Why Chad Duell Decided to LeaveGeneral HospitalAfter Nearly 15 Years: 'I Feel Like I Stifled Myself'

Mar. 15, 2025

Chad Duell on ‘General Hospital’.Photo:Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty

Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty

Chad Duellis opening up about hisunexpected departurefromGeneral Hospital.

On a recent episode ofThe Daily Drama Podcast,Duell revealed why he decided to leave the soap after nearly 15 years playing Michael Corinthos. Explaining that he felt like things had become “stagnant” in his life, the actor, 37, said he wanted to take time to figure out what is best for his future.

“It’s a life adjustment,” he said. “A lot of stuff’s been going on in my life. There’s a few things behind it but one thing I did say is my dad passed away and I’m still coming to terms with that.”

“I’m preparing myself for next chapters,” he continued, adding that a return to the show is still in the cards. “Obviously with [creator] Frank [Hursley] and everything, I left the door open there. Right now, I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I feel like I stifled myself in certain aspects, and sometimes you need to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable to take a step."

“And that’s what I’ve not allowed myself to do in a long time, is step into more uncomfortable situations and grow, instead of comfortable and complacent,” he added.

Chad Duell on ‘General Hospital’.Christine Bartolucci/ABC via Getty

Christine Bartolucci/ABC via Getty

Duell said he has taken the holiday season to spend time with his family (including hisone-year-old son), and he hopes to take more risks in his personal and professional life in the new year.

First, however, he is prioritizing his well-being amid this massive change.

“Come January, I have a few things planned that I wanna do for myself, and it’s different because I have a kid now, but also at the same time, for him, and me as well, and everybody, it’s doing what’s best for me, spiritually, mentally,” he said. “Everything will only reflect my energy in a better way towards everybody around me. I want to make sure that I take care of myself.”

Because he played one role for so long — which Duell noted he was “extremely blessed” to be able to do — he explained that he lost himself in his work.

“I had a very strong complacency for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that,” he said. “Who I was was the show and the characters that I’ve done for so long. It’s gonna be a process kind of unraveling and really seeing who I am.”

“There’s a lot of work I have to do to achieve the potential that I know I have — not just career-wise but in a lot of aspects,” he continued. “I feel like I’ve been moreso in a bubble of comfort for such a long time.”

Chad Duell on ‘General Hospital’.Todd Wawrychuk via Getty

Todd Wawrychuk via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Duell announced his departure fromGHin November, writing a message to fans in a lengthyInstagram postthat said, in part: “[After] many incredible years withGeneral Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show.”

source: people.com