General Hospital’s Chad Duell Confirms Show Exit After 14 Years: ‘It Feels Like the Right Time’

Chad Duell is saying farewell to General Hospital.

The actor, 37, who earned a Daytime Emmy award for his role as Michael Corinthos on the long-running ABC soap opera, announced his departure from the show after 14 years on Saturday, November 23.

“After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” Duell wrote alongside a cast photo on Instagram. “This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life. I’m beyond grateful to Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.”

He continued, “To all the fans: 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—it’s a see you later. Much love, Chad.”

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General Hospital executive producer Valentini confirmed Duell’s exit in a statement posted to X, saying, “I am sad to confirm the news of Chad Duell’s forthcoming exit from #GeneralHospital. 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 #GH. There are no plans to recast his role at this time, but you never know in daytime. I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year.”

Duell first joined the soap in March 2010, taking over the role of Carly (Laura Wright) and Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) son Michael from Drew Garrett. Duell earned six Daytime Emmy nominations and won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2015.

Of his 2023 Daytime Emmy nomination, Duell told Soap Opera Digest, “I think having won before, you’re not as nervous or, like, wanting it really bad, you know? It’s just nice, I guess, and more pleasant than going, ‘Oh, man, I hope I win!’ I’m just kind of going with the flow a little more than I have in the past. I’m not trying to overthink it or get too up about it; I’m being more even-keeled. I guess that’s what happens over time — I have more of a ‘whatever happens, happens’ type of mentality. But it would still be nice to win one and say something about my son, Dawson, in a speech or something like that so that he could see it later on. That would be kind of cool, to give him a little shout-out.”

Duell currently has his hands full at home too, as he welcomed his first baby with girlfriend Luana Lucci — son Dawson — in September 2023.

General Hospital marked its 60th anniversary last year. The series is both the longest-running scripted drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production, holding the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama accolades and taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 17 times.

The show recently lost another one of its key players, with Us Weekly confirming Kelly Monaco would be exiting earlier this year.

Monaco, 48, who has been a staple on General Hospital since 2003, addressed her departure in a since-deleted Instagram comment on a Soap Hub post in September after one user referred to the actress as “monotone, had no primary roles and just boring.”

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“‘No primary role’.. do your homework,” Monaco replied. “When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”

The actress wrapped up her character arc as Sam McCall when she was killed off during the Wednesday, October 30, episode.