The TV series "General Hospital"« marks its 16,000th episode with the return of beloved actor Steve Burton.
The actor joined the long-running soap opera in 1991 as Jason Morgan, a member of the elite Quartermine family. However, after a car accident in 1995, Jason permanently lost his memory, forcing him to renounce his roots and become a key associate of the mobster Sonny Corinthos (played by Maurice Benard).
Burton, 57, has left the show several times over the years. He was fired in 2021 for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but returned in 2024. Then, in February, he announced he was taking a break.
However, it appears Burton will return to the soap opera for its 16,000th episode, which filmed on Monday. In a video posted Tuesday on the show's Instagram account, the actor was seen posing on set with several of the show's longest-serving cast members, including Benard and Laura Wright.
«"There's nothing like celebrating a milestone with friends, family, and cake to beat the Monday blues," the caption reads. "63 years and 16,000 episodes later, we're still going strong thanks to all of you! Thanks so much for watching.".
Steve Burton joined the cast of General Hospital in 1991 (Getty Images).
Other stars also took part in the video. TV series "General Hospital", including Cameron Mathison, Chris L. McKenna, Jane Elliott, Cynthia Watros, and Kristina Wagner. It's not yet known which actors from past seasons will appear in the soap opera's anniversary episode, which will air on Monday, July 13.
Burton's return to the set comes several months after he announced his hiatus. "Hey everyone, I wanted to let you know I'll be taking a short break from @generalhospitalabc. I recently got married and am looking forward to spending time with my family," he wrote on Instagram in February. "I appreciate all the support and will be back this summer.".
The actor married chef Michelle Lundstrom in May 2025 in a beach ceremony, four months after announcing their engagement. He has three children with his ex-wife, Shere Gustin: Makenna, 22, Jack, 20, and Brooklyn, 11.
A new video has been released on Instagram* showing the cast of General Hospital reuniting for the 16,000th episode (@generalhospitalabc / Instagram).
Meanwhile, another beloved cast member TV series "General Hospital"« , Kate Mansi has announced her departure from the show after three years.
«I made a very difficult decision to leave TV series "General Hospital" »"," said Mansi's Stephanie Sloan of TV Insider "I have several new projects that require my full attention, and since my husband [Matt McInnis] is currently producing a series that shoots primarily overseas, I needed the opportunity to travel while continuing to work and develop in Los Angeles.".
The Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress will be playing Christina Davis, the daughter of Sonny Corinthos and his former lawyer Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn), in 2023. the TV series "General Hospital"« .