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful], and I go to a movie, like, once a month. He feels like a second dad for me. We’ve become very, very close. And then Cait Fairbanks [Tessa Porter] is one of my best friends in the world. We hang all the time, so I love everyone over there. I had a wonderful time, but I am very excited for this change of scenery and change of pace.”
With his first episode about to air, Gibson is excited for what’s next. “I loved playing Noah, but I do feel a really strong connection to this character of Michael,” he concludes. “I feel like he has a lot more at stake and with the storylines that he’s woven into; there’s so much suspense and so much consequence behind all of them. It’s terribly, terribly exciting to play and challenging to play, so I’m feeling very fulfilled in this new role. It’s been very intense, but I’m loving every second of it.”
General Hospital, Weekdays, ABC, Check local listings
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R
He is going to bring a whole new aspect of Michael. I hope he is the one who finally take Drew down!!!
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G
I really hope he takes Drew down, and takes those kids from Willow!!!
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G
I kind of hope Willow comes to her senses. I’ve always like her and I remember the times she stood up for herself and what she felt was right—the school story, faking the relationship with Michel for Sasha’s sake, even the choice to keep her cancer a secret when she was pregnant (stupid, but brave). I still hope they real Willow stands up against Drew at some point!
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G
I wish Nina would have told Willow and she and Drew's involvement.
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B
That would be great.
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O
Welcome to the number one seat of GH. I know you will do well. Everyone loves Micheal. Chad will forever be in our hearts. The show must go on. As long as there is life, there is hope. Love to Chad. Welcome aboard Micheal Corinthos!! Let’s get the ball rolling.
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C
He hasn't even started and you already judging him man that's pretty low give him a chance I will all I heard is good things I know we get use to one actor playing a role but they do move on after awhile so let's give Rory Gibson a chance of playing Michael instead of judging him😊
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Ridiculous, isn't it?
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O
Oh wow 😮 I couldn’t figure out who might take over this role, after watching Chad all these years. But Rory was great as Noah on Y&R I can’t wait to see what he does now 🥰🙏🏽💃🏽😎♥️
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C
Good luck , it will be great to see a new Michael .
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C
No
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P
You don't really have a choice. Chad is not coming back and he's already stated that. Time to move on!
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C
Chase's Michael was very boyish. Gibson is a solid actor but he didn't fit the Y&R "jock" vibe. They gave him one love story but never knew how to use him. I think he's a good selection.
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O
It will take some getting used to as we all loved Chad. However, I am positive your onboarding will be successful in the character.
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P
I think Rory Gibson is a wonderful choice for Michael. I think he can bring an edge to the character that is going to be a breath of fresh air. I can't wait for him to take on Drew and Willow and make them truly regret their affair and flaunting it in front of everyone.
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So happy and excited for you to join GH. I am a day one 1963 GH fan. You were great as Noah on Y&R and just want to welcome you my favorite show. Good Luck 👏👍❤️
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Good luck we with your new roll playing Michael I wish you the best
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O
I have to see how he does.. I never Watched any of his work.. hope he can fit in an make that part his own... Hopefully he can take uncle down... That will be interesting set Willow sn her high horse straight.... Find someone new to be with.. i hope nelle co.esbeack an gets her kid.. I never believed Wiley waz Michale kid he not!!!!! She lied ....just to get in the money family .. well got a feeling Michael gonna go off the deep end on alot of people
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B
The Willow and Drew storyline have driven me crazy. Yet, I feel sorry for Willow once the truth about Drew is out. This will be painful. Looking forward to seeing what happens, since Michael is taking Wiley home from the Nurses Ball.
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G
I Think they picked a good one...atleast give him a chance. I like him as Noah Newman on young and the restless but Noah part was boring.hes gonna have a challenge because michael is a real tense guy...and I love chad duell ..I miss him
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C
The new Michael is a "Babe!"
