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That frantic typing sound you hear is the internet reacting to the news that after almost 21 years, Steve Burton has decided to leave his role of Jason Morgan on General Hospital.
TV Guide’s Michael Logan was the first to report the news in an exclusive interview with Burton. The actor told Logan that he has no complaints or negative feelings at all, but he felt that for him, it was just time to go. He recently bought a house outside of Nashville and is looking forward to some quiet time with his family.
Burton acknowledged in the interview that he knows it might not have been the best time storyline wise for him to walk away. Jason has been one of the leading men on the soap for years and is constantly front and center in most of the important storylines. He is currently going through a divorce from his wife Sam (Kelly Monaco) and doesn’t realize that the son she gave birth to (who is presumed dead) is actually his and is alive and well. Jason has also been spending a lot of time with the mother of his first child, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst).
There is no word yet on what will happen to Jason or if storylines will need to be rewritten due to Burton’s departure, but considering how integral Jason has been to the canvas over the years, it would only make sense that would be the case. Burton told Logan that his last tape date is Sept. 25, but he doesn’t know when his final airdate will be. He said he was willing to work with producers to help wrap things up so viewers might be seeing Jason into November.
Are you surprised by the news? What would you like to see happen to Jason? Would you support a recast? Sound off below and let us know what you think!
OH recast! How many times have they changed Carly? People will get used to it just make sure you have an attractive guy to pair with Sam and make sure he can act. Please don’t make John Mcbain or whatever Sam’s new guy. You really need to tone down One Life To Live here, what’s done is done. John does not fit in here.
I’m saddened to hear that Steve Burton is leaving. While I understand that he may want to leave, as a JaSam fan I’m heartbroken. I want to thank Steve for all of his years of dedication to GH and his character, Jason Morgan. Honestly, as a long time fan, there are so many days that I don’t even recognize or enjoy watching GH any more. I was only continuing to watch GH with the hope of Jason & Sam being reunited with their son. I’d like to see them sail away with their baby. Don’t recast Jason. There’s only ONE Jason Morgan, that’s Steve Burton, he made the character. I sincerely wish Steve and his family much luck and happiness. God bless.
I’m totally shocked. Steve as you mentioned is one of the leading actor’s. General Hospital, will never be the same it’s a (total tragedy) Please, don’t go, Jason. Definitely no re-cast, get him to stay.
Luck!…….
no recast put him on recurring and send him off to work for the wsb with Lucky that would help explain the absents of both.
No recast. No one will ever be Jason Morgan but Steve. Give this character the proper send off. Everyone kinda saw this coming
This is why no show should put all of its eggs in one storyline, or just a few actors especially when the it’s supposed to be an ensemble cast.
Never recast..they need to give them a happy ending storyline. He and KM have a chemistry unlike any other pairing and the fans need a good closure. I personally want them to ride away into the sunset with their baby. It probably won’t happen. Maybe it has become time to just give up GH, since it is now OLTL#2.