Michael Corinthos: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Infobox soap character

| name = Michael Corinthos▼

| series = General Hospital

| portrayer = {{Plainlist}}

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* [[Drew Garrett]] (2009–2010)

* [[Chad Duell]] (2010–present)

* [[Robert Adamson (actor)|Robert Adamson]] (2022)

* (and [[#Casting and portrayals|others]])

| years = 1997–present

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| spinoffs = ''[[General Hospital: Night Shift]]''

| classification = [[List of General Hospital cast members#Main cast|Present; regular]]

| image1 = Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos.png

| caption1 = Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos

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* [[Retail clerk|Salesclerk]]

~~| residence = [[Port Charles (fictional city)|Port Charles]], [[New York (state)|New York]]~~

| family = {{Plainlist}}

* [[Quartermaine family|Quartermaine]]

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| spouse = {{Plainlist|

* [[Nelle Benson]] (2018)

* [[Willow Tait]] (2020–2021, 2023–present)

}}

| children = {{Plainlist|
* [[Wiley Cooper-Jones]]

* Amelia Corinthos

▲|}} ~~name~~ = ~~Michael~~ ~~Corinthos~~

| grandfathers = {{Plainlist}}

* [[Alan Quartermaine (General Hospital)|Alan Quartermaine]]

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* [[Monica Quartermaine]]

* [[Bobbie Spencer]]

* [[Virginia Benson]] (adoptive)

* [[Adela Corinthos]] (adoptive)

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==Casting and portrayals==

Born on-screen on December 29, 1997, the role was originated by child actors Blake and Dylan Hopkins. The twin actors were replaced by Tiarnan Cunningham in 2001, who stayed with the series until 2002. On March 28, 2002, [[Dylan Cash]] made his first appearance as Michael, aging the character and revising his birth year to 1995. After three years with the series, Cash signed a contract in April 2005. In March 2008, rumors began circulating that Cash's contract was about to expire and would not be renewed,<ref name="Cash OUT Rumor">{{cite web|url=http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2008/03/22/shocking-rumor-dylan-cash-out|title=SHOCKING RUMOR: Dylan Cash OUT???|date=March 22, 2008|first=Jamey|last=Giddens|publisher=[[Zap2it]]|work=[[Daytime Confidential]]|access-date=November 30, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210042517/http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2008/03/22/shocking-rumor-dylan-cash-out|archive-date=February 10, 2013}}</ref> and by April several sources confirmed the fact.<ref name="SC Cash OUT">{{cite web|url=http://soapcentral.com/gh/news/2008/0414-cash.php|title=Dylan Cash ousted, Michael headed for recast|date=April 11, 2008|first=Dan J.|last=Kroll|publisher=Soapcentral.com|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> ''[[BuddyTV]]'' reported that Cash was blindsided by his firing, and confirmed the series was considering aging the character. It was also rumored ~~that~~ ABC was considering ''[[As the World Turns]]'s'', actor [[Jesse Lee Soffer]] for the role.<ref name="Buddy-Cash Fired">{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/general-hospital/general-hospital-dylan-cash-fi-18667.aspx|title= General Hospital: Dylan Cash Fired?|date=April 17, 2008|first=Kris|last=De Leon|publisher=David Niu, Andy Liu|work=[[BuddyTV]]|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> Cash made his last appearance as a contract cast member on May 16, 2008, briefly reprising the role for one episode on December 29, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/gh/whoswho/michael.php|title=About GH: Who's Who in Port Charles: Michael Corinthos III|publisher=Soapcentral.com|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref>

{{cquote|You'd think growing up as the son of a mobster would mean violence wasn't a big deal, but a stray bullet (meant for his dad) sent Michael into a coma that changed his life, and his family, forever. After a year asleep - and a subsequent stint in prison - Michael is no longer the sweet little boy everyone remembers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital/corinthos/character-michael-corinthos|title=Character Michael Corinthos Biography|work=[[General Hospital]]|publisher=[[ABC Daytime]]|access-date=December 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122111541/http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital/corinthos/character-michael-corinthos|archive-date=November 22, 2012}}</ref>}}

