Steve Burton, the Daytime Emmy–winning actor behind iconic mob enforcer Jason Morgan, announced he is stepping away from General Hospital for a short hiatus. Burton confirmed via Instagram that his absence is temporary and that he plans to return this summer.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Burton is taking a temporary hiatus from General Hospital and will return this summer.
- The actor has already taped his final episode, but Jason Morgan will remain on screen for weeks.
- Burton’s exit comes amid high-stakes storylines involving Britt, Sonny, Anna, and Sidwell.
Burton Bids Farewell…For Now
“Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I’ll be taking a short break from General Hospital,” Burton wrote. “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer. Much love.”
According to Soap Opera Digest, Burton has already taped his final episode — for now. His last day at the studio was Friday, February 6, just ahead of the show’s upcoming two-week production hiatus. Because GH tapes in advance, viewers can expect Jason Morgan to remain on screen for several more weeks before Burton’s break is reflected in episodes.
Burton, who married chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom on May 17, 2025, is no stranger to stepping away from the ABC soap. He first debuted as Jason Quartermaine in 1991 and has experienced multiple exits and returns over the decades. After leaving the show in 1999, he returned briefly in 2000 and 2001 before reclaiming the role full-time in 2002.
In 2012, Burton made another difficult decision to exit. Reflecting on that choice years later, he described it as emotionally challenging but ultimately right for his family. During that period, Burton joined The Young and the Restless as Dylan McAvoy, earning a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Nikki Newman’s long-lost son.
You Can Go Home Again
Burton returned to GH in 2017, reclaiming the role of Jason after a storyline revealed that the character previously believed to be Jason — played by the late Billy Miller — was actually his twin, Drew Cain. He departed again in 2021 following the show’s COVID vaccine mandate.
After leaving GH, Burton returned to Days of Our Lives, reprising Harris Michaels — the role that launched his soap career in 1988 — on Beyond Salem and later the main series. His long-awaited comeback to GH was announced during ABC’s prime-time special General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars & Storytelling on January 4, 2024. Burton officially reappeared on screen as Jason Morgan on March 4.
Burton’s temporary exit comes at a pivotal moment in Jason’s storyline. Jason has recently reconnected with Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), who is now in serious danger from Sidwell (Carlo Rota). The villain also threatens Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Mayor Laura Collins (Genie Francis), placing Jason squarely in the middle of escalating chaos.
Meanwhile, Jason has learned that close friend Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) has allegedly suffered a mental breakdown and has been institutionalized in France — though Jason suspects the WSB may be behind her troubling situation.
For now, fans can rest assured: Jason Morgan isn’t gone for good — and Steve Burton’s return to Port Charles is already on the horizon.
