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Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos in “General Hospital”.
Disney/Christine BartolucciChad Duell‘s east of General Hospital it was shocking, fiery and epic.
Duell, 37, wrapped up his character’s storyline on Monday, January 6, when Michael Corinthos caught fire after the explosion. Michael officially served Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) divorce papers before being prompted to bang his estranged wife’s lover Drew (Cameron Mathison).
Later in the episode, Michael heard a ticking before he was ignited by an explosion. He was eventually engulfed in flames and screamed in pain, which was no surprise after Duell had previously announced his departure General Hospital after more than 14 years.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life,” he wrote via Instagram in November 2024. “I’m extremely grateful to (executive producer) Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes for me they have been like family during this amazing journey.”
When soap opera stars leave their roles, it can be as shocking as the plots of their shows. Alison Sweeney surprised longtime Days of Our Lives fans in 2014 when she announced she would be leaving the show after 21 years. “I’ve been to Days of Our Lives since I was 16 and I’ve never (…)
Duell noted at the time that this “it’s not goodbye – see you later.” He later discussed his decision to step down.
“It’s a life adjustment,” he shared on a December 2024 episode of the “Daily Drama” podcast. “I’ve got a lot going on in my life. There are a few things behind it, but one thing I said is that my dad died and I’m still coming to terms with it.’
Michael Corinthos’ arm after the explosion.
ABCDuell said it wanted to spend more time with a partner Luana Lucci and their 16-month-old son, Dawson.
“I’m preparing for the next chapters,” he continued. “Right now I’m just trying to grow in a way that maybe I feel like I’ve been suffocating in certain aspects and sometimes you need to take drastic steps or be uncomfortable, and I haven’t done that in a long time. “
At the time, Duell claimed the door was open for a return before teasing new projects, adding: “I have a few things lined up in January that I want to do for myself. It’s different because now I have a child. But also for him, for me, and for everyone, doing what’s best for me – spiritually, mentally, everything – just reflects my energy better to everyone around me, and I want to make sure that I take care of myself like, well, which I haven’t always done.”
It’s never easy for fans to say goodbye to their favorite characters unexpectedly – and 2024 has brought an influx of shocking departures from our TV screens. In January, viewers learned that Josh Stewart would not be reprising his role as William LaMontagne Jr. in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Stewart brought the role of JJ’s (…)
Duel what ultimately grateful for the opportunity to do something new.
“I feel like I’ve had a very strong comfort in it for so long that my identity has been wrapped up in it,” he concluded. “It’s going to be a process, but to kind of bare it and really see who I am and where I am now in my life. It will be a short trip. I don’t know what the future holds, but I have a lot of work to do to reach the potential I know I have. Not only in career, but in many aspects.’
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.
