Why Chad Duell Decided to Leave General Hospital After Nearly 15 Years: ‘I Feel Like I Stifled Myself’

Chad Duell is opening up about his unexpected departure from General Hospital.

On a recent episode of The 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.

Duell said he has taken the holiday season to spend time with his family (including his one-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.”

Duell announced his departure from GH in November, writing a message to fans in a lengthy Instagram post that said, in part: “[After] many incredible years with General Hospital, I’ve decided to step away from the show.”

“This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life,” he continued. “I’m beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.”

“To all the fans: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives. Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me,” he concluded. “This isn’t a goodbye — it’s a see you later. Much love, Chad.”