Why did Réal Andrews leave General Hospital? Actor's exit from the ABC show, explained 

Beloved actor Réal Andrews, best known for his iconic role as Marcus Taggert on ABC's hit soap General Hospital, has confirmed that he's departing the show. Andrews announced to fans in a moving video message on Instagram.

He talked about all the questions people have been asking about his exit:

“So, my chapter with General Hospital is over. The writing has been on the wall for a long time…”

Andrews spoke of his stint on the soap opera, which ran from 1996 to 2003, and enjoyed a successful return from 2020 to 2023. He thanked the bosses of the show, the producers of the show, and the audience for supporting him.

He recalled some very significant moments, such as when his character struggled after learning that his daughter was not his biologically. This made it both sad and feel like the appropriate time to say goodbye to the show.

Andrews conceded, "It's just been an incredible journey," and suggested that although the conclusion of his run on General Hospital may be a letdown for some, it enabled him to "go out on top."

He also teased a new project, keeping fans in suspense about what is to come.

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Marcus Taggert's legacy on General Hospital

Andrews' acting of Marcus Taggert etched a place in soap opera history. Having first appeared on General Hospital in 1996, his character was a favorite among fans, due to his convincing storylines that appealed to audiences.

Following a long layoff, that magic was restored in 2020 and concluded in a July 2023 cliffhanger finale in which Taggert's emotional meltdown, precipitated by the secret about his daughter, left its mark.

Andrews informed fans, admitting to bittersweet sentiments around the finale:

“I know a lot of you are gonna be, like, mad or whatever, but I’m grateful for that.”

His honest goodbye highlights that his departure was motivated by a creative choice—"the writing has been on the wall"—indicating that his departure was not only a storytelling choice but also a career landmark.

To leave the role of almost four decades, filled with warm and tearful moments, brings to an end an era for the programme.

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What’s next for Réal Andrews' career?

Looking to the future, Réal Andrews is preparing for what he refers to as "the biggest project of [his] life."

The star disclosed,

“I got offered what is the biggest role in my life… with the biggest and best network, the best director, producers, and writers, in my opinion, in the industry.”

Andrews is thrilled about his upcoming role, which he can't talk about much due to an NDA. However, he does hint at some pre-production details. This new project combines his acting expertise with innovative content, which he believes is a career highlight.

While he's moving on to a new phase, his time on General Hospital won't be forgotten. His fans will always cherish his legacy there. Now, he's exploring new areas of television drama, and everyone's eager to see his next move.

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Watch General Hospital on ABC and stream episodes on Hulu.

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