General Hospital Spoilers: Chad Duell Addresses Michael’s Send-Off, and His Reasons For Leaving After 15 Years

General Hospital spoilers reveal that Chad Duell has played the part of Michael Corinthos for nearly 15 years. He has departed the ABC show, and fans were left unhappy with the manner of the character’s exit.

Duell recently talked to colleague Maurice Benard, who plays his onscreen father Sonny Corinthos, about his leave, and we have the juice for you here.

Chad Duell Has Exited the Building

Duell debuted on GH in 2010, taking over the role from Drew Garrett. As fans know, Michael is in the hospital with burns over 40% of his body after an explosion ripped through Sonny’s penthouse.

The future looks bleak for Michael, as Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) tried to poison him while he was unconscious.

Duell talked to Benard on the latter’s “State of Mind” podcast and gave some insight into his reasons for leaving.

GH Spoilers: Michael Is in Trouble

Duell said that GH’s executive producer Frank Valentini was “very understanding” of his decision to leave and added that “The door is open there for me when I am ready to come back.”

That ought to be music to fans ears, as Michael’s absence will be hard on the audience who have watched the character grow and mature over the years.

While some fans are angry that Michael was given such a horrific fate, Duell was impressed with the turn of events: “It was really good what they did and I think it’s going to turn out really well. I’m glad they did that and not a typical I blow up or I get shot and I’m gone.”

General Hospital Spoilers: Will Michael Be Back?

Duell also addressed why he wanted to take a break from the show, saying “I’ve been there 15 years now. I just want to catch my breath, and step back on possibly down the line with a different perspective and a new respect and everything. A lot if it is a reset for me in a lot of ways, personal ways, that I don’t want to get into, but there are other reasons.”

He added “There are a lot of changes also in my life. I just want to take some time to maybe go home for a bit and for [his son] Dawson to be around his niece and nephews and just some family as I feel like we’ve just been in this bubble and some time in Arizona might be good.”

It sounds as if Duell would like some to reflect, enjoy time with his son and family, and take a breath. After 15 years of entertaining the fan base, he certainly deserves some time off and we look forward to his return.

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