Steve Burton, the longtime fan-favorite who portrays Jason Morgan on General Hospital, has announced that he is taking a brief break from the ABC soap. The actor shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, assuring them that his time away is temporary and rooted in a joyful personal milestone.
Steve Burton Announces Short Break From General Hospital
“Hey everyone,” Burton wrote. “I wanted to share that I’ll be taking a short break from @generalhospitalabc. I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I’m grateful for all the support and will be back this summer.”
The message sparked an outpouring of support from viewers who have followed Burton’s multi-decade journey as the iconic Stone Cold. Thankfully, Burton’s reassurance means Jason Morgan won’t be gone for long — just long enough for the actor to enjoy his newlywed life before returning to Port Charles.
A Look Back at Steve Burton’s Daytime Legacy
Burton’s connection to General Hospital is one of the most enduring relationships in daytime television. His first appearance on December 19, 1991, introduced fans to Jason Quartermaine, a kind-hearted member of the illustrious Quartermaine family. Following a life-altering accident, the character shed his privileged past and reemerged as Jason Morgan, a stoic enforcer whose loyalty and moral complexity quickly cemented him as an essential part of the show’s landscape.
Major Career Milestones
1991: Burton debuts as Jason Quartermaine on General Hospital.
2012: Announces his departure from the series after more than two decades.
2013: Joins The Young and the Restless as Dylan McAvoy, a role that would earn him a Daytime Emmy Award in 2017.
2016: Reveals he will not renew his Y&R contract and prepares to exit the role.
2017: ABC announces Burton’s triumphant return to General Hospital, thrilling long-time fans.
2021: The actor exits the series following the enforcement of the production’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
2022: Burton joins Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem as Harris Michaels and completes filming in late 2023.
2024: Burton confirms he has finished filming another run as Jason Morgan, officially returning to GH before the end of the year.
What Burton’s Break Means for GH
For now, details surrounding how General Hospital will handle Jason’s temporary absence remain under wraps. Whether the show opts for an off-screen explanation or writes a brief exit into ongoing storylines, fans can expect Jason’s summer return to be a major moment — potentially tied to high-stakes drama, mob tension, or long-brewing emotional fallout.
With Burton’s history of jaw-dropping re-entrances, viewers can bet the writers will use his comeback to ignite fresh twists in Port Charles.
