Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos on ‘General Hospital’.
Disney/Christine BartolucciChad Duelexit from General Hospital it was shocking, fiery and epic.
Duell, 37, completed his character’s story on Monday, January 6, when Michael Corinthos caught fire after an explosion. Michael officially served Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) divorce papers before being encouraged to punch his estranged wife’s lover, Drew (Cameron Mathison).
Later in the episode, Michael heard a tick before being set on fire by an explosion. He ended up engulfed in flames and screaming in pain, which was no surprise as Duell previously announced his departure from General Hospital after more than 14 years.
“This was not an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life,” he wrote on Instagram in November 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to (executive producer) Frank Valentini, the cast, the crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout 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 was leaving the series after 21 years. “I’ve been on Days of Our Lives since I was 16 and I’ve never (…)
Duell noted at the time that this “isn’t a goodbye — see you later.” He later discussed his decision to leave.
“It’s a life adjustment,” he shared on a December 2024 episode of the Daily Drama podcast. “A lot of things have happened in my life. There’s a few things after that, but one thing I said is my dad passed away and I’m still coming to terms with that.”
Michael Corinthos’ arm after the explosion.
ABCDuell said he wanted to spend more time with his 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 ways that maybe I feel like I’ve stifled myself in some ways and sometimes you have to take drastic steps or make yourself uncomfortable and that’s not what I’ve done for a long time. “
At the time, Duell claimed the door was open for a comeback before teasing new projects, adding, “Coming into January, I have some things planned (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 – will only reflect my energy in a better way to everyone around me and I want making sure I take good care of myself, which I haven’t always done.”
It’s never easy for fans to suddenly say goodbye to their favorite characters – and 2024 has seen an influx of heartbreaking departures from our TV screens. In January, viewers learned that Josh Stewart would not reprise his role as William LaMontagne Jr. in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Stewart brought the role of JJ (…)
Duell was ultimately grateful for the opportunity to do something new.
“I feel like I had a very strong comfort in that for so long that my identity was wrapped up in it,” he concluded. “It’s going to be a process, but kind of unpacking that and really looking at who I am and where I am right now in my life. It will be a little trip. I don’t know what the future holds, but I have to work hard to reach the potential I know I have. Not just career-wise, but in many ways.”
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.
