Rory Gibson Takes Over as Michael Corinthos in General Hospital
Port Charles is about to experience some fresh drama as Rory Gibson steps into the iconic role of Michael Corinthos on General Hospital starting Friday, May 23. Taking over from Daytime Emmy-winner Chad Duell, who portrayed the character for 15 years before his departure in January, Gibson aims to bring a new vision to the beloved soap opera character.
Excitement Surrounds Gibson’s Casting
A spokesperson for General Hospital expressed enthusiasm for Gibson joining the cast, stating, “We are excited to welcome Rory to our show.” Gibson, previously known for his role as Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless from 2021 to 2023, noted that his journey to secure the role was a multi-step process that ultimately led him to the long-running ABC soap.
A Long Road to Port Charles
Initially auditioning for another character, Vaughn, Gibson recounted, “I came in and did a chemistry read with Eden McCoy, then had a chat with executive producer Frank Valentini.” Later callbacks led him to screen-test for Michael alongside actresses Kate Mansi and Katey MacMullen. “A couple of weeks went by, and they brought me in for another screen test with Steve Burton and Laura Wright,” he shared. “About a week after that, I was locked in, and it’s been a nice little journey ever since.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Celebrating a Family Legacy
Gibson shares a nostalgic connection with the show, recalling, “My family watched General Hospital religiously when I was growing up.” This familial bond made his casting all the more special. He joyfully recounted the moment he told his grandma about landing the role. “She was just shouting, hollering, screaming,” he said. “Right when I got off the phone, I could hear her yell to my uncle in the background, ‘He’s Michael Corinthos!’”
Understanding Michael’s Complexity
To prepare for his debut as Michael, Gibson took a thoughtful approach to research. He wanted to respect the legacy of the character, as Duell had defined Michael for over a decade. “I tried to stay away from watching too many old episodes, focusing instead on summaries and conversations with a friend who’s a diehard fan,” Gibson explained. “I received a detailed summary from the show, which was very helpful.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
A Character at a Crossroads
Gibson describes Michael’s return as being fraught with tension, stating, “He is at a huge crossroads in his life. He has a thirst for vengeance and justice because of what Drew Quartermaine put him through.” The actor believes that, despite Michael’s yearning for peace, the turmoil surrounding him suggests that a calm life may be elusive. “I don’t see that happening,” he adds.
Welcoming Support from Colleagues
Gibson’s transition into the new role has been largely supported by the cast and crew, particularly casting director Mark Teschner, who took the time to help him acclimate. “Teschner really took me under his wing,” Gibson shared, praising the kindness of ongoing cast members like Katey MacMullen and Sofia Mattsson. “They’ve both been unbelievably kind, showing me the ropes.”
Building Relationships on Set
Adjusting to his new environment, Gibson found camaraderie with his costars. “It’s been pretty incredible,” he noted. “Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos, is so lighthearted and fun when he’s not in character. Steve Burton and Laura Wright are equally amazing to be around, making it easy to bond with everyone.”
Social Media Challenges
Gibson faced unexpected scrutiny when a seemingly innocuous Instagram post led fans to speculate about his casting. “I posted a picture of my dressing room, and suddenly fans were flooded with messages saying, ‘You’re at GH!’” he recalled. “I was surprised and thought, ‘How do all these people know?’” He quickly decided to be more cautious about his social media presence following that experience.
Reflecting on Previous Roles
Before joining General Hospital, he starred as Noah on The Young and the Restless, cherishing his time in Genoa City. “I loved it, I really did,” he reminisced, mentioning that cast members became like family to him. He still keeps in touch with them, indicating the strong relationships he built during his previous role.
A New Beginning
As Gibson prepares for his debut, he expressed excitement for the challenges that lie ahead. “I feel a strong connection to Michael,” he said, recognizing the character’s intense storylines and richer stakes. “It’s thrilling and challenging, and I’m feeling very fulfilled in this new role.”
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. Check local listings for details.