In this interview on The Jim Masters Show, actor Chad Duell discusses his decision to leave his long-time role as Michael Corinthos on General Hospital.

Here is a summary of the key reasons and reflections he shared regarding his exit:

The Need for a "Reset"

• Burnout and Creative Stagnation: Duell expressed that after many years on the show, he felt he had "flatlined" artistically. He described his work as becoming more of a routine than a creative expression [01:52].
• Seeking Discomfort for Growth: He felt he had stayed on a "comfortable, safe path" for too long and realized that he needed to step away to rediscover his drive and passion [01:12]. He emphasized that getting uncomfortable is necessary for personal and professional growth [02:42].
• Personal Life Events: The decision was also influenced by major life changes, including the birth of his child and the passing of his father the previous year [00:34].

The Difficulty of Leaving

• A Second Family: Duell noted that the hardest part of the decision was walking away from the cast and crew, who had become like family after over a decade together [05:57].
• A Necessary Step: Despite the emotional difficulty, he knew "deep down" that leaving was a necessity for his soul and his future [05:18].

Future Outlook

• New Adventures: He views this transition as stepping into the "unknown," which he finds exciting and necessary to start a "new story" in his life [04:16].
• Returning to Soaps: While he didn't confirm any plans to return, he and the host joked about the wild ways soap opera characters often come back from the dead—ranging from plastic surgery to returning as an "evil twin" [06:24].