Steve Burton forced to leave 'General Hospital' as he refuses to get Covid vaccine
'General Hospital', the world's third longest-running scripted drama series in production, just saw the exit of one of its original and longtime cast members Steve Burton and the reason behind it may shock you. While the world is dealing with the pandemic and its deadly effects, the emergence of vaccines has brought much relief to everyone around the globe as means to avoid potential death. But not many believe in them and refuse to get vaccinated.
Steve Burton, one of the important cast members on the show is, unfortunately, one of them, and his refusal to get vaccinated led to his untimely exit from the show. The series' covid mandate is non-negotiable leading them to fire him. Read on to know more about the actor and his official confirmation of his exit
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Steve Burton's time on 'General Hospital'
Steve Buton joined 'General Hospital' in the year 1991 as Jason Quartermaine wealthy scion who later underwent a major personality change after becoming a victim in a car accident. This saw the character emerge as Jason Morgan the right-hand man of mob boss Sonny Corinthos. Burton has been part of the show for nearly three decades with the exception of the years 2013-2017, where he starred in CBS’ The Young and The Restless'. Fans of one of the longest-running soaps have practically seen the actor grow up in this role which won him his first Daytime Emmy Award.
Steve Burton's exit from 'General Hospital'
2020 was the year Covid-19 ravished masses across the world, but the emergence of the vaccine served as a boon. Even though it saves lives and ensures protection to others as well, many have refused to take the vaccine - actor Steve Burton being one of them. 'General Hospital' which has a strict Covid vaccine mandate let go of the actor over his non-compliance making him the second cast member to exit after Ingo Rademacher. The actor despite testing positive back in August states his non-compliance as personal freedom. After a swirl of rumors, the actor took to Instagram where he posted a video personally confirming his leave from 'General Hospital'. He says in the clip that his applications for medical and religious exemptions to the mandate were denied which hurts. He adds that no one should lose their livelihood over this, but expresses his gratefulness for his time on the show. After thanking fans as well he says, "Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor.”
Click below to see his official statement: