Steve Burton announced his departure from ‘General Hospital’ in November 2021 through a video on his Instagram page, addressing the rumours surrounding his exit. In the video, he revealed that the decision was a result of the vaccine mandate, stating that despite applying for medical and religious exemptions, both were denied, which he found disappointing.
Emphasizing the importance of personal freedom, Burton expressed his belief that no one should lose their livelihood over vaccine mandates while expressing gratitude for his time at General Hospital.
In a later interview in July 2022, Burton elaborated on his departure, acknowledging the tough circumstances. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for his time at ‘General Hospital’, considering it his family for a long period. Discussing the public sharing of his “personal choices about vaccines,” Burton recognized that being a public figure comes with such scrutiny and stated that it was his belief and personal choice.
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Reflecting on his departure, Burton maintained a positive perspective, acknowledging that life involves doors closing and opening. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity at ‘General Hospital’, highlighting the positive aspects and choosing to handle the situation with appreciation rather than negativity.
The return date for Steve Burton to resume his role as Jason on ABC’s General Hospital has not been officially confirmed by the network. According to reports as of 7th January, Burton has not yet filmed his initial scenes back on the show. Soap operas typically shoot well in advance of their scheduled air dates, suggesting that Jason’s comeback might still be several months away.
While awaiting his return to ‘General Hospital’, fans can continue to watch Steve Burton on ‘Days of Our Lives’. His remaining episodes on the show are set to air through the spring of 2024.
– Farheen Ali