As Michael Corinthos’ departure from General Hospital draws near, actor Chad Duell is reflecting on his time on the show and his exit, offering fans a deeper look at his personal journey and the way his character’s story is being wrapped up.
In the latest episode of State of Mind, hosted by his co-star Maurice Benard (Sonny), Duell opened up about the circumstances surrounding his exit. “The core of it all is just taking some time away,” he explained, sharing the emotional shifts in his life after becoming a father and dealing with the sudden loss of his own dad. Duell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the show after his break, acknowledging how supportive GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, has been.
“I’m aware how blessed I am for that, so I’m very thankful,” Duell added, noting that Valentini “didn’t need to do that” by leaving the door open for his eventual return.
A Shocking and Dramatic Exit
Fans have been vocal about their disappointment with Michael’s dramatic exit storyline—where he’s attacked, set on fire, and rushed to the hospital’s burn unit. But Duell sees the situation differently, offering a fresh perspective on the shocking twist.
“I’m glad they did that,” Duell admitted, pointing out that, rather than opting for a conventional departure where his character is killed off in a simple shootout or explosion, GH chose a far more unique and dramatic exit for Michael. Duell even referenced the memorable (and explosive) way Morgan Corinthos (played by Bryan Craig) was written out of the show in 2016, with his character dying in a car explosion.
Duell appreciates how Michael’s exit has been handled. “Very well done,” he said of the fiery stunt, with Benard enthusiastically agreeing. “The fire, the way they had him burned up… it was something different.”
Grateful for the Journey
As Duell wraps up his time on General Hospital, he remains thankful for the opportunity to have played such a beloved character. His heartfelt gratitude for his co-stars and the production team shines through, especially during such a transformative period in his personal life.
Fans can follow Duell on Instagram and keep up with the latest from State of Mind via YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Will this be the end of Michael’s journey on General Hospital? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Duell’s time on the show has left a lasting impact, both on the fans and the cast.