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|source =Garrett on the reason for the recast.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/>}}In March 2009, after months of speculation, it was confirmed by ''[[TV Guide]]'' that soap newcomer, [[Drew Garrett]] had been cast in the role and would make his debut on April 24, 2009.<ref name="TVG Garrett">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/Soaps/General-Hospital-recast-1003972.aspx|title=General Hospital Exclusive: Meet Sonny's New Son|date=March 12, 2009|work=[[TV Guide]]|first=Matt|last=Mitovich|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/gh-casts-new-michael-corinthos/2009/03/12/|title="GH" casts new Michael Corinthos!|date=March 12, 2009|first=Michael|last=Fairman|work=On-Air On-Soaps|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> The casting of Garrett also confirmed the character's [[SORAS]] aging;<ref name="Garrett Casting">{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/gh/news/2009/0316-garrett.php|title=Long rumored, recast of Michael Corinthos now confirmed|date=March 13, 2009|first=Dan J.|last=Kroll|work=Soap Central|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvsourcemagazine.com/soaps/news/981-newcomer-drew-garrett-cast-as-new-michael-corinthos|title=GH's New Michael Corinthos|date=March 12, 2009|first=Omar|last=Nobles|publisher=SoSource Media LLC|work=TV Source|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Michael would now be seventeen, revising the character's birth year to 1991. Garrett revealed that he first auditioned for the role with [[Laura Wright]], who portrayed Michael's mother, Carly. After about three weeks of waiting, Garrett finally was asked to return for a session with the producers. At this time, Garrett was still unaware of the role he was auditioning for, knowing it only to be "Michael," and a week later his agent told him his follow up screen test was cancelled and that he was the new Michael Corinthos.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> On March 22, 2010, several reports surfaced confirming that Drew Garrett had been let go from the series, and the role of Michael was to be recast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/generalhospital/news/id/7507/General_Hospital_Recasting_the_Role_of_Michael_Cor/|title=General Hospital Recasting the Role of Michael Corinthos|date=March 22, 2010|publisher=Atomic Online|work=Soaps She Knows|access-date=November 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115080146/http://soaps.sheknows.com/generalhospital/news/id/7507/General_Hospital_Recasting_the_Role_of_Michael_Cor|archive-date=November 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://soapcentral.com/gh/news/2010/0322-garrett.php|title=Drew Garrett out, GH recasts Michael|publisher=Soapcentral.com|first=Dan J.|last=Kroll|date=March 22, 2010|access-date=December 3, 2012}}</ref> Garrett made his final appearance in the role of Michael on April 19, 2010.

Garrett's Michael is very rebellious, and edgy.<ref name="SOD032210">{{cite ~~book~~magazine|title=Godfather & Sons|~~chapter~~department=Feature Interview|~~work~~magazine=[[Soaps In Depth]]|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|

pages=62–67|first=Rosemary A|last=Rossi|date=March 22, 2010}}</ref> He is all about exploring, "stirring up trouble and crossing boundaries."<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> The bad behavior is Michael's way of reclaiming the life he's lost.<ref name="SOD032210"/> He wants to live a full life, without limitations and believes embracing danger is the way to do it.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> Michael is in complete denial about how much has changed. Michael is not in any way thinking about his future. He is just worried about how he can get the most excitement out of the life he currently has. Michael refuses to take no for an answer which often gets him into trouble. According to Garrett, Michael does not believe he has any other options in life which is why he is determined to work for his father. Michael stubbornly refuses to accept that working for Sonny is not an option.<ref name="SOD032210"/> Things are further complicated when Michael cannot control emotions. What makes matters worse is that Michael does not know why he gets so angry; the not knowing perpetuates the anger.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/>

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|quote = "I like it from an emotional standpoint. I also like it from a responsible standpoint. Twelve-year-olds shouldn't be picking up guns; I don't care if your father is a gangster. And if they do, there's got to be a consequence. We make directly culpable the people who love him most."<ref name="Guza EW Shooting"/>

