Taking over an established role on a soap is hard enough, but imagine having to do so when that character you're set to play is going through a whirlwind of personal issues and your addition to the show is shrouded by a maelstrom of controversy. That's exactly what newcomer Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos) has had to endure during his three months with General Hospital.
Duell, of course, took over the role of Michael from another newcomer, Drew Garrett. For reasons that are still unknown, General Hospital opted to remove the Emmy-nominated Garrett from the role earlier this year. When Duell took to the screen, he had to hit the ground running because there was certainly going to be even more scrutiny about his work than normal.
In a new interview with Michael Fairman for his On Air, On Soaps web site, Duell talks about the challenges of being a recast and the difficulties that are involved in playing some heavily dramatic scenes -- and he also teases what (or who) Michael's future love life might involve.
"To be honest, I remember looking at [the courtroom scene] script ahead of time, and I was scared. I was still in the beginning stages of being on GH and getting to know my character, and I was nervous and freaked out," Duell recalled. "I was not at my best when I first started. I was just trying to fathom everything. So it freaked me out! And when I was up there in front of the cast and on the stand, and got it over with, I was like, 'Oh, my God. Thank God.' I had a breakthrough of what I was capable of, and there is still a lot more I have to prove in the future on the show, but it was freaky."
Duell also expressed a desire to set himself apart from anyone else who has played Michael, noting that his predecessor put in amazing work of his own.
"The last thing I want to do is emulate someone else, and Drew Garrett is a fantastic actor," Duell noted. "I am just saying, the worst thing for me is to come in and do the same thing."
In storyline news, Duell reveals that he's also in the dark about what head writer Bob Guza, Jr., has in store for his character.
"What really happened [to Michael in prison] will be revealed perhaps soon," Duell previewed. "But, Bob Guza said, 'It might be awhile.' It might be five months for all I know!"
As for whether or not Michael will soon have someone special in his life, Duell admits that Michael will more than likely have a girlfriend in the near future -- but he says that he's sure any relationship will be filled with drama.
For the complete interview, please visit:
michaelfairmansoaps.com/general-hospital/the-chad-duell-interview-general-hospital/2010/07/27/
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