Steve Burton has been playing Jason Morgan for 21 years on General Hospital and that run is old enough to drink. That is something fans of his will need because he told TV Guide that he is leaving the lone ABC soap. He told the mag, “I’ve been through 21 years of ups and downs with GH — regime changes, cast and crew changes, budget cuts, shakeups of one kind or another, and it’s been nothing but a huge positive in my life and for my family. I have no complaints, no negative feelings at all. But it’s time to go. I’m going to take some time off and do nothing but relax, just enjoy life a little bit with my wife and kids.” He added that he bought a house in Tennessee and finally sold his LA one, so the time is right to move his family there.
Even though the show tried to keep him, he is at that point in his life where is ready to move on. And he could be doing so as early as September 25th, but he said he offered to stay on a little while longer so they can wrap up his storyline. Now even though he last day of filming could be as early as a month from now, we will see him on the show until as late as November.
So besides the big move across the country, he is also working on a television show with James Franco (who is partially responsible for getting on GH) and former GH EP Jill Farren Phelps, but he is not supposed to be talking about it just yet.
What I will be talking about is that I think it is such a shame that he is leaving the show. He is the heart and soul of the daytime drama. I understand his wanting to leave because 21 years is a really long time, but I will sincerely miss my favorite character on General Hospital.
UPDATE: Maurice Bernard Tweeted about his Partner in Crime leaving him a lurch, he said “Steve leaving is like a family member leaving the house. I may cry like a little girl who just lost her puppy.” I already have!