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|source =Bob Guza on the consequences of Michael's actions.}}From November 2007 to February 2008, then headwriter, [[Robert Guza, Jr.|Robert Guza]] temporarily vacated his post during the [[2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] and was temporarily replaced by [[Garin Wolf]].<ref name="Guza EW Shooting">{{cite ~~web~~magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20189728,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411065417/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20189728,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2008|title=GH Writer Addresses Michael Shooting|date=April 9, 2008|first=Abby|last=West|~~work~~magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.|Time]]|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> It was during this time that the first gun violence storyline with Michael unfolded and Michael accidentally shoots Kate Howard ([[Megan Ward]]).<ref name="NYDN021708">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a-sudden-shooting-general-hospital-article-1.312112|title=A sudden shooting on 'General Hospital'|date=February 17, 2008|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|publisher=Daily News, L.P.|first=Carolyn|last=Hinsey|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> Though his family uncovers his involvement in the shooting, Michael does not face any consequences.<ref name="Guza EW Shooting"/> When Guza returned to his post as head writer, rumors circulated on [[Internet message boards]] that Michael would be the next casualty of a mob war. According to one poster, Michael would be left comatose in order to "spirit the character off the canvas and ignite the current true-loving Jason's bloodlust for the Zaccharas."<ref name="Cash OUT Rumor"/> It was originally speculated that the character would be [[killed off]] the show entirely.<ref name="SC Cash OUT"/> The storyline culminated on April 4, 2008, and the character ends up in a coma.<ref name="Guza EW Shooting"/>{{quote box

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|quote = "I think it’s a culmination of things. First of all, I have been in a coma, so I am already disgruntled with that, and then the fact that she was not there when I woke up doesn’t make it any better. It’s one more thing on the plate that makes him worry about his life when he was in a coma. Did they care? Were they around? I don’t know if they were around. All I can sort of remember is Claudia’s voice, vaguely. Sonny took me under his wing and did his best to help me understand and figure out why I am what I am."<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/>

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|source = Garrett on Michael's anger towards Carly.}}With the announcement of Garrett's casting, many questioned how the character would return to the canvas.<ref name="Garrett Fairman">{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/general-hospital/the-drew-garrett-interview-general-hospital/2009/06/11/|title=The Drew Garrett Interview – General Hospital|date=June 11, 2009|first=Michael|last=Fairman|work=On-Air On-Soaps|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> Michael finally wakes up on May 18, 2009, with cousin [[Lulu Spencer]] ([[Julie Marie Berman]]) at his bedside.<ref>{{cite ~~web~~magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2009/05/18/exclusive-gener/|title=Exclusive 'General Hospital' clip of Carly and Michael's reunion|date=May 18, 2009|first=Abby|last=West|~~work~~magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref> The now 17-year-old Michael must battle significant health complications before becoming a "normal" teenager. After a risky surgery to keep Michael from slipping into a persistent vegetative state, Michael wakes up.<ref name="NY Coma Boy">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/coma-boy-awakes-a-changed-person-general-hospital-article-1.410316|title=Coma boy awakes a changed person on 'General Hospital'|date=May 8, 2009|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|access-date=November 30, 2012|first=Carolyn|last=Hinsey}}</ref> Garrett explained that while Michael healed physically, his mental and emotional health would cause drama. Because Michael and his adoptive half-sister [[Kristina Davis]] ([[Lexi Ainsworth]]) have very little contact growing up, the writers considered developing a romance between the two. Garrett believed that if either of them were to develop feelings, it would be Kristina, as Michael is too preoccupied with his recovery.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> Michael is immediately angry with Carly for not being present when he opens his eyes, and believes she is trying to replace him by having another child. The storyline also allows for further development of Michael's relationship with Jason, who also suffered from a brain injury when he was a little older than Michael. Jason becomes Michael's confidant.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> The story also featured a guest appearance on the June 29, 2009 episode from then [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] Outfielder, [[Connor Jackson]], as Michael's physical therapist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2009/06/baller-conor-jackson-on-general-hospital|title=Baller Conor Jackson on 'General Hospital'|date=June 2, 2009|first=Errol|last=Lewis|work=[[Soap Opera Network]]|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=~~http~~https://~~sports~~www.espn~~.go~~.com/espn/news/story?id=4271439|title=Backup plan: Conor Jackson|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]]|work=[[ESPN The Magazine]]|first=Conor|last=Jackson|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref>

