As Michael Departs General Hospital, Chad Duell Introduces Sonny’s Replacement

As Chad Duell prepares to leave his role as Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, actor offered fans lighthearted glimpse into his personal world during recent episode of Maurice Benard’s State of Mind vlog.

In a humorous and unexpected twist, Duell introduced the audience to a unique companion—

A doll affectionately dubbed “Mini Maurice”—suggesting that even as he steps away from the show, he’ll always have a piece of his TV dad by his side.

The fun began as Benard—who has portrayed the iconic Sonny Corinthos for decades—sat down with Duell for an interview.

Observant fans quickly noticed the actor holding a small, oddly familiar doll. When Benard couldn’t resist asking for an explanation, Duell enthusiastically revealed the backstory of his quirky keepsake.

“I made this myself about five or six years ago,” Duell shared, cradling the doll. “We were doing a lot of scenes together at the time, and I wanted something that captured your presence. It’s kind of like a Buddha’s belly for me—a good luck charm. Whenever I had something big coming up, I’d just rub the chest for luck.”

Though Benard raised an eyebrow at the intimate ritual, he laughed along, noting that the doll bore an amusing resemblance to Robert DeNiro in The Godfather. Duell, quick on his feet, responded, “I used that as a little inspiration when I was making it.” However, he clarified that while the doll might look intense, it’s far more “mellow” than DeNiro. “He’s Maurice—prone to random outbursts, but mostly chill.”

A Humorous Exchange

The interview continued with the actors riffing on Mini Maurice’s role in Duell’s life. Benard jokingly asked whether Duell planned to sleep with the doll now that they’d no longer be sharing the General Hospital set. “I do always sleep with him,” Duell replied, grinning as he opened the doll’s arms wide. “He hugs me and stuff. He does everything you’d want a real Maurice to do.”

Benard’s response was equal parts skeptical and amused. “I’m not sure this little guy looks enough like me to be a proper replacement,” he teased. But Duell was quick to counter, joking that Mini Maurice was a perfect representation of Benard in the 1990s. “He’s a dead ringer for younger you,” Duell insisted. The playful banter drew laughter from fans, who loved the actors’ chemistry and Duell’s offbeat humor.

Bittersweet Farewell

While the introduction of Mini Maurice brought levity to the discussion, Duell’s departure from General Hospital marks the end of an era for his portrayal of Michael Corinthos. Over the years, Duell has tackled some of the soap’s most challenging and emotional storylines, cementing his place as a fan favorite. His on-screen relationship with Benard’s Sonny has been a cornerstone of the show, with viewers deeply invested in their father-son dynamic.

Benard’s State of Mind vlog, which often delves into mental health topics, took a lighter turn with Duell’s appearance. However, the conversation highlighted the close bond between the two actors, both on and off screen. Fans were left smiling at the warm camaraderie and quirky humor that underscored their interaction.

A Legacy of Laughter and Luck

As Duell embarks on the next chapter of his career, Mini Maurice serves as a symbolic keepsake of the memorable years he spent working alongside Benard. The doll represents not only a unique good-luck charm but also a testament to the impact their shared scenes have had on both actors and fans alike.

For viewers, the humorous reveal of Mini Maurice adds a touch of levity to the bittersweet reality of Duell’s exit. Whether or not the doll lives up to its promise as Sonny’s “replacement,” one thing is clear: Duell’s humor and charm will be missed.

As Duell bids farewell to Port Charles, fans can only hope that Mini Maurice will continue to bring him luck and laughter in the years to come. And who knows? Perhaps the doll will make a cameo in a future project, proving that even the smallest tributes can carry the biggest meanings.

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