ABC’s General Hospital has been through a whirlwind of high-profile goodbyes — and fans of Port Charles are still picking up the pieces.
Since the soap celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, a steady stream of beloved stars have packed up their dressing rooms, some on their own terms and others under shockingly abrupt circumstances.
From Chad Duell’s stunning departure after 14 years to Kelly Monaco’s emotional exit after more than two decades, Us broke down the cast shakeups that left daytime fans in disbelief.
Chad Duell Stuns Fans With Exit
Duell announced in November 2024, revealing he was stepping away after 14 years as Michael Corinthos — the son of Carly (Laura Wright) and Sonny (Maurice Benard). Duell first joined the soap in March 2010, taking over from Drew Garrett, and went on to earn six Daytime Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2015.
“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. I’m beyond grateful to Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey,” Duell said in a statement.
Executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed there are “no plans to recast his role at this time.”
Kelly Monaco Wraps Sam McCall Arc After Character’s Surprising Death
Monaco — a staple of the soap since 2003 — wrapped her run as Sam McCall when the character was killed off during an October 2024 episode. Monaco didn’t go quietly, addressing the exit in a since-deleted Instagram comment, clapping back at criticism of her character.
“‘No primary role’.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s story line stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest,” Monaco wrote.
Lindsay Hartley previously filled in for Monaco for an episode in January 2024, after also stepping in during 2020 and 2022.
Roger Howarth’s Dr. Austin Gets Killed Off
Roger Howarth exited in November 2023 after his character, Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt, was fatally shot. Howarth originally joined GH in 2012 as Todd Manning, a role he previously played on One Life to Live, later taking on Franco Baldwin before returning as Dr. Austin in 2021.
“Several weeks ago, I got a phone call from somebody I’ve known for a very long time who I love very dearly [executive producer Frank Valentini] telling me that when my contract was up at ABC, I would not be offered a new contract and that the character of Austin would be killed,” Howarth told Soap Opera Digest.
Michael Easton, Jonathan Jackson and Emme Rylan Say Goodbye
Michael Easton announced in June 2024 that he was leaving Dr. Hamilton Finn after more than a decade. His character checked into rehab after the death of Gregory Chase (Gregory Harrison). Easton debuted in 2012 as John McBain and took over as Finn in 2016, earning a 2018 Daytime Emmy nomination.
Jonathan Jackson, meanwhile, exited during the June 2025 episode — just nine months after reprising Lucky Spencer in August 2024. Jackson made his debut at age 10 in 1993, left in 1999, returned in 2009 and departed in 2011 to star in Nashville.
“We were so glad Jonathan was able to reprise the role of Lucky, even if it was for a limited time. We wish him nothing but the best, and the door is always open for Jonathan to return,” Valentini told TV Insider.
Emme Rylan — who played Lulu for seven years — revealed in August 2024 that the role was being recast.
“Yes it is true. GH has decided to recast Lulu. Although I am very disappointed with their choice, I am glad to finally have closure,” Rylan shared via Instagram Story.
Jacqueline Grace Lopez Closes Her Chapter
Jacqueline Grace Lopez confirmed her exit in August 2024, after joining in 2022 and appearing in 68 episodes.
“Not gonna lie, this goodbye hurts. I think because I didn’t see it coming. That and when you spend almost two years with this group, you start to feel like part of the fabric,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
