Chad Duell explains why he left ‘General Hospital’ after 14 years: ‘I stifled myself’

nypost.com:

addressed his decision to leave the fictional town of Port Charles on a recent episode of “The Daily Drama Podcast.”“It’s a life adjustment,” he admitted. “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.”Duell said he’s excited for what’s ahead — but shared that a return to the soap series might still be in the cards.“I’m preparing myself for next chapters,” he said. “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.”“And that’s what I’ve not allowed myself to do in a long time, is step into more uncomfortable situations and grow, instead of comfortable and complacent,” Duell added.

The star — who became a first-time parent when he welcomed his son, Dawson, with his girlfriend in October 2022 — said he’s making his well-being a priority in 2025.“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 towards everybody around me.