Chad Duell weighs in on his General Hospital exit story...and a possible return

When Chad Duell announced his plans to leave General Hospital after 15 years as legacy character Michael Corinthos, Executive Producer Frank Valentini confirmed the character would not be recast but would get a spectacular exit story. GH delivered on just that when Michael became the victim in an attempt on Sonny's life.

General Hospital's explosive plotline

Rather than Michael being presumed dead with a body never found, GH chose to detonate a bomb in Sonny's (Maurice Benard) apartment while Michael casually poured himself a drink. Jason (Steve Burton) and Sonny were conveniently in the hallway while Michael caught fire. The scenes were heart-wrenching and stunning, as GH gave us gritty realistic moments.

"The story in general, and the fire… it was really good what they did, and I think it’s going to turn out really well," Duell said on State of Mind with Maurice Benard. "I’m glad they did that [and not] a typical I get shot or blown up and I’m gone. The whole thing was really well done. So, kudos to everybody."

Michael now has third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body and Carly (Laura Wright) is doing her best to get Michael into a special clinic in Germany that can hopefully treat his scars. That sets the stage for Duell to one day return to the soap, but is it what the actor wants?

Why Duell needed a GH break

Duell began playing Michael Corinthos in 2010 when the character was still in his late teens. In recent years, some personal events have caused the actor to want to take a step back from the soap opera grind, including his father's death and the birth of his son, Dawson.

"I just want to catch my breath, and step back on possibly down the line with a different perspective and a new respect," Duell said. "A lot of it is a reset for me in personal ways that I don’t want to get into, but there are other reasons. But at the core of it all is just taking some time away."

Duell is grateful that GH crafted a story that allows Michael to easily slip back onto the canvas and pick up where he left off.

"[Frank Valentini] was very understanding," Duell said of his boss' reaction to the decision to leave. "I really respect him and appreciate him for allowing that. The door’s open there for me when I am ready to come back."

When Michael does return, he will likely still have his cheating wife to deal with, as well as a new baby, thanks to Michael cheating with Sasha (Sofia Mattsson).

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