Chad Duell recently broke his silence on stepping away from General Hospital after a 15-year run as Michael Corinthos. In a candid Instagram Live on June 26, he opened up about grief, burnout, and his decision to take a break.
Why Chad Duell Stepped Away From General Hospital
After portraying Michael Corinthos for over a decade, Chad Duell needed to breathe. Speaking directly to fans, he admitted that doing the same role for so long took a toll—both mentally and physically.
He revealed that a few months ago, he approached General Hospital producers to discuss stepping back. The loss of his father around that time only confirmed what he already knew—he needed time to heal and recharge.
Duell didn’t want to spring the news on anyone last minute. So he gave the writers enough notice to build an exit storyline, which ended with Michael’s fiery departure from Port Charles.
Health also played a big role in his decision. Duell confessed he’d been dragging through days, feeling tired, and couldn’t figure out why. Eventually, he got tested, found answers, and began his recovery. While he didn’t go into detail, he hoped speaking out might help others in similar shoes.
Respecting the Recast: Rory Gibson Steps In
Chad Duell didn’t just vanish—he made sure the transition would be smooth. He praised Rory Gibson, the actor who’s now playing Michael, for stepping up during a pivotal moment in the show’s arc.
Duell understood how tough it is to walk into an established role. He went through it himself back in 2010 when he took over as Michael with barely any prep time. Compared to that whirlwind, Gibson had a bit more runway—and Duell appreciated that.
Duell also said he didn’t want to overshadow Rory’s debut. He wanted Gibson to have space to own the character and win fans over without extra pressure. And so far? Mission accomplished. Gibson’s performance has already earned praise across social media, including love from fellow castmates.
What’s Next for Chad Duell?
While Duell isn’t rushing back to General Hospital, he’s not leaving Hollywood behind either. He teased that several projects are currently in pre-production. Though he kept the details vague, he promised to share more once things move forward.
Chad Duell left a big mark on General Hospital. From courtrooms to custody battles and emotional showdowns, he carried Michael Corinthos through it all. His 2015 Daytime Emmy win proves just how impactful his time on the soap has been.
As for Rory Gibson, fans are slowly but surely embracing his fresh take. He brings a grittier, more assertive energy that fits today’s GH storylines. His version of Michael might just be the reset Port Charles needed.
The General Hospital cast shake-up turned heads, but Chad Duell’s graceful exit and Rory Gibson’s strong debut prove the show knows how to evolve. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more updates and spoilers from General Hospital!
Chad would be an excellent choice for Hallmark movies! I’d love to see him star in those!