In the meantime, Michael's new stepmother, Claudia Zacchara ([[Sarah Brown (actress)|Sarah Brown]]), begins fishing for information trying to figure out if Michael remembers her bedside confessions about her involvement in his shooting.<ref name="NY Coma Boy"/> During his recovery, Michael takes a liking to Claudia as his stepmother, according to Garrett "because she tells me what I want to hear," and though she starts out trying to manipulate him, Claudia actually comes to care for him, and Michael sees this.<ref name="Garrett Fairman"/> Michael even goes so far as to label Claudia as being "cool." This does not sit well with Jason who suspects Claudia of having something to do with the shooting that landed Michael in a coma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2009/05/28/general-hospital-promo-claudia-is-so-cool|title=General Hospital Promo: Claudia is "So Cool"|date=May 28, 2009|first=Luke|last=Kerr|publisher=[[Zap2it]]|work=[[Daytime Confidential]]|access-date=December 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210083939/http://daytimeconfidential.zap2it.com/2009/05/28/general-hospital-promo-claudia-is-so-cool|archive-date=February 10, 2013}}</ref> In the summer of 2009, as Claudia begins to grow paranoid, she gets into a car accident which leads to her suffering a miscarriage. Michael is believed to be responsible for the accident; to avoid facing what he believes he has done, Michael and Kristina run away to [[Mexico]]. Claudia then enlists sociopath, [[Jerry Jacks]] ([[Sebastian Roché]]) and orders him to track them down and kill them; instead Jerry uses the teens to lure Jason into a trap. Fortunately, Michael realizes that Jerry is holding them prisoner; Michael is very much like Sonny when it comes to recognizing a threat. Kristina doesn't want to believe Jerry is going to hurt them, but because the siblings were brought up differently, they see the situation differently. Michael and Kristina's attempt to live independently and start new lives in Mexico is cut short and they are forced back to Port Charles. However, the adventure leads to Michael's first kiss with a local girl, Marita.<ref name="On the Run">{{cite journal|title=late-breaking news: GH TEENS ON THE RUN|page=12|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=August 18, 2009}}</ref>

By this time, Brown had started speaking out against the direction of her storyline, and her disapproving of Claudia intentionally trying to hurt Michael or Kristina. The complaints were followed by the announcement of Brown's departure in September 2009 with her onscreen exit slated for October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvsourcemagazine.com/soaps/news/958-sarah-brown-announces-departure-from-gh|title=Sarah Brown Announces Departure From 'GH'|date=September 16, 2009|publisher=SoSoure Media|work=TVSource|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Most fans assumed that once the truth about Claudia's involvement in Michael's shooting was revealed, she would end up dead. An article from ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' called for just that.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2009/09/18/sarah-browns-out-will-claudia-be-killed-off-general-hospital/|title=Sarah Brown's out: will Claudia be killed off General Hospital?|date=September 18, 2009|first=Allison|last=Waldman|publisher=[[AOL]]|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Due to Brown's exit coinciding with November [[Sweeps]], it was expected that Brown's exit would have a major impact on the storyline. According to a spokesperson for the series, her exit would be "buzz-worthy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soapcentral.com/gh/news/2009/0914-brown.php|title=Wild ride over, Sarah Brown leaving GH|first=Dan J.|last=Kroll|work=Soap Central|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref>

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After the murder, Michael makes a "startling" change in behavior by not showing any emotional reaction, believing Claudia deserved what she got, and justifying his actions to save his mother and sister. However, Michael only feels guilty because he did not come forward about his flashbacks sooner and knows he could have prevented the situation. When it comes to Claudia, "Michael is in a very dark place," said Garrett to ''Soap Opera Digest''. The reckless behavior is Michael's attempt to live up to the [[Corinthos family|Corinthos]] reputation, even going so far as to sic Sonny's goons on Kristina's jerk boyfriend, [[Kiefer Bauer]] ([[Christian Alexander]]). Despite Sonny's disapproval, Michael is more than determined to join Sonny's organization.<ref>{{cite journal|title=HOT Plots Preview!|page=16|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=November 17, 2009}}</ref> Michael feels invincible believing he got away with what he did because of who his father is.<ref>{{cite journal|title=GENERAL HOSPITAL|page=99|date=December 15, 2009|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]}}</ref> Most of Michael's decisions are a source of conflict for his parents. Michael constantly insinuates himself into Sonny's business, despite Carly and Jason's disapproval. Sonny disapproves too, but believes keeping Michael close will protect him. Weeks prior to his 18th birthday, Michael warns his parental figures that he will start making decisions for himself.<ref>{{cite journal|title=GENERAL HOSPITAL: A BREWING STORM|page=99|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=November 24, 2009}}</ref> From the moment Michael realizes that Sonny might be convicted, Michael returns home with the evidence (his bloody shirt) in hand. However, Dante does not believe Michael's claims of guilt until after a forensics exam confirms them.<ref>{{cite journal|title=HIT PARADE|first1=Lauren|last1=Flynn|first2=Mara|last2=Levinsky|first3=Tom|last3=Stacy|pages=38–40|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=April 6, 2010}}</ref> According to Duell, Michael is in turmoil because no one wants him to confess. Dante tells Michael that if he comes forward, the judge will give him a lighter sentence. Duell stated: "[Dante] thinks I need to get it off my chest. Of course he wants Sonny in prison, but he doesn't want me to hold this burden on myself. He wants me to get it out of my system." Dante relays Michael's story to the entire courtroom moments before the verdict for Sonny is delivered.<ref name="ABC 1">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429033522/http://abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital/Duell-interview-1|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital/Duell-interview-1|title=Chad Duell Interview|page=1|date=April 2010|archive-date=April 29, 2010|publisher=[[ABC Daytime]]|work=[[General Hospital]]|access-date=December 18, 2012}}</ref> When asked about Michael's future following the murder confession, Duell said, "A different life. He's going to go through a big change. He's going to have a much different lifestyle."<ref name="ABC 3"/>