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O
Usually when someone takes over a role it’s like “oh this person is never going to be as good as the person they are replacing” but as with Kate Mansi it’s like o.k… this could be even better!!! She’s great and I think you may be too…make us proud 😊
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N
Welcome to GH!! We needed someone new to play Michael! Hopefully, he'll play him as a strong, confident character that will exact his due from Willow and Drew!!👏👏👏👏👏👏So exciting for his GH loving family!!
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O
Good choice..he did a great job on Y&R with barely a storyline. Chad has been missed, but it is time to move on with the story! Give Rory a chance...a real chance, not tearing him down after he was on screen once for 15 seconds!
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B
This storyline has been really good. General hospital has been great. I'm loving every minute of it. I couldn't have done it better myself
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P
I hope he goes scorched Earth on Willow and Drew! They deserve everything they have coming to them!
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G
I wish him all the best he's a handsome guy I hope he plays the role for many years
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G
Chad Duell didn't just define Michael as an adult character but he brought a combination of strength, heart, compassion and vulnerability. Yes, writers write and directors direct BUT (as seen by all the Molly failures til they finally got one right and the emptiness of the fill-in Michael) the actor and his skill makes the deal real. IE: the new WSB Jack physically fits the roll but lacks all the charm of his Australian predecessor and makes any hope of that with Carly dead! Billy Miller nailed Jason and, while I loved Matheson in previous roles, never saw him as Drew and hate more what they've done with Drew.
I'm sorry to see Chad go but I respect his decision and wish him well as a new dad. Physically this new actor whom I've never seen act looks to fill the part. Time will quickly tell if he can capture Chad's take while, slowly over time, bring his own. Old-timers like myself can cite brilliant recast like Billy Miller RIP as Jason and the 2 Todd Mannings both brilliant but captivating the dark core. That's what I hope especially since Michael is the heart and calm of both the Quartermaines and Corrintos families.
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R
Rory Gibson is wonderful. He definitely shows that he is Sonny's son. They are both
soft spoken yet direct, Handsome and strong. When they get tough, there is no beating them.
I really am enjoying this combination.
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R
I think the introduction on his coming home was an insparation and greatly done. The scene blew everyone away. I wish him luck and can not wait to see where his charater will head. We all love Chad and wish him nothing but success. Rory Welcome to GH.
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P
Where was Amelia when he grabbed Wiley and said “we’re going home”? How did Wiley recognize his “new” face? GH dropped the ball on this one — too much incongruity!
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P
Chad Duell what a great actor. So sorry to see him leave. However, life goes on. I wish Chad warm wishes and all the Best Blessings. I also say hello to the new "Michael Corinthos" Break A Leg!!!!
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F
I don't know much about the actor as I never saw him on Y&R but my first thought is why does he look so young? Then I did a quick check and he is almost 10 years younger than Chad Duell!
In a medium that's famous for aging their characters at break neck speed I am utterly confused as to why they would opt to cast an actor that is so much younger than the previous actor who is really known for creating the adult version of Michael Corinthos and looks it! I mean if he was 29 and looked a bit older than fine, but in my opinion it's going to make it very hard for the audience to accept him in the role.
I hope I'm wrong and he's able to make the role his own but given that Michael has two younger sisters one of whom is being played by an actor who is now 8 years his senior I think this casting might be a tough sell.
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Chad Duell is 37 but looks much younger...& Carly is suppose to be early 50s, so I think Rory being 29 & his character (born in 1997) being 28 is spot on casting. It's a lot easier to make someone look older if need be (makeup, facial hair, etc). Let's wait & see...
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C
I'm not feeling this recast he's too grimm.
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G
Give me a break. He hasn't even aired yet.
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He doesn't have to air. People are entitled to their opinions. He looks like a teenager to me, and Michael was just beginning to seem more like a grown man who might follow in his father's footsteps. This one doesn't look like he could.
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G
No no for me… complete opposite in every way
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G
Omg he hasn't even aired yet.
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I think he's going to do a brilliant job. I'm hoping that he will bring more of a edge than Chad had.
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O
Agreed. Chad was too much of a boy. Rory is a man. A man that's going to make Drew & Willow sorry for everything they put him through!
I can't wait!
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