On June 26, Chad Duell hopped onto an Instagram Live to catch up with fans and explain why he stepped away from playing Michael Corinthos on General Hospital after 15 years. He shared that after doing the same role for over a decade, something happened.
“When you do a job for a decade-plus, your brain gets a little…over the last couple year or so.”
Duell revealed he spoke with the production team a few months in advance about taking a break. Around that same time, his father passed away, which further solidified his decision.
I just needed a bit of a break. So, I just needed to step away. For how long, we don’t know. So, that’s really where that stemmed from. That’s where I wanted to give them enough notice so they can write a story out for Michael, which is the fire thing. So I’m glad I did that. I didn’t want to wait till like the very week beforehand to say ‘hey, I’m gonna step away for a bit.’
Duell also opened up about his health struggles, saying he began to feel physically and mentally drained.
“I couldn’t get myself going,” he explained. “I’d wake up dragging, go to work, and just feel—and look—tired”
For a long time, he couldn’t pinpoint the cause. But eventually, he got tested and discovered the issue, which he says is a personal thing. But he wanted to talk about it to help others.
Respect for the Recast
Duell also addressed the recent recasting of Michael Corinthos, now played by Rory Gibson.
“I wanted to give a little bit of grace to the new person stepping in,” he explained. “I didn’t want it to be all about me—I just wanted it to be a smooth transition and it worked out so well, with him—so I’ve heard.”
Having experienced a sudden transition himself when he first took over the role, Duell said he empathized with what Gibson was stepping into.
“When I started, it was more of an intense transition on my end. I didn’t have months in between—it was like, one day, boom, the next.
He adds, “I’m glad it’s all working out, though.”
What’s Next for Duell?
When asked what’s next in his career, Duell remained somewhat tight-lipped but hinted at upcoming projects.
“I have some things in pre-production right now,” he shared. “Once everything’s fully moving, I’ll let you all know. But yeah, we’ve got a few things going on.”
Chad Duell played Michael on GH from 2010 – 2025. He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2015. (Photo: ABC.)
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