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General Hospital's seminal character Gregory Chase, played by actor Gregory