Chad Duell opens up on why he left General Hospital behind

It won't be long now until Michael Corinthos is no longer part of the General Hospital canvas. The legacy character has been integral to the Port Charles scene since his birth in 1997, but now Chad Duell, who has played an adult version of Michael since 2010, is exiting the soap.

Chad Duell bids farewell to General Hospital

Michael's life is falling apart thanks to Willow | Image Source: ABC

On the latest episode of Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson's (Damian Spinelli) Daily Drama podcast, Duell admitted it wasn't one thing that prompted his decision to leave. There were multiple personal reasons that the actor felt he needed a change, including a deep and personal loss.

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"A lot of stuff has been going on in my life. [With] this break, there’s a few things behind it," Arizona native Duell admitted. "As people know, my dad passed away, and I’m still coming to terms with that. Also, my intention was to spend some time back in Arizona but that’s becoming a little harder to do. Right now, I’m just more about doing things mentally, physically, preparing myself for whatever comes."

Duell also thinks it might be time to try new things. After all, he was only 22 when he joined the GH cast. He is now 37 and wonders what else is out there.

"I feel like I had a very strong complacency and comfort for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that, and who I was with the show (and) this character that I’ve done for so long," the actor said, but does that mean he is gone for good?

Michael's future is up in the air

Michael is about to become a father again | Image Source: ABC

The GH head writers have told TV Insider they plan to write Michael off in a dramatic way that involves a "shocking act of violence." However, there is no word as to whether the violence is directed at Michael. That might be because Duell and GH are not ruling out a possible return.

"We’ll see what happens in the future, but right now, I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I stifled myself," Duell said. "Sometimes you have to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable to take a step and that’s kind of what I have not allowed myself to do."

With Michael currently embroiled in a custody battle for his kids and another kid on the way via Sasha, his exit will have ripple effects throughout the canvas and upend countless Port Charles lives. Stay tuned to find out how it all plays out.

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