Steve Burton has left “Days of Our Lives” a year after returning to the series. However, the actor is hinting at a potential comeback on a different soap opera.
It’s the one series he has spent 30 years of his life on. So, is Burton returning to General Hospital?
As revealed on Daily Drama’s YouTube channel, Steve Burton is scheduled to return to “General Hospital” as Jason Morgan on March 4, 2024, marking a highly anticipated comeback after his departure in 2021.
Is Actor Steve Burton Going Back to General Hospital Again?
Steve Burton, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Jason Morgan, is returning to the beloved soap opera, “General Hospital.”
The exciting news was unveiled during the show’s 60th-anniversary special, which recently aired. A promo video titled “When One Door Closes” served as a tantalizing teaser for Burton’s comeback.
There he was heard saying,
“Happy anniversary, ‘General Hospital.’ Stay tuned. Big things are coming to Port Charles.”
With a legacy spanning two decades, Burton first portrayed Jason Morgan on “General Hospital” from 1991 to 2021, for an astonishing 30 years, and in over 2,200 episodes.
His remarkable performance left an indelible mark on the series and its dedicated fan base. Now, at 53, he’s set to reprise this iconic role, and viewers can hardly contain their excitement.
His portrayal of Navy SEAL Harris Michaels, which began in 1988, evolved over the years and made a notable return in the spin-off miniseries “Beyond Salem” in 2022 before being featured in “Days of Our Lives” in 2023.
Steve Burton’s return to “General Hospital” is not just a comeback. It’s an event. After a year-long stint on “Days of Our Lives,” Burton’s return was revealed in a rather grand fashion during the “General Hospital” 60th Anniversary special, aptly titled “60 Years of Stars & Storytelling.”
In a moment that had fans leaping from their couches, Laura Wright, Kelly Monaco, and Steve Burton himself announced his return to the show.
In a video that sent waves through the “General Hospital” fandom, Burton, on the set of the ABC show, couldn’t hide his excitement.
“Guess what? I’m back on set! We’re gearing up to start shooting right now,” he exclaimed. Burton’s return is not just a testament to his character’s significance but also to the actor’s enduring legacy in the world of soap operas. His tease of the storyline only adds to the anticipation:
“I got to talk to the head writers, this story is going to be sick. It’s gonna be awesome. So, make sure you keep watching, because the pieces of the puzzle are gonna be fit for when I return. And that return date, that air date, is March 4.”
But what does this return mean for “General Hospital” and its legion of fans?
Burton’s urging for viewers who had turned away to “get back” hints at significant plot developments and perhaps a new chapter in Jason Morgan’s complex narrative. His character, known for his loyalty, toughness, and a heart that occasionally shows through his stoic exterior, has been a cornerstone of the show’s success.
The promise of a “sick” storyline has us wondering: what twists and turns await Jason and the residents of Port Charles?
Why Did Steve Burton Leave General Hospital Before?
In November 2021, Burton made headlines when he disclosed that he had been dismissed from “General Hospital.”
His departure was due to his refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed by the production.
Burton shared this disheartening news with his loyal followers in a heartfelt video on his Instagram account.
In the video, Burton emphasized his desire to communicate this decision personally, expressing his deep disappointment over the circumstances.
He revealed that he had made efforts to secure both medical and religious exemptions, but regrettably, both requests were denied.
For Burton, the situation touched upon matters of personal freedom, where he believed that no one should lose their livelihood over-vaccination mandates.
Amidst his farewell message, Burton conveyed his gratitude to his fans and the “General Hospital” cast members who had been an integral part of his life for several decades.
He also wrote (via MTO News):
“I love it there. I grew up there. I grew up with some of you… Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor. And if not I’m going to take this amazing experience, move forward, and be forever grateful.”
That day is coming soon when he will return as Jason Morgan again on the show.
In addition to his professional transitions, Burton’s personal life underwent changes as well. In 2022, he announced his separation from Sheree Burton on his Instagram Story.
He revealed that while Sheree was expecting her fourth child, he was not the father. The former couple, who married in 1999, share three children together: Makena, Jack, and Brooklyn.
Overall, as Steve Burton embarks on this new chapter in his soap opera journey, fans eagerly await his return to the iconic role of Jason Morgan on “General Hospital.”
Are you excited to hear that Steve Burton is returning to “General Hospital”? Or do you feel that the show was better without him?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.