Michael Corinthos has been a central character on General Hospital since he was born on-screen in 1997. As the son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos and Carly Benson, Michael’s life has been filled with drama. Recently, rumors have spread that actor Chad Duell may be leaving his role as Michael.
What are the rumors about Michael leaving GH?
In late 2022, rumors began circulating online that Chad Duell’s contract was ending and he may exit General Hospital. Some fans noticed Duell had removed references to GH from his social media bios. There was speculation this could mean he was leaving, or negotiating a new contract.
Additionally, the character of Michael has not been featured heavily in storylines lately. He has had limited screen time and minimal plot focus. This led to chatter that the writers could be phasing Michael out.
How has ABC responded to the rumors?
ABC and General Hospital have not issued any official statement regarding Chad Duell’s status. The network historically does not comment on contract negotiations or actor departures until they are finalized.
Duell has also not commented directly on the rumors. He has continued to post updates on social media from the GH set, indicating he is still filming episodes as of late 2022.
What storylines could be leading to Michael’s departure?
If Michael Corinthos were to leave General Hospital, there are a few current storylines that could facilitate his exit:
- His marriage to Willow Tait is on the rocks after her lies about the child she gave up for adoption.
- Michael recently discovered he has a half-sister named Dex Heller and lost the job of CEO at ELQ.
- With Sonny back in the mob business, Michael could decide to leave town to get away from the drama.
- He could exit with Willow to focus on their family.
What events could keep Michael on the show?
Even with the rumors, there are still reasons Michael could end up staying on General Hospital:
- He and Willow could repair their relationship, keeping him tied to Port Charles.
- With the arrival of his new sibling Dex, Michael may want to bond with his new family.
- As Sonny’s eldest child, he provides connection to the show’s rich history.
- If he is no longer CEO, the writers could take Michael’s career in a new direction.
How long has Chad Duell played Michael Corinthos?
Chad Duell originated the role of Michael Corinthos in 2010. He took over the part from actor Drew Garrett, who played Michael from 2009-2010. At the time, Michael was aged to a teenager after a five year soap opera jump.
Duell has now played Michael for over 12 years. He has grown up on-screen and taken Michael through becoming a young adult. He is one of the legacy characters on GH as the child of iconic couple Sonny and Carly.
Key facts about Chad Duell on GH:
- Joined cast in 2010 as recast Michael
- Earned 3 Daytime Emmy nominations for the role
- Skilled at merging “bad boy” and romantic storylines
- Created Michael’s evolution to a leading man over 12 years
What would it mean for GH if Michael left?
Michael Corinthos has been instrumental to General Hospital for over two decades. If the character were to leave, it would have significant impact.
As the only living son of Sonny and Carly, Michael represents the show’s core families. He also brings the all-important youth demographic. Losing him could hurt GH with younger viewers.
Michael has connections across the canvas. He provides a bridge between the Sonny/Carly mob saga and the Quartermaines. He could potentially be at the center of Port Charles for years to come.
The writers would need to handle his exit carefully to not alienate longtime fans. They may wait to confirm anything regarding Chad Duell’s status until they have a clear plan.
What do fans think about a potential Michael Corinthos exit?
General Hospital fans have mixed opinions on the possibility of Michael leaving the show.
Many longtime viewers are upset at the idea of losing another legacy character. With so much history erased lately, they want Michael to remain tied to the Corinthos clan.
Some fans think Michael’s stories have been lacking and a departure could freshen up the character. Others are threatening to stop watching if Chad Duell exits.
Most agree that Michael is essential to the core families of GH. The majority hope that the writers find a way to keep him on the canvas, even if Chad Duell decides to leave down the road.
Here is a sample of fan reactions on social media:
| Fan Comment |
|---|
| “If Chad Duell leaves, I’m done. Michael Corinthos is legacy #GH can’t lose another long-time character” |
| “Michael’s been boring lately so I wouldn’t miss Chad. Recast him though, we need Michael in PC” |
| “No way GH would dump another legacy kid. Sonny’s 1st born son is too important #MichaelStays” |
| “I wish Chad Duell wasn’t leaving GH but maybe time to recast Michael #bittersweet” |
Conclusion
At this point, Chad Duell departing General Hospital remains only a rumor. Neither he nor ABC has indicated an official exit is confirmed.
The show has not written any clear storyline to write Michael Corinthos off the canvas. Currently all signs point to Michael remaining in Port Charles for the foreseeable future.
Losing Chad Duell would certainly impact GH, as he has played Michael for over a decade. But it’s likely the writers would recast the character to keep the legacy going.
Fans will have to stay tuned to see if Michael Corinthos stays or goes in coming months. For now, he remains an integral part of General Hospital.