Michael is sentenced to 5 years in prison, with the possibility of parole in 2 years ~~witch~~which is a minimum sentence for taking a life. He was forced to go in alone. Some of the prisoners give him trouble because he is Sonny's son, but one man named Carter ([[Josh Wingate]]) protects him. However, on May 21, Carter warns Michael and decides that he must repay him for protecting him. Michael fights him off, but Carter returns that night and tells Michael to "pay up" as he corners him. In the next episode, Jason discovers a nearly catatonic Michael and realizes something is wrong. Jason tries to help him cope without actually acknowledging what he believes happened. Michael is in denial when Jason finally questions him about the incident and he blames himself for "everything," by rehashing Claudia's murder. Hints are dropped, but Michael never confirms anything. Joe Diliberto of ''Soap Opera Digest'' acknowledged that the storyline, which started out pretty straightforward, started to become very vague. Duell admitted that "As the actor playing him, I play it a certain way; how I feel [events] played out, so it's still a mystery."<ref name="Dual Duell">{{cite web|url=http://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/chad-duell-portrays-dual-meanings-0|title=Chad Duell Portrays Dual Meanings|first=Joe|last=Diliberto|date=July 2, 2010|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|work=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> Before any confirmation, Guza said the "focus right now is on the horrific experience of an 18- or 19-year-old who is thrown into a terrible situation like this." He didn't want to make the story so specific so soon, but said the story could go in that direction. Michael has to deal at some point, but because of who Michael is, and who his father is, it is expected that he would get unwanted attention and attacks. Guza also revealed that Michael would get out of prison relatively quickly, but whatever happened to him would "fester."<ref name="Rape?">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/General-Hospital-Rape-1019183.aspx|title=What Exactly Happened to General Hospital's Michael?|date=June 3, 2010|first=Michael|last=Logan|work=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> It is later revealed that Jason's rival, the crazed artist [[Franco (General Hospital)|Franco]] ([[James Franco]]) sent Carter after Michael in prison. Though by this time, nothing has been confirmed, Jason believes Michael was raped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/General-Hospital-Franco-1019732.aspx|title=New Details on James Franco's Crazy General Hospital Return|date=June 18, 2010|first=Michael|last=Logan|work=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref>

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Even with his new sense of freedom, and his new love, Michael is still determined to break into the mob. Upon his release, Michael "swore to himself he would never let anyone make him feel small and helpless as Carter (Josh Wingate) did to him and there's a part of him that wants to have the power now after feeling completely powerless," Duell revealed.<ref name="SSK Duell">{{cite web|url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/generalhospital/news/id/18769/Soapscom_Interviews_General_Hospitals_Chad_Duell/|title=Soaps.com Interviews General Hospital's Chad Duell.|date=July 25, 2011|publisher=Atomic Online|work=Soaps She Knows|first=Lori|last=Wilson|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Michael feels as if something was stolen from him in prison, so he wants to use the mob to fill that void. Despite understanding Michael's reasons for wanting to be in the mob, Duell described the obsession as "silly," because Michael is willing to throw his life away, despite all the support and opportunities he has.<ref name="SSK Duell"/> Fortunately, Abby is able to distract him from those desires and convinces him to work at ELQ with her instead.

