Fans of General Hospital were left in tears after the January 21st episode revealed Chad Duell’s exit from the long-running soap opera. 

Duell, who portrayed Michael Corinthos for nearly 15 years, made his emotional departure from the show 

after his character was critically injured in a devastating explosion at his father Sonny’s penthouse. 

The explosion left Michael with life-threatening burns, and after a tense few moments of questioning from his family, 

Michael decided to head to Germany for experimental treatment, much like Ava did before him. 

As the episode concluded, Carly took charge of the situation, escorting her son to the airport, and marking Duell’s final appearance for now.

However, this may not be the last time we see Duell on the General Hospital set. In a recent interview with Maurice Benard on State of Mind, Duell opened up about his decision to take a break from the soap, explaining that his departure was not a permanent farewell but rather a much-needed step away. The actor reflected on the personal and professional reasons behind his exit, as well as the profound impact the past year has had on him.

A Heartbreaking Loss and the Need for Time Away

Duell revealed in the interview that he had recently experienced a personal loss, which contributed to his decision to step back from the show. His father passed away unexpectedly, and Duell shared the emotional toll it has taken on him. He explained that the loss has been especially difficult because there was no closure, as his family did not hold a funeral or memorial service.

The actor spoke candidly about his struggle to process his father’s death, noting how strange it felt to be dealing with such a profound loss on his own. “I remember I was completely by myself when it happened,” Duell recalled, describing the grief he felt as he was left to cope without the support of his partner, Luana, or his son, Dawson, who were in Brazil at the time. “I’ve never cried so hard in my life,” he admitted, sharing the deep sadness he’s been grappling with ever since.

For Duell, the death of his father, combined with his desire to spend more time with his family, led him to decide that taking a break from General Hospital would provide the space he needed to grieve and heal. He acknowledged that his father’s passing has made him reflect on his own life and priorities, especially when it comes to spending time with loved ones.

Counting His Blessings and Looking Ahead

Despite his personal struggles, Duell expressed gratitude for the incredible opportunities he’s had over the years, particularly his long run on General Hospital. “I realize how unbelievably blessed I am to be in this situation,” Duell said, acknowledging the amazing relationships he has built with his co-stars and the support he’s received from the GH family. While he’s not leaving the show because he feels unfulfilled or disillusioned, Duell emphasized the importance of taking a break to regain perspective.

“I just want to take some time to maybe go home for a bit and have Dawson, for instance, be around his nieces and nephews,” Duell explained. “Just be around some family for a while.” Although Duell is not actively seeking other opportunities, he’s open to considering them if they arise. His focus right now is on healing and reconnecting with family, something he feels he’s been missing during his years on the show.

Duell also spoke highly of General Hospital’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, who has been understanding and supportive of his decision. “The door’s open there for me when I’m ready to come back,” Duell shared, reassuring fans that his exit isn’t necessarily the end of his time with GH. Both Duell and Benard agreed that Michael’s exit was handled beautifully, with Duell’s portrayal of the character’s final moments leaving fans with a sense of closure.

A “Reset” for Personal Growth

Duell’s time on General Hospital has spanned over 15 years, and the actor compared his departure to stepping off a treadmill for a brief rest. He described his decision as a “reset,” allowing him to take a step back, gain a fresh perspective, and return to the show with a new sense of respect for the work he’s done.

As Duell takes time to focus on his personal life and process his loss, fans can take comfort in knowing that his departure is not permanent. Though he’s stepping away from General Hospital for now, the possibility of a return remains open. For now, Duell is prioritizing family, healing, and the opportunity for personal growth, but his time in Port Charles may not be over just yet.

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