Rory Gibson, known for his role on The Young and the Restless, is set to portray Michael Corinthos on General Hospital starting May 23, replacing Chad Duell after 15 years. Gibson shares his excitement about joining the cast, highlighting family ties to the show. His audition process included chemistry reads and screen tests, ultimately securing the role amidst high anticipation. Michael returns to a pivotal point in his life, seeking justice following traumatic events. Gibson appreciates the cast’s warmth and camaraderie, considering this new role both thrilling and challenging, while cherishing his previous experience at Y&R.
Michael Corinthos is set to make his comeback on General Hospital on Friday, May 23, but with a fresh face. Rory Gibson, previously seen as Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless from 2021-2023, will be taking over the role formerly held by Daytime Emmy-winner Chad Duell, who departed in January after an impressive 15-year tenure.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rory to our show,” said a spokesperson.
Gibson shared that his journey to the ABC soap was quite lengthy. “I initially submitted a tape for Vaughn [Bryce Durfee],” he explains. “I came in and did a chemistry read with Eden [McCoy, Josslyn Jacks], followed by a great conversation with Frank [Valentini, executive producer], and I could see the wheels turning during our chat.”
Shortly after, Gibson received a callback, but for a different character. “It was super top secret,” he recalls. “I came in to screen-test with Kate Mansi [Kristina Corinthos] and Katey MacMullen [Willow Tait], and it went really well. They were incredibly warm and welcoming. A few weeks later, I was brought in for another screen test with Steve Burton [Jason Morgan] and Laura Wright [Carly Spencer]. About a week after that, they confirmed my role, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since.”
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Though Port Charles was new territory for him, he had some familiarity with the soap. “My family watched General Hospital religiously during my childhood,” Gibson says. “My grandma and mom were devoted fans, making it a surreal experience to come in for the screen test, especially with Steve, because I have memories of seeing his face on my mom’s TV as a kid.”
When Gibson landed the role, his family was understandably thrilled. “I called my grandma first, and she was shouting, hollering, and screaming,” he shares. “As soon as I hung up, I could hear her shout to my uncle in the background, ‘He’s Michael Corinthos!’ They were absolutely ecstatic.”
Prior to starting work, Gibson took the time to familiarize himself with Michael’s intricate backstory and family dynamics but avoided digging too deep into past episodes. “I didn’t want to mimic what anyone else had done, and I recognize how Chad truly embodied this character and did remarkable work, so I refrained from watching too many previous episodes and focused on online research,” he explains. “The show also provided me with a comprehensive summary, which was immensely helpful. Beyond that, I had many phone calls with my friend Jenna, a big fan, who filled me in on everything she could about the character. This way, I got a detailed understanding of who Michael is and where he might be in his life right now amid all the tumultuous events leading up to my arrival.”
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As for Michael’s situation on his return, Gibson notes, “He finds himself at a significant crossroads in his life. He’s driven by a desire for vengeance and justice due to what Drew [Quartermaine, Cameron Mathison] has put him through. Deep down, he craves a peaceful life after all he’s endured, but I sense that’s not on the horizon for him.”
Gibson mentioned that his first day went off without a hitch, and the cast and crew have been instrumental in helping him acclimate to the character. “When I first arrived, our casting director Mark Teschner, a genuinely great guy, took me under his wing and introduced me to everyone while ensuring I felt comfortable,” he shares. “As for the cast, Katey MacMullen and Sofia Mattsson [Sasha Gilmore] have been exceptionally kind. They’re two of the sweetest, most wonderful people to meet, and they’ve shown me the ropes.”
He has also enjoyed bonding with his other co-stars. “It’s been an incredible experience,” Gibson enthuses. “Maurice [Benard, Sonny Corinthos] plays such an intense and intimidating character on screen, but off-camera, he’s a jokester, lighthearted, and so much fun to be around. The same goes for Steve [Burton] and Laura [Wright]. I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic this cast is. Everyone’s so friendly; we’re already sharing numbers and planning outings. It’s been a delightful experience.”
However, he did encounter a small hiccup involving a social media post that gained unexpected attention. Gibson admits he was taken aback when a seemingly harmless photo from his dressing room led sharp-eyed fans to deduce his casting on the show. “You see a plain brown door and a blank wall,” he reflects. “Suddenly, I was flooded with messages saying, ‘You’re at GH! You’re at GH!’ I was like, ‘What’s happening? How does everyone know?’ For a moment, I thought, ‘Oh no, I hope I’m not in trouble. This felt pretty discreet.’ Since then, I’ve been careful not to post anything.”
Despite the online speculation about his role as the new Michael, Gibson maintained discretion. “Stepping into a recast situation, especially after someone has portrayed it for so long and so well, can be intimidating,” he admits. “Though I’ve done it before when taking over Noah on Y&R after Robert [Adamson], who also played Michael on GH for a considerable time. So far, the reception has been pleasantly calm. People have been really supportive.”
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Reflecting on his time in Genoa City, Gibson expresses deep appreciation. “I truly loved it. Everyone became like family to me. I still hang out with several cast members from there. Josh Morrow [Nick Newman, Y&R] and I go to the movies once a month; he feels like a second dad to me. We’ve grown very close. Cait Fairbanks [Tessa Porter] is among my closest friends, and we see each other often. I cherish everyone from that experience, but I am equally excited for this new scenery and pace.”
With his first episode set to air, Gibson is looking forward to what lies ahead. “I enjoyed portraying Noah, but I feel a strong connection to Michael,” he concludes. “He has so much more at stake, and the storylines connected to him are filled with suspense and consequences. It’s incredibly exciting to play and challenging, so I feel very fulfilled in this new role. It’s intense, but I’m loving every moment of it.”
General Hospital, Weekdays, ABC, Check local listings