“General Hospital” fan favorite Steve Burton announced he’s taking a brief hiatus from the ABC soap and has taped his last episode for months.
The news comes two years after Burton returned to “General Hospital” as Jason Morgan, a character he has played since 1991. Burton confirmed his break from the show this week and has further clarified his decision.
Steve Burton Opens Up About His Brief Exit From ‘General Hospital’
On his podcast That’s Awesome with Bradford Anderson, who plays Spinelli on the ABC soap, Burton opened up about why he is taking a leave of absence. Burton admitted that living his best life and spending time with his family are the reasons for his decision.
“Life is more important than anything else. I had a couple executive producers who said once, ‘Hey, family and life is way more important than any show that you’re ever going to do.’ That really hits home after the passing of James Van Der Beek. You look at James and his family, and all this guy wanted was five more minutes with his wife and kids, you know?” Burton expressed.
The “Days of our Lives” alum is referring to the death of “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11 at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. Burton admitted that being on a soap can become a “hamster wheel”, especially since he has been doing it for decades.
While Burton has so much love for “General Hospital” and his family there, it’s a grind that takes away from his real-life family. Burton married Michelle Lundstrom last spring. They have a blended family. He is the father of two daughters and a son, and she is the mom to two daughters.
“I have a family too. I’m newly married. I want to take a break. I want to live life a little bit and go enjoy,” he shared, adding, “I’m just excited to take a break, spend time with the family, and just go live a little, and be grateful that I have a chance to do that. That’s a gift in itself.”
‘General Hospital’s Steve Burton Addresses Online Rumors
Burton made it clear that he and Jason will be back in Port Charles this summer. He revealed he has nothing but faith in the writers and the powers that be on how his return as Jason will be handled.
The actor also took a moment to address the online speculation surrounding his leave of absence, shutting down various rumors.
“I’m not sick, Michelle’s not pregnant, and I’m coming back in the summer. There you go,” Burton stated.
“The Young and the Restless” alum expressed his frustration with the false narratives being circulated about his break. Burton called out the negative and hateful messages he’s received since he announced he’s on a hiatus from “General Hospital.”
However, Burton put his own positive spin on the negativity, saying, “Let’s get our perspective straight. It’s a blessing to wake up and go, ‘I have no ailments. I feel good. I’m 55. I want to go live a life, and it’s OK, too.”
Jason and Burton will remain on-screen for the next few weeks due to the ABC soap’s filming schedule.
