Steve Burton is gearing up to step away from his role as Jason Morgan on General Hospital -- but not for too long.
"Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I'll be taking a short break from General Hospital," Burton, 55, shared via Instagram on Tuesday, February 10. "I'm newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I'm grateful for all the support and will be back this summer. Much love."
The actor shared a photo of himself in character along with his announcement.
According to a report from Soap Opera Digest on Tuesday, Burton filmed his final episode on Friday, February 6. Burton's short-term departure does, however, coincide with General Hospital's two-week production hiatus.
"We love Steve and I am glad the show worked it out so he can get some personal time with his family," General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini told Soap Opera Digest in a statement. "We have some great Jason story leading up to spring and look forward to his return in the summer."
Details about his official return date have yet to be revealed.
Burton made his debut as Jason in 1991, taking several breaks from the show over the years. He initially exited the series in 2012 before returning in 2017. Burton made headlines in November 2021 when he was let go from General Hospital after refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"Well, I know there's a lot of rumors and speculation about me and General Hospital, and I wanted you to hear it from me personally," he shared in a statement via Instagram at the time. "Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate."
He went on to join the cast of One Life to Live from 2023 to 2024 before making a surprise return to General Hospital. His return as Jason was teased in January 2024 during the General Hospital 60th anniversary special. Two months later, Burton's official return episode aired.
"OK, all right, so here's what's crazy, I'm back on the set. We're getting ready to shoot right now," he said in a video on the "Daily Drama" podcast YouTube channel in February 2024. "So, listen, I got to talk to the head writers. This story is going to be sick. It's gonna be awesome."
Ahead of his comeback, Burton made major headlines for his personal life. He filed for divorce from ex-wife Sheree Burton in July 2022, claiming that she was pregnant with another man's baby. Their divorce was finalized the following year.
The soap star moved on with Michelle Lundstrom, whom he wed in May 2025.
"This day isn't just about a ceremony," Steve told People at the time of their nuptials. "It's the beginning of forever with the love of my life."
Lundstrom, 45, told the publication that she had "never felt so safe and loved" before her relationship with Steve.
"I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, growing together each day in faith and love," he added. "Honestly, I've never felt so loved and cared for in my entire life. I'm incredibly grateful to have her by my side. She is the most amazing, beautiful, and selfless woman I've ever known. I love her so much."