However, Michael and Abby's age difference becomes a big problem for his mother, and his little sister, Kristina. Duell said that Michael and Abby have "common ground with each other. Michael went through something really awful and she has been through abusive stuff." In addition, Michael and Abby do indeed love one another. Michael Fairman worried that because of Duell's performances whenever Michael is faced with tough situations, Michael would eventually lose Abby. Duell responded saying he'd have no problem playing a scenario in which Michael loses Abby, if it made sense, and was well written; however, he was content with and enjoyed building Michael's relationship with Abby.<ref name="Duell-Bogart">{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/ghs-chad-duell-andrea-bogart-interview-michael-abbys-romance-elq-and-working-together/2011/08/13/|title= GH's Chad Duell & Andrea Bogart Interview: Michael & Abby's romance, ELQ, and working together!|date=August 13, 2011|first=Michael|last=Fairman|work=On-Air On-Soaps|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref> Fairman's words may have been prophetic because Andrea Bogart officially departed from the series several months later on December 13, 2011, when Abby is killed in a construction accident, leaving Michael devastated. Bogart stated that she hoped that Michael would eventually find some happiness because he had been through so much.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/andrea-bogart-talks-about-her-exit-from-general-hospital/2011/12/17/|title=Andrea Bogart talks about her exit from General Hospital!|first=Michael|last=Fairman|work=On-Air On-Soaps|date=December 17, 2011|access-date=November 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701183833/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/andrea-bogart-talks-about-her-exit-from-general-hospital/2011/12/17/|archive-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Romance with Starr and A.J.'s return (2012–2013)===

Upon Alderson's introduction as Starr, viewers and critics immediately began speculating that the two would be paired together. Duell said that he really enjoyed working with Alderson and said that he was ready for Michael to find some happiness. Michael and Starr's relationship starts off complicated because Sonny is believed to behind the deaths of her family.<ref>{{cite ~~book~~magazine|~~chapter~~department=HOT Plots Preview|title=GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Rescues Starr|page=12|~~work~~magazine=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=March 6, 2012}}</ref> However, they immediately relate to one another because they are both grieving the loss of people they love. According to when Starr and Michael first start to bond, it is like one big "therapy session." Michael has to get Starr to trust him which is complicated by the fact that he could not save her family, and his father is the prime suspect in her family's murders. Michael defending Sonny causes a lot of trouble for the duo. Duell revealed that even if Michael and Starr were to become romantic, it would take quite some time as both of them needed to heal first.<ref>{{cite ~~book~~magazine|title=Starr's New Savior|~~chapter~~department=News|page=6|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|~~work~~magazine=[[Soaps In Depth]]|date=March 19, 2012}}</ref> Even when Starr begins lashing out at Sonny, Michael understands that she has to blame someone. Talking with Starr starts the healing process for Michael. The two become friends rather quickly despite their father's being at odds. However, Duell revealed that a romance was possible once they could get past what has happened. But Duell hoped that it would not be rushed.<ref>{{cite ~~book~~magazine|~~chapter~~department=News|title=Starr-Crossed Lovers?|page=6|~~work~~magazine=[[Soaps In Depth]]|date=April 16, 2012|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]}}</ref> According to Duell, helping Starr, could eventually help Michael come to terms with his own loss.<ref>{{cite journal|title=looking for a new love|page=57|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]|date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> And by the summer of 2012, Michael and Starr have admitted their feelings for one another and began dating. However, their new friendship and budding romance is threatened with re-introduction of Michael's sister, Kristina (Lindsey Morgan) and the arrival of her reality show producer, [[List of General Hospital characters (2010s)#Trey_Mitchell|Trey Mitchell]] (Erik Valdez). Trey seems to annoy Starr a lot, which causes Michael to become a bit more protective of her. However, when Starr and Trey begin to commiserate over their fathers, Starr feels as if Michael is overreacting.<ref>{{cite ~~book~~magazine|~~chapter~~department=News|title=Will Trey Fall For Starr?|pages=5|date=November 26, 2012|~~work~~magazine=[[Soaps In Depth]]|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]}}</ref> Nothing ever comes of Trey's advances, as Michael and Starr grow closer as she supports him through the return of his biological father, and the death of his uncle.

