GH Shocker: Five Major Actors Exit Port Charles as General Hospital Faces a Pivotal 2026
The world of daytime television is always evolving, and General Hospital is no exception. As one of the longest-running soap operas in television history, the ABC staple has built its legacy on powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and emotional connections that span generations. But as 2026 begins, Port Charles is undergoing a noticeable shiftâone marked by major cast departures that could reshape the canvas in dramatic ways.
Since its debut in 1963, General Hospital has captivated audiences with its blend of romance, intrigue, medical drama, and complex family dynamics. Cast changes have always been part of the genre, driven by story needs, contract negotiations, personal choices, and creative direction. Still, the loss of familiar faces is never easy, especially when those characters have been central to the showâs identity for decades.
This year, five major performers have either exited or are rumored to be leaving the series. Each departure carries emotional weight and narrative consequences that will ripple throughout Port Charles.
John Linam Bids Farewell to Kevin Collins
One of the most impactful exits comes from John Linam, who has portrayed Dr. Kevin Collins since 1993. Kevin, the respected psychiatrist at General Hospital, has long served as a moral compass and emotional anchor for many characters. Linamâs dual portrayal of Kevin and his sinister twin brother, serial killer Ryan Chamberlain, showcased his remarkable range and earned widespread acclaim.
Kevinâs storyline in recent months revolved around protecting his great-grandson, Ace Cassadine, from looming threatsâparticularly the dangerous Jen Sidwell. Ultimately, the show wrote Kevin out by having him accept a teaching position in Dublin, Ireland, taking Ace with him to ensure the childâs safety. The emotional departure aired on January 5, 2026, following heartfelt scenes between Kevin and his wife Laura Spencer.
Linamâs exit leaves a significant void in both the medical and psychological aspects of the show. With nearly three decades on the canvas, his absence marks the end of an era. While fans hope the door remains open for guest appearances, Lauraâs storyline is already shifting as she navigates life without her husbandâpossibly paving the way for new emotional challenges or romantic possibilities.
Chad Duellâs Michael Corinthos Continues to Echo
Although Chad Duellâs final episode as Michael Corinthos aired in January 2025, the impact of his departure continues into 2026. Duell played Michael from 2010 onward, guiding the character from a troubled youth into a powerful businessman and devoted father. As the son of Sonny Corinthos and Carly Spencer, Michael was integral to one of General Hospitalâs most important families.
Duell cited personal reasons for leaving, including the desire for a fresh start following his fatherâs death. His portrayal earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 2015 and left a lasting impression on viewers. The role was recast with Rory Gibson in May 2025, bringing a new interpretation to Michael just as the character became embroiled in corporate warfare and family feuds.
As the show moves forward, Michaelâs evolving storyline reflects the broader theme of transitionâhonoring the past while allowing new creative directions to emerge.
Ace Cassadine Written Out Alongside Kevin
The departure of child actors Caris and Karen Barry, who alternated as Ace Cassadine since 2023, is directly tied to Kevin Collinsâ exit. Ace, the son of Esme Prince and Nikolas Cassadine, has been at the center of intense custody battles and family turmoil since birth.
By sending Ace to Dublin with Kevin, the show removed the child from immediate danger and from daily storylines. While child actor turnover is common in soaps, this exit felt particularly narrative-driven, reinforcing General Hospitalâs focus on generational storytelling. The move simplifies several plots while leaving the door open for Aceâs eventual returnâpossibly as an older, recast character.
Kin Shrinerâs Uncertain Future as Scott Baldwin
Another major absence is Kin Shriner, who has played Scott Baldwin since 1977. A fixture of Port Charles for nearly five decades, Scott has been a sharp-witted attorney involved in countless legal battles and iconic romances, including early ties to Laura Spencer during the legendary Luke and Laura era.
Shrinerâs last appearance aired in August 2024, and as of early 2026, no return date has been announced. His social media responses suggest uncertainty rather than a definitive goodbye, but his absence has left a noticeable gap in courtroom dramaâespecially with major trials unfolding on the show.
Fans continue to mourn the loss of Scottâs humor, cunning, and long-standing presence. Whether the role is recast or revived remains to be seen.
Josh Swickardâs Harrison Chase: A Possible Goodbye
Finally, speculation surrounds Josh Swickard, who has portrayed Detective Harrison Chase since 2018. While his departure has not been officially confirmed, rumors point to a potential exit in 2026, possibly influenced by storyline developments and personal life changes, including the birth of Swickardâs third child.
Chase has been a fan favorite thanks to his musical talent, romantic entanglements with Willow Tate and Brook Lynn Quartermaine, and his role within the PCPD. If he leaves, it would significantly alter police storylines and impact his marriage to Brook Lynn. Still, as with many soap exits, the door would likely remain open for a future return.
A Year of Transition for Port Charles
Taken together, these departures underscore the fluid nature of General Hospital. The showâs ability to adaptâblending beloved legacy characters with fresh facesâhas kept it on the air for nearly 60 years. While change can be bittersweet, it also fuels new storytelling opportunities.
As 2026 unfolds, subtle narrative shifts, reflective dialogue, and unresolved storylines suggest that Port Charles is entering a transitional chapter. Characters are questioning their futures, relationships are evolving, and long-running arcs are reaching natural conclusions.
Soap opera exits are rarely final. In General Hospital, âgoodbyeâ often means âsee you later.â Whether through recasts, guest returns, or unexpected comebacks, the legacy of these characters will continue to influence the canvas.
For viewers, the emotional impact is deeply personal. General Hospital isnât just a showâitâs a daily ritual, a familiar world shared across generations. While saying goodbye to beloved characters is never easy, change brings renewal. New stories emerge, unexpected connections form, and the drama of Port Charles continues to thrive.
As the next chapter begins, one truth remains constant: even when characters leave, their impact never fades.
