The casting shakeups at General Hospital just keep on coming! Hot on the heels of the news that Bryan Craig will make a one-day comeback as Morgan and Jonathan Jackson will return longer-term as Lucky Spencer, Michael Easton has confirmed his exit from the show. He has portrayed Dr. Hamilton Finn since 2016.
Easton made the announcement in a video posted to his official Instagram: I’ve always been partial to the Irish good-bye… but I thought you all deserved better. So I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital.
Expressing gratitude, Easton continued: I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage these past ten years. Most importantly, thank you all for the kindness and love you’ve shown me and my family. I’ll never forget you.
His former castmate Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) responded with praise, saying,
A Journey Through Soap Opera History
Easton’s soap career began in Salem, playing Tanner Scofield on Days of Our Lives from 1990 to 1992. Recalling his early days, Easton told Digest in 2015: I remember standing at a pay phone on Venice Boulevard… just enough change in my pocket to call my mom back home and tell her. She cried.
After DAYS, he pursued roles in prime-time shows like Ally McBeal and Total Recall. In 2000, he returned to daytime TV in Port Charles, playing Stephen and Caleb until the show’s cancellation in 2003.
The Many Faces of Michael Easton on GH
When One Life to Live ended in 2012, Easton quickly moved to General Hospital, alongside OLTL co-stars Kristen Alderson and Roger Howarth. He debuted on GH as John McBain before transitioning into new roles due to contract disputes between ABC and Prospect Park.
This led to the creation of Silas Clay, a role Easton described as challenging due to lack of input: I tried very hard but… I don’t feel like I ever got a good hold on that character.
In 2016, Easton returned as Dr. Hamilton Finn. His portrayal earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2018 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Despite challenges like character arcs involving familial loss, his impact remained significant among fans.
A Warm Send-Off for an Acclaimed Actor
Capping off an illustrious run, Easton’s departure marks not just an end of an era but opens avenues for new casting dynamics in GH. His return to The Bay The Series, which won Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series at the 2018 Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, remains another high point worth noting in Easton’s diverse career path.
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