‘General Hospital’ producer drops a possible betrayal after star Chad Duell announces departure after 14 years

After nearly 15 years as Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, Chad Duell has announced his departure from the iconic ABC soap opera, marking the end of an era for fans of the Corinthos family.

Duell, who first joined General Hospital in 2010, shared his decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his years with the show and the family-like bond he formed with the cast and crew. “After many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show,” he wrote. While acknowledging the difficulty of his decision, Duell reassured fans, “This isn’t a goodbye — it’s a see you later.”

During his tenure, Duell became synonymous with the character of Michael, navigating dramatic storylines that tested his acting range. From surviving a coma-inducing brain injury to grappling with complex family dynamics and murder cover-ups, Michael’s journey has been one of General Hospital’s most compelling arcs. His performance earned Duell a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2015, cementing his place in soap opera history.

Michael’s character has been a fixture on the show since 2002, originally portrayed by Dylan Cash and later by Drew Garrett before Duell stepped into the role. Over the years, temporary recasts like Robert Adamson have filled in for Duell, but his portrayal remains the definitive version for many fans.

What’s Next for Michael Corinthos?

Executive producer Frank Valentini hinted that while Duell’s exit will leave a void, the character’s story is far from over. “I can promise a great story for Michael and his family when Chad exits in the new year,” Valentini teased, leaving fans to speculate how the departure will unfold.

However, Valentini’s cryptic comment about not planning to recast Michael’s role “at this time” has sparked speculation about the possibility of a recast or Duell’s eventual return. Soap operas are known for their dramatic twists, and fans are holding out hope that Michael Corinthos will return with Duell in the role.

While his next steps remain unannounced, Duell has an impressive resume beyond General Hospital, including appearances on Arrow, The Suite Life on Deck, Wizards of Waverly Place, and the Lifetime movie Lethal Admirer. With his departure, the actor now has the opportunity to pursue other challenging projects that could expand his career.

Duell’s heartfelt words and the support from Valentini and fans underscore his lasting impact on the General Hospital community. As Michael Corinthos’ story continues, viewers will be watching closely to see how the show navigates this major transition — and whether Duell’s “see you later” might one day become a triumphant return.