As Chad Duell prepares to step away from his role as Michael Corinthos on General Hospital,
the actor has shared his thoughts on his departure, the storyline that leads to it, and the possibility of returning to the iconic soap.
During a candid conversation on Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) podcast State of Mind, Duell reflected on his character’s explosive send-off
and the personal reasons behind his decision.
Taking a Step Back
Duell revealed that his departure stems from a need to focus on his personal life.
After recently becoming a father and facing the sudden loss of his own father, the actor felt it was time to prioritize his well-being and family.
“The core of it all is just taking some time away,” Duell shared. He expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, who left the door open for Michael’s potential return.
“I’m very thankful to Frank for allowing the opportunity to come back,” Duell said. His on-screen father, Maurice Benard, agreed, acknowledging how rare it is for an actor to have such flexibility in their career. “He didn’t need to do that,” Benard noted, highlighting Valentini’s generosity in accommodating Duell’s decision.
A Fiery Exit
Michael’s storyline has been nothing short of dramatic, culminating in a shocking attack on Sonny Corinthos that leaves Michael caught in a devastating fire. The incident lands him in the hospital’s burn unit, setting the stage for his temporary exit from Port Charles.
While fans have had mixed reactions to the storyline, with some expressing disappointment at Michael being written out in such a tragic manner, Duell sees it differently.
“I’m glad they did that,” Duell said about the fiery exit. He contrasted it with more predictable soap opera departures, like being shot or disappearing after a car explosion. “As far as a typical kind of, like, what, I get shot or I blow up and I’m gone?” Duell remarked, referencing the exit of Morgan Corinthos (Bryan Craig) in 2016.
The fiery scene, which featured Duell’s stunt double enduring intense sequences, added a layer of realism and intensity to the storyline. Maurice Benard agreed, praising the execution of the dramatic scenes. “The fire they had and how the guy burned up and all that—it was very well done,” Benard said.
Leaving the Door Open
One of the most significant takeaways from Duell’s interview was the reassurance that Michael’s exit is not permanent. The actor emphasized that his character’s departure has been written in a way that allows for his eventual return.
This flexibility has been a comfort to fans who have grown attached to Michael over the years. Duell’s portrayal of the character has been a cornerstone of General Hospital’s storytelling, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void. However, the possibility of his return offers hope that Michael’s journey is far from over.
The Bigger Picture
For Chad Duell, stepping away from General Hospital is about more than just taking a break from acting. It’s an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and focus on the personal milestones and challenges that have shaped his life in recent months.
“I’m aware how blessed I am for that,” Duell said, expressing gratitude for the support he’s received from the show and its producers. His conversation with Maurice Benard highlighted not only the professional respect between the two actors but also the personal connection they share as colleagues and friends.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As Michael Corinthos faces an uncertain fate on-screen, Chad Duell’s fans are preparing to say goodbye—at least for now. While his exit is bittersweet, Duell’s openness about his journey and the assurance of a potential return have provided some solace.
For now, viewers can only wait and watch how Michael’s storyline unfolds and hope that Port Charles will eventually welcome him back. Until then, Duell’s presence on General Hospital will be deeply missed.
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