As General Hospital moves steadily toward 2026, Port Charles is undergoing one of its most emotionally charged transitions in years.

For a series that has thrived for more than six decades, cast changes are nothing new—but the scale, timing, and emotional weight of

these recent departures have left fans stunned. Some exits were quietly written into the story, others followed contract shifts or creative redirections,

and a few remain wrapped in uncertainty. Together, they signal a pivotal reset for the iconic ABC soap.

Behind the hospital corridors and dramatic confrontations lies a simple truth: General Hospital is reshaping its canvas. Longtime staples are stepping away, legacy figures are fading into the background, and newer characters are being forced to stand on their own. Here’s a full, in-depth look at the five major GH stars who are leaving—or have effectively been written out—before 2026, and what their exits mean for the future of Port Charles.

1. Jon Lindström (Dr. Kevin Collins / Ryan Chamberlain)

Exit confirmed: January 2026

One of the most significant departures comes with Jon Lindström, who has portrayed Dr. Kevin Collins since 1993—and simultaneously brought terror to Port Charles as serial killer Ryan Chamberlain. Few actors have left such a deep psychological imprint on the show. Kevin was not just the hospital psychiatrist; he was often the moral anchor during the darkest storylines, offering clarity amid chaos.

Kevin’s recent storyline revolved around protecting his great-grandson, Ace Cassadine, from escalating threats—particularly those tied to Jen Sidwell. Ultimately, the show wrote Kevin out by sending him to Dublin, Ireland, where he accepted a teaching position and took Ace with him to ensure the child’s safety. The farewell aired in early January 2026, punctuated by deeply emotional scenes between Kevin and Laura Collins.

While Lindström’s role on another soap (Beyond the Gates) may have influenced scheduling, his absence leaves a noticeable void. Laura now faces life without her husband, opening the door to loneliness, vulnerability, and possibly new romantic or political challenges. Whether this is a permanent goodbye or a long-term hiatus remains uncertain—but for many fans, it feels like the end of an era.

2. Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos)

Original exit: January 2025 | Impact continues into 2026

Though Chad Duell technically exited General Hospital in early 2025, the ripple effects of his departure continue to shape storylines heading into 2026. As Michael Corinthos, Duell embodied the tortured legacy son of Sonny Corinthos and Carly Spencer—a character defined by trauma, ambition, and moral conflict.

Over 15 years, Duell guided Michael through prison, corporate wars, family betrayals, and devastating personal losses. His portrayal earned him a Daytime Emmy and cemented Michael as a core figure in the Corinthos dynasty. Duell’s decision to leave was reportedly personal, motivated by grief and a desire to explore new opportunities.

Michael has since been recast, but fans still feel the tonal shift. Relationships feel sharper, conflicts more aggressive, and the emotional texture has changed. Michael remains central to GH, but Duell’s exit forced a recalibration—one that continues to reverberate through Carly, Sonny, Willow, and the entire Corinthos orbit.

3. Kieran and Caris Barry (Ace Cassadine)

Exit confirmed: January 2026

The departure of child actors Kieran and Caris Barry, who alternated as Ace Cassadine, was directly tied to Jon Lindström’s exit. Born into one of the show’s most dangerous legacies, Ace represented hope amid chaos—a symbol of redemption following Esme Prince’s turbulent storyline.

Ace’s removal from Port Charles simplifies several volatile plotlines while preserving future potential. By sending him to Dublin with Kevin, the show ensured his safety while leaving the door wide open for a return—possibly as an older child or even a future teen recast.

Though brief, the Barry twins’ presence played a crucial narrative role, particularly for Laura and Kevin, whose guardianship of Ace softened their storylines and emphasized themes of protection, family, and legacy.

4. Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin)

Status: Off-screen since August 2024, no confirmed return

Few characters are as deeply woven into General Hospital history as Scott Baldwin. Portrayed by Kin Shriner since 1977, Scott has been everything from romantic lead to comedic foil to razor-sharp legal mind. His absence since mid-2024 has not gone unnoticed.

Shriner himself has publicly expressed confusion regarding Scott’s status, suggesting the character may be sidelined indefinitely. With no confirmed return date as of early 2026, Scott’s quiet disappearance feels less like a storyline pause and more like a silent farewell.

Scott’s absence is especially felt in legal storylines, where his wit and unpredictability once dominated the courtroom. His departure leaves a generational gap—one that newer characters have yet to fully fill.

5. Josh Swickard (Detective Harrison Chase)

Status: Heavily rumored exit in 2026

While not officially confirmed, mounting speculation suggests Josh Swickard may exit General Hospital in 2026. Since debuting in 2018, Harrison Chase evolved from a straightforward cop into a deeply emotional character defined by love, loyalty, and inner conflict.

Recent story developments—combined with Swickard’s expanding family life and outside commitments—have fueled rumors of an impending departure. If Chase leaves, it would dramatically affect Brooklyn Quartermaine, the PCPD dynamic, and several unresolved emotional threads.

Chase’s possible exit feels particularly bittersweet. He represents a modern era of GH, blending romantic vulnerability with moral integrity. Should he go, it’s likely the door will remain open for a future return.

What These Departures Mean for General Hospital

Five major exits—confirmed or strongly implied—signal a turning point. These aren’t just cast changes; they are structural shifts that alter family hierarchies, power dynamics, and emotional foundations across Port Charles.

Soap opera exits are rarely final, and General Hospital thrives on comebacks, recasts, and reinvention. Still, the emotional weight of losing so many familiar faces in such a short span is undeniable. Longtime viewers feel the change before it’s fully visible onscreen—through quieter scenes, reflective dialogue, and storylines that feel like closure.

As 2026 unfolds, General Hospital appears poised for transformation. Endings will make room for new beginnings, fresh conflicts, and unexpected alliances. While goodbyes are painful, they are also essential to keeping the series alive, relevant, and emotionally resonant.