Chad Duell on His General Hospital Exit: ‘I Had a Very Strong Complacency’

Chad Duell attends the Television Academy's Daytime Programming Peer Group Reception in North Hollywood, Calif., on Aug. 22, 2018. Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

General Hospital fans were left shocked after Chad Duell announced his unexpected departure from the show. The actor said that after 14 years it was time to figure out his future.

During an episode of the “The Daily Drama Podcast” on Dec. 28, the 37-year-old cited a number of life-altering events that led to his decision, including feeling “stagnant” with his career.

“It’s a life adjustment. ... 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,” he said.

Last month, Duell took to Instagram to announce that he will be stepping away from the long-running soap opera, expressing gratitude to all the fans over the years, as well as leaving a return in the future a possibility.

“I’m preparing myself for next chapters. ... 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,” he said on the podcast.

The actor, who played Michael Corinthos on the series, struggled with feeling too comfortable in his craft and is looking to expand beyond his comfort zone, while reaching his highest acting potential.

“I had a very strong complacency for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that. ... 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,” he said.

Additionally, Duell welcomed his son, Dawson, with partner Luana Lucci last year and wanted to prioritize spending time with his family, along with his well-being.

He notes the role on General Hospital has been a blessing in many ways. Looking ahead to the new year, Duell hopes to turn the page both personally and professionally.

“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 toward everybody around me. I want to make sure that I take care of myself.”

Duell’s character garnered him six Daytime Emmy Award nominations, and in 2015 he took home the win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Meanwhile, Duell joins a growing list of actors the ABC soap opera who are on their way out this year, including Michael Easton, Avery Kristen Pohl, Gregory Harrison, and Kelly Monaco.

Monaco, who had 21 years and two Daytime Emmy nominations on the show, was confused over the decision to kill off her character, as reported by Deadline.

When news broke in late August, Monaco claimed the move was “retaliation” in a since-deleted post on “Soap Hub’s” Instagram.