General Hospital’s Chad Duell Exit: When’s He Leaving, Will Michael Be Recast and More
It’s only been a day since Chad Duell announced that he is leaving General Hospital after 14 years as Michael Corinthos, but already, new details are emerging, foremost among them when he will last air and whether the legacy character will be recast.
In a statement on X, executive producer Frank Valentini wrote: “I am sad to confirm the news of Chad Duell’s forthcoming exit…
I have loved working with Chad over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He is a terrific actor and will be missed by everyone at General Hospital.
“There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime,” he added. “I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.”
So at least viewers will get to enjoy the Emmy winner’s work for a couple more months. In response to the news, Duell’s on-screen mom Laura Wright (Carly) playfully shared that she was “still mad… but I adore you!”
General Hospital wife Katelyn MacMullen Instagrammed, “Love you, Chad!” Spare love interest Sofia Mattsson (Sasha) added that she was “excited to see what’s next.”
Perhaps the sweetest message Duell received was from his real-life partner Luana Lucci, who wrote that their son “Little D and I are always by your side, supporting you through every decision.”
Announcing his imminent departure on social media, the actor wrote that “This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life.” He also added that “this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a ‘See you later.’”
Duell joined the cast in 2010, taking over from Drew Garrett, back then much to the chagrin of on-screen father Maurice Benard (Sonny).
Duell was Emmy-nominated for his work as Michael six times and took home the statuette for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2015.
Welp, we did not see this one coming. In a November 23 Instagram post, Chad Duell announced that he was leaving General Hospital and his role of Michael Corinthos.
“After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” the Emmy winner said.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life.” Duell and partner Luana Lucci welcomed their first child, son Dawson, in the fall of 2023.
“I’m beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey,” continued the actor, who in 2010 succeeded Dylan Cash and Drew Garrett in the role of Carly Spencer’s son with the late A.J. Quartermaine — or with Sonny Corinthos, were you to ask the mobster. (Review Michael’s wild life story here.)
“To all the fans,” Duell said, “thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives. Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me.
“This isn’t a goodbye,” he concluded. “It’s a ‘See you later.’”
