‘Woke up the house’: Fans share excitement as ‘General Hospital’ announces Steve Burton’s return to the show

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Steve Burton, who played Jason Morgan on the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital' for three decades, is coming back to the show after being fired in 2021 for refusing to get vaccinated.

He revealed his return during a special episode celebrating the show’s 60th anniversary.

How did Steve Burton announce his comeback to 'General Hospital'?

Burton surprised his fans and cast members alike when he appeared on screen during the ABC primetime special on Thursday night January 4.

He walked through a doorway, accompanied by Laura Wright and Kelly Monaco who play Carly Corinthos and Sam McCall on the show. He said, “Happy anniversary 'General Hospital.' Big things are coming to Port Charles.”

Burton’s character, Jason, was presumed dead after a tunnel collapsed on him on Cassadine Island in November 2021. His body was never recovered and Variety reported that the show would not recast his role.

Burton confirmed his departure from the show on Instagram, saying that he was let go because of the vaccine mandate. He said he applied for medical and religious exemptions, but they were denied. He also expressed his hope to return to the show someday if the mandates were lifted.

Steve Burton refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19

Burton was one of two actors on 'General Hospital' who refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19; the other was Ingo Rademacher, who played Jasper Jacks. Rademacher was also fired from the show and he later sued the company, but lost.

Burton and Rademacher were among the few soap opera actors who publicly opposed the vaccine mandate which was implemented by Disney, the parent company of ABC, in 2021.

After leaving 'General Hospital', Burton joined another soap opera, 'Days of Our Lives' which streams on Peacock. He played a character named Evan Blackwell who was involved in a murder mystery plot. He filmed his final episode on January 4, 2024, just two days before his return to 'General Hospital' was announced, according to reports.

Steve Burton’s fans react to his return to the show

Fans of 'General Hospital' and Steve Burton were ecstatic to see him back on the show. They took to social media to express their joy and excitement. Some of the comments were

“I just screamed and clapped and woke up the house. lol. Oops. To say I’m excited is an understatement,” a fan commented on the video of the show shared by 'General Hospital' on X account.

“Yes. Steve Burton is back. Amazing.” wrote another fan. “I was screaming YES YES YES in my living room!!! I hope this means #SteveBurton is back!!! What a great special tonight.” said a third fan.

“Yay!!!” exclaimed one more. “Great gonna turn into the Carly/Jason/Sonny show again,” remarked one more X user. “Well that was a big surprise!” wrote one, "OH MY GOSH! Yes! Jason is coming back!" reacted anohter. 

Burton’s co-stars were also happy to have him back. Genie Francis, who plays Laura Spencer on the show, according to the publication, said earlier this year that she hoped Burton would return. She said, “He’s so missed — on screen and off. You’ve gotta admit, one of the nicest human beings who’s ever been with us.”