Michael Easton is leaving 'General Hospital': 'I've loved every minute'
Michael Easton is checking out of the "Hospital."
The "General Hospital" star, 57, has announced he's leaving the long-running soap opera. He revealed the news Wednesday in a video shared on Instagram, which he shot after filming his last episode.
"I've always been partial to the Irish goodbye," Easton said. "That's where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you're gone. But I thought you all deserved better, so I just wanted to let you know I just filmed my final scenes here at 'General Hospital.'"
He continued, "I've loved every minute that I've been here, and I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you've shown me and my family. I will never forget you."
Easton has played multiple characters in over 900 episodes of "General Hospital," according to IMDb. After starring as John McBain on the soap opera "One Life to Live," he returned as the character on "General Hospital" before later portraying Silas Clay and Hamilton Finn.
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In his announcement video, Easton said that as he walks off the show's stage for the final time, "I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth."
The actor's final "General Hospital" episode is set to air Thursday.
Fans were emotional over Easton's departure in the comments of his Instagram post, with one follower writing, "I'm in tears right now! Michael you have been part of life for the better (part) of a few decades. From all the various characters you've played I’ve enjoyed every single one."
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News of Easton's exit comes one day after Jonathan Jackson revealed he's returning to "General Hospital" as Lucky Spencer, a role he began playing in 1993.
In an announcement on Instagram, Jackson said he is "super excited" to be back on the show starting this summer and "can't wait to dig in and see what's going on in Port Charles." He also thanked fans, saying their "persistence and love" played a part in his return.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'General Hospital' star Michael Easton exits show
