Actor Chad Duell announced his departure from ABC’s “General Hospital” after portraying Michael “Sonny” Corinthos, the son of A.J. Quartermaine and Carly Corinthos, for 14 years.
The news came via social media on Saturday, marking the end of his tenure as the adopted son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos on the long-running daytime drama.
The character of Michael Corinthos III has been central to the show’s storylines since the character’s birth in 1997. Before Duell took over the role in 2010, several actors portrayed the character, including Dylan and Blake Hopkins, Tiarnan Cunningham, Dylan Cash, and Drew Garrett.
Michael was later adopted by mob boss Sonny Corinthos, creating one of the show’s most complex family dynamics. The character has evolved from a troubled child who survived a shooting and subsequent coma to become a prominent Port Charles business figure, following in both his adoptive father’s legitimate and questionable footsteps. Michael’s storylines have included dramatic family conflicts, romantic entanglements, and business rivalries, often centered around his position between the Corinthos and Quartermaine families.
During his time on the series, Duell earned critical acclaim for his performance, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2015.
Executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed Duell’s exit and addressed the future of the character. “There are no plans to recast the role at this time, but you never know in daytime,” Valentini said. He also promised viewers “a great story for Michael and his family” when Duell exits the show in the new year.
The 37-year-old actor’s departure comes amid several cast changes for the ABC soap opera, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. Recent departures include Kelly Monaco, who played Sam McCall, with her final episode airing on November 1.
Throughout his tenure, Duell has occasionally stepped away from the role for brief periods. Actor Robert Adamson temporarily took over as Michael Corinthos in 2022 and October 2024 due to scheduling conflicts.
“General Hospital,” which debuted in 1963, remains the longest-running American soap opera still in production. The series continues to chronicle the lives of residents in the fictional town of Port Charles, set in upstate New York.
In his private life, Duell is embracing the role of a father. The actor and his partner Luana Lucci celebrated the arrival of their first child last September.