Fans of Chad Duell won’t forget the last time they saw him onscreen in Port Charles as Michael. The date was January 21, 2025 when Michael made the decision to leave town and be admitted into a specialized burn unit in Germany to heal after the explosion. Though many hoped Duell would return, on May 23 last year, Michael made a surprising appearance at the Nurses Ball but it wasn’t Duell’s face viewers saw but rather that of The Young and the Restless fave Rory Gibson (ex-Noah), who has made the role his own.

Since leaving daytime behind, Duell had kept his followers updated during the next chapter of his life and made his last post on his official Instagram in September of 2025. And now, he’s back — back on social media and with a message for you…

“Been off the socials for a while…” Duell stated while posting a photo wearing a white tank, jeans and black cowboy hat. “Always good to do a bit of a break from all the noise. Hope everyone had a good holiday season. Happy New Year… next one’s gonna be a good one.”

No matter where life takes Duell next, we know he’ll do amazing things. And being a dad to son Dawson, well, he’ll surely have his hands full now that his little one is a toddler. We send him all the best on his journey!