Is Steve Burton returning to 'Days of Our Lives'? Uncovering reasons behind the unexpected exit

In an unexpected turn of events, Steve Burton bids adieu to Days of Our Lives, a mere year after his triumphant comeback as Harris Michaels. The departure, announced through a heartfelt video on the Daily Drama's YouTube page, sees Burton expressing profound gratitude to the cast and crew, stating, "Wow! Well, I just shot my final scenes here on 'Days of Our Lives,' and I just want to say, thank you so much to the cast [and] to the crew. It’s been amazing."

For Burton, this marks a poignant moment in his soap opera journey, one that began with his debut on Days of Our Lives back in 1988. After a year, he embarked on diverse roles, venturing into other beloved series such as The Young and the Restless and General Hospital.

Reflecting on the swift passage of the past year, Burton acknowledges the fans, stating, "I can’t believe it’s been a year already! So, thank you so much to the fans. It’s just … I’m always so full of gratitude. So thank you. Stay tuned," leaving fans intrigued about what lies ahead.


This departure comes after Burton's exit from General Hospital in November 2021, a decision rooted in his refusal to comply with the studio's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, citing religious and medical exemptions. Following this professional transition, Burton faced personal challenges, publicly disclosing the end of his marriage to wife Sheree in May 2022. The announcement clarified their separation and the reason behind it, revealing that Sheree was expecting her fourth child, not from Burton.

However, the soap opera carousel continues for Steve Burton as he prepares to make a triumphant return to General Hospital, reprising his role as Jason Morgan in early 2024. Last July, Burton spoke about leaving the ABC soap, expressing gratitude for his time on General Hospital, considering it his family, and appreciating the unwavering support from fans.

Amidst the professional reshuffling, Burton also navigates the complexities of divorce with Sheree after the news of her expecting a fourth child. The divorce proceedings unfolded over subsequent months, with Burton officially filing about two months after the separation announcement. Court documents reveal that the former couple, lacking a prenuptial agreement, finalized their split in December 2023. They now share joint legal and physical custody of their two minor children, Brooklyn and Jack.

Taking to Instagram to clarify the situation, Burton shared, "I wanted to clear something up. Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that she’s expecting her 4th child. The child is not mine. We are still co-parenting our three beautiful kids. We would appreciate privacy at this time. Much luv, Steve."

This juncture marks a multifaceted chapter in Burton's life, both in the professional realm as he embarks on a return to General Hospital and in the personal sphere as he navigates the intricate landscape of changing relationships.

FAQs

Is Jason coming back on General Hospital?
Just one day following the soap star's declaration of departure from Days of Our Lives, the 53-year-old actor unveiled his comeback to General Hospital, where he will once again take on the role of Jason Morgan.

Why did Steve Burton leave General Hospital?
Burton has been a Daytime Emmy-winning fixture in the role of Jason Morgan on General Hospital for more than two decades, initially from 1991 to 2012 and then reprising the character from 2017 to 2021. His tenure faced a hiatus when he was let go from the series in 2021 due to his refusal to adhere to the show's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.