The re-introduction of Michael's biological father, A.J. ([[Sean Kanan]]) completely turns his life upside down. Michael grows up believing the bitter battle was started by A.J. However, when A.J. tells him otherwise, Michael initially refuses to believe A.J.'s claims of being drugged in an alley by Carly, or left hanging on a meat hook by Sonny until he confronts his mother and she confirms A.J.'s stories. Michael is completely blindsided and disgusted by his mother's past actions. He never expected any of what A.J. told him to be true. Though he does not condone A.J.'s own actions – like kidnapping Michael and faking his death – Michael reminds Carly that A.J. only tried to defend himself in the war she started. Michael has mixed emotions; he does not know what to feel. Michael has so many questions running through his head, and majority of them begin with "What if?" Michael is completely torn on what to do. Is A.J. capable of change or telling the truth; would giving A.J. a chance hurt his relationships with Carly and Sonny.<ref name="gold star">{{cite book|chapter=gold star|title=Soaps In Depth|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|pages=94–95|volume=16|issue=50|date=October 10, 2012|title-link=Soaps In Depth}}</ref>

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===2012–2014===

Michael befriends a grieving [[Starr Manning]] ([[Kristen Alderson]]) after his failed attempt to save her daughter and boyfriend, and they soon start dating. Meanwhile, Michael clashes with Kristina's reality show producer [[List of General Hospital characters (2010s)#Trey_Mitchell|Trey Mitchell]] (Erik Valdez) because of his friendship with Starr. As the family mourns the deaths of Jason and Michael's great-grandfather [[Edward Quartermaine]] ([[John Ingle]]), Michael becomes the center of yet another battle between Sonny, Carly and a very much alive A.J. ([[Sean Kanan]]). Michael bonds with A.J., hoping to build a relationship with him. Together, Michael and A.J. remove [[Tracy Quartermaine]] ([[Jane Elliot]]) as CEO of ELQ, allowing A.J. to take her place. Starr suddenly leaves town and dumps Michael over the phone. Michael gets drunk and wakes up in bed with Sonny's ex-wife [[Brenda Barrett]] ([[Vanessa Marcil]]), believing they have slept together; it's later revealed that they didn't.

Michael welcomes Morgan ([[Bryan Craig]]) and his scheming girlfriend [[Kiki Jerome]] (also played by Alderson) into his home. Michael and Kiki initially clash, but soon fall for each other and kiss. They are soon led to believe they are cousins when Kiki is revealed to be [[Franco (General Hospital)|Franco]]'s ([[Roger Howarth]]) long lost daughter. By the time their connection is proven false, Morgan and Kiki have eloped. When Kate ([[Kelly Sullivan (actress)|Kelly Sullivan]]) is murdered, A.J. is the prime suspect, and Michael defends his innocence. At Morgan and Kiki's reception, a grieving Sonny reveals that Morgan knew Kiki and Michael weren't related, and he married her so Kiki would not leave him for Michael. A furious Morgan blames his family for favoring Michael. Michael and Kiki start dating when she dumps Morgan.

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In April 2015, Duell won the [[Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series]]. While it was Duell's fourth nomination, it was his first in the supporting actor category and his first win overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daytimeconfidential.com/2015/04/27/chad-duell-wins-outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-drama-series-daytime-emmy|title=Chad Duell Wins Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Daytime Emmy|date=April 27, 2015|first=Luke|last=Kerr|work=[[Daytime Confidential]]|access-date=April 27, 2015}}</ref>

In 2023, Charlie Mason from ''[[Soaps She Knows]]'' placed Michael at #36 on his ranked list of ''General Hospital’s 40+ Greatest Characters of All Time'', commenting "Despite having one dad who’s a career criminal (hey there, Sonny Corinthos) and another who never met a plot that he wouldn’t hatch (R.I.P, A.J. Quartermaine), Carly’s son is the straightest of arrows. Unless, that is, he’s out for revenge; in that case, all bets are off."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Charlie |title=General Hospital's 40+ Greatest Characters of All Time, Ranked [PHOTOS] |url=https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/general-hospital-greatest-characters-ever-pictures/ |website=[[Soaps She Knows]] |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>

