General Hospital is marking its 16,000th episode with the return of fan-favourite actor Steve Burton, who reprises his role as Jason Morgan. The milestone episode was filmed on Monday, and Burton was seen on set alongside other long-standing cast members in a video shared on the show's Instagram account on Tuesday.
Burton, 57, first joined the soap in 1991 as Jason Morgan, a member of the wealthy Quartermaine family. After a car accident in 1995 left his character with permanent amnesia, Jason renounced his family ties and became the chief associate of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard. Burton has left the show multiple times, including in 2021 due to his refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, returning in 2024. He announced another hiatus in February, but is now back for the historic episode.
The Instagram video featured Burton posing with Benard, Laura Wright, Cameron Mathison, Chris L. McKenna, Jane Elliot, Cynthia Watros and Kristina Wagner. The caption read: 'There’s nothing like celebrating a milestone with friends, family, and cake to cure a case of the Mondays. 63 years and 16,000 episodes later, we’re still going strong thanks to all of you! Thank you so much for watching.' The episode is set to air on Monday, July 13, though further details on returning characters have not been confirmed.
Burton's return follows his February announcement of a short break, during which he married chef Michelle Lundstrom in a beachfront ceremony in May 2025. He shares three children with his ex-wife, Sheree Gustin. Meanwhile, another cast member, Kate Mansi, recently announced her departure from the show after three years, citing new projects and the need for flexibility to travel with her husband.
