Chad Duell shares exciting news about his time away from General Hospital

Chad Duell remains a fan favorite

Chad Duell joined the cast of General Hospital in April 2010 to replace Drew Garrett as Michael Corinthos. He quickly became a fan favorite and earned six Daytime Emmy Award nominations. In 2015, he won the Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Fans were troubled in November 2024 when Duell announced his exit from the ABC soap.

At the time, GH revealed they had no plans to recast, and Duell assured fans, "The door's open there for me when I am ready to come back." "When I'm ready" sounds like he will return, but there is no indication when. As time goes on, however, the soap actor's plans could change, but fans remain hopeful.

Duell explains his journey

Chad said at the time that he was dealing with his father's death. While he is off-screen Michael continues to be mentioned regularly, and viewers hope that Michael and Duell will return to Port Charles refreshed and healed. The actor shared some images on Instagram and told his followers that he has improved his mental and physical health, losing weight as he goes through his journey. he also shared images of his new body.

"Been on a real journey lately… mentally and physically," Duell shared on Instagram with a shirtless photo of himself looking toned and fit. "Dropped nearly 20 pounds since December, but the weight that mattered wasn't just physical. Been shedding old mindsets, self-doubt, and comfort zones, too.

Michael is needed in Port Charles

There is so much storyline available for Michael that some fans wondered why Rory Gibson was not called in again to take over while Duell was away. Michael's estranged wife, Willow Corinthos (Katelyn MacMullen) is overly smitten with Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and blinded to his dirty deeds.

His sister, Kristina Corinthos Davis (Kate Mansi) cut the brakes on Ric Lansing's (Rick Hearst) vehicle, mistakenly believing the car belonged to Ava Jerome (Maura West). Ava may now blackmail Kristina and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) for more money and full custody of Avery Jerome Corinthos (Ava Scarola).

Sonny has heart health issues and is still trying to find the person who ordered the bomb that was placed in his penthouse which led to Michael being burned. While all of this is taking place with his character's family, Duell said the following.

"Funny how the more you grow mentally, the more your body wants to match that energy," he continued. "Or maybe it's the other way around? Either way, they're definitely in a relationship… and I think they're getting serious.

Family drama on-screen while Duell is on his path

In addition to Kristina attempting murder, Michael's other sister, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) shot and killed Cyrus Renault(Jeff Kober). She is now in WSB training, and their mom, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), is dating WSB head Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna), who is keeping Joss's new career a secret.

Life is continually filled with the same old chaos in Port Charles, as Michael's portrayer says he is growing in real-time. On Instagram, he did not reveal with certainty if or when he plans to return to General Hospital. He did say that he had been in a play during his downtime from the ABC soap. Fans can only keep watching and waiting for news. The actor's parting words for his followers on the social media platform were:

"Still a work in progress, but I'm proud of my path. Growth isn't always loud, but it shows up if you stay consistent."

Best of luck to Chad Duell on his current path. General Hospital fans hope that it brings him full circle back to the show.