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The emotional exit of Steve Burton as Jason Morgan on General Hospital has left a massive void in Port Charles, and according to Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos), the onscreen goodbye was just as heavy behind the scenes.
The Emotional Final Scenes
Maurice Benard recently opened up to Soap Opera Digest about his final scenes with Burton. Benard compared the weight of the goodbye to Anthony Geary’s 2015 exit as Luke Spencer. Even though the script didn’t call for a permanent farewell, Benard admitted his real-life sadness over Burton’s hiatus bled into his performance.
Despite the emotional toll, Benard is fully supportive of Burton’s decision to step away. “He should be able to do whatever the hell he wants,” Benard stated, acknowledging the busy years Burton has had.
Steve Burton’s Take on the Exit
Burton himself weighed in on Jason’s controversial exit strategy, which saw the character taking the fall for Sonny’s grandson, Rocco, and being sent to a WSB black site. Burton admitted the exit wasn’t “ideal,” especially regarding Jason leaving his son, Danny, behind.
The Fallout for Sonny and Danny
With Jason gone, the landscape of Port Charles is shifting dangerously. Sonny, left without his enforcer, has formed an uneasy alliance with his brother, Ric Lansing. Burton predicts this alliance is “going to be a problem” when Jason eventually returns, given their long-standing hatred.
Meanwhile, Danny Morgan is struggling. Tempted to follow in his father’s “Stone Cold” footsteps to seek vengeance, Danny’s dark turn is a storyline Burton finds fascinating, though he notes Jason would never want that life for his son.
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Fans can rest easy knowing Burton is confirmed to return in Summer 2026, but the damage done in his absence might take years to undo.
