After virtually 15 years of enjoying Michael Corinthos, actor Chad Duell has introduced his departure from ABC’s iconic cleaning soap opera Normal Hospital.
Whereas his exit marks the top of an period for the present and raises questions on what the longer term holds for the Corinthos household, it additionally brings to mild a potential betrayal to followers who need to see extra of Duell’s character sooner or later regardless of his exit.
Duell, who joined the collection in 2010, introduced his resolution to go away the present on Instagram on Saturday, writing: “After many unbelievable years with Normal Hospital, I’ve determined to step away from the present. This wasn’t a straightforward resolution for me, however it seems like the precise time in my life. I’m past grateful to Frank Valentini, the solid, crew, and everybody behind the scenes who’ve been like household to me all through this superb journey.”
In his publish, Duell additionally confirmed that he doesn’t need his exit to be everlasting. “This isn’t a goodbye — it’s a so long,” he wrote after thanking the followers for his or her unwavering assist.
The present’s government producer, Valentini, shortly acknowledged Duell’s resolution but in addition maintained that they’re leaving the door open for surprising twists. “I’ve cherished working with Chad over time and want him nothing however one of the best,” Valentini wrote on X. “He’s a terrific actor and might be missed by everybody at GH.”
Nevertheless, Valentini additionally hinted at a potential betrayal of followers’ expectations, by including, “There aren’t any plans to recast his position right now, however you by no means know in daytime.” This cryptic remark has sparked hypothesis amongst loyal viewers, as cleaning soap operas are infamous for dramatic plot twists to resurrect fan-favorite characters. Solid members like Steve Burton, Jonathan Jackson, and Emma Samms have managed to come back again lately.
Many have been holding out hope that Duell may nonetheless reprise his position sooner or later since he mentioned himself that this wasn’t goodbye. A recast would signify that there wouldn’t be any likelihood for the actor to return to the collection and painting the fan-fave character once more.
Nonetheless, Valentini assured followers that Michael’s story is much from over for now. “I can promise an incredible story for Michael and his household when Chad exits within the new yr,” he teased, leaving many to surprise how Duell’s departure will play out.
Michael has been a central determine in Normal Hospital since 2002. Dylan Money initially portrayed the character earlier than Drew Garrett briefly took over in 2009. Duell then stepped into the position in 2010, turning into the longest-tenured actor to play Michael and incomes a Daytime Emmy Award for Excellent Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the position in 2015.
Through the years, Duell’s portrayal of Michael noticed the character endure harrowing trials, from a coma-inducing mind damage to his involvement in a high-stakes homicide cover-up. Regardless of occasional recasts — similar to Robert Adamson briefly filling in throughout Duell’s absences — his efficiency turned synonymous with the character’s evolution.
Exterior of his cleaning soap opera fame, Duell has made appearances on widespread TV reveals like Arrow, The Suite Life on Deck, and Wizards of Waverly Place. He additionally starred within the Lifetime authentic film Deadly Admirer in 2018. It’s nonetheless unknown what he plans to do after he’s accomplished filming his last scenes for the long-running cleaning soap opera, however the prospects are countless now that he has extra time to tackle more difficult initiatives.