===Michael's shooting===

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|source =Chrissie Ortiz on Duell's performance.}}Though the potential storyline garnered the attention of many, some questioned if the show went too far in the storyline. Due to the rarity of television shows dealing with the reality of prison rape, critics wondered if the story was being used progressively or just to garner ratings. A majority of fans believed that the story was much too dark. During an interview with then scriptwriter, [[Karen Harris (writer)|Karen Harris]], Lori Wilson of ''Soaps She Knows'' applauded Duell for his "fantastic" work. Harris herself acknowledged that it was very risky, but "brilliant" to put Sonny's son in that position and applauded [Bob] Guza for his bravery in going in that direction.<ref name="Karen Harris SSK">{{cite web|url=http://soaps.sheknows.com/generalhospital/news/id/14769/Interview_Former_General_Hospital_Writer_Karen_Har/|title=Interview: Former General Hospital Writer Karen Harris. (Part Two)|date=February 1, 2011|first=Lori|last=Wilson|publisher=Atomic Online|work=Soaps She Knows|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Daniel Villarreal of the online magazine ''[[Queerty]]'' commented, "Showing [the rape's] effects on the young man makes for a more heartrending tale than if they’d just shown the attack." Other soap operas, ''[[All My Children]]'', ''[[The Young and the Restless]]'', and ''[[One Life to Live]]'' all featured storylines alluding to prison rape in the 1980s, but ''GH'' is the first of the genre to actually address the reality in full.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queerty.com/does-general-hospitals-teen-prison-rape-storyline-go-too-far-20100528/|title=Does General Hospital's Teen Prison Rape Storyline Go Too Far?|date=May 28, 2010|first=Daniel|last=Villarreal|work=[[Queerty]].com|access-date=November 30, 2012}}</ref>

''[[TV Guide]]'s'' Michael Logan compares the storyline to [[HBO]] television series, ''[[Oz (TV series)|Oz]]'', believing that the show would show the full experience.<ref name="Rape?"/> Logan also noted that the storyline became very vague, as if the writers were struggling with whether to continue with the plot because of fan outrage when it was only implied that Michael may have been raped.<ref name="Michael Rape"/> Chrissie Ortiz of ''TVSource'' noted that Michael's confession scenes "struck an emotional chord" allowing for the actors to deliver "heart-wrenching" performances. Ortiz labeled Duell's performance as "brilliant" and applauded scriptwriters, Karen Harris and [[Michele Val Jean]] for their "amazing writing".<ref name="TV Source-Rape">{{cite web|url=http://tvsourcemagazine.com/soaps/opinions/1816-gh-a-painful-admission-brings-an-emotional-reveal|title=GH: A Painful Admission Brings An Emotional Reveal|date=February 2, 2011|first=Chrissie|last=Ortiz|publisher=SoSource Media|work=TVSource|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> Michael Fairman awarded Duell, as well as his costars with the Power Performance of the Week in February 2011 for Michael's confession scenes. Fairman called Duell's performance "riveting."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/power-performance-of-the-week-the-cast-of-general-hospital/2011/02/06/|title=Power Performance of the Week: The cast of General Hospital!|date=February 6, 2011|first=Michael|last=Fairman|work=On-Air On-Soaps|access-date=November 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913111621/http://michaelfairmansoaps.com/news/power-performance-of-the-week-the-cast-of-general-hospital/2011/02/06/|archive-date=September 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ortiz said that Duell's performance during Michael's confession made up for the shocking recast because he was able to take a very complex role and make it his own. Duell's performance pulled you into the scene and Ortiz described it as being "full of such raw emotion." However, Ortiz criticized the promo for the following week in which the narrators asked the question, "Can Sonny help his son heal?" Ortiz disapproved of the story becoming about other characters; Ortiz then stated the question should've been, "How will Michael heal?"<ref name="TV Source-Rape"/> Duell was listed as the Performer of the Week for in the March 8, 2011 issue of Soaps Opera Digest for the scenes in which Michael confesses to being raped. Soap Opera Digest said, "And with his heartfelt, poignant, portrayal, Duell has finally and firmly made this role his own."<ref>{{cite journal|title=PERFORMER OF THE WEEK|date=March 8, 2011|journal=[[Soap Opera Digest]]|publisher=[[American Media (publisher)|American Media, Inc.]]}}</ref>

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[[Category:General Hospital characters]]▼

[[Category:Adoptee characters in television]]

▲[[Category:General Hospital characters]]

[[Category:Fictional murderers]]

[[Category:Fictional business executives]]

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[[Category:Fictional criminals in soap operas]]

[[Category:Fictional victims of sexual assault]]

[[Category:Fictional characters with amnesia]]

[[Category:Fictional blackmailers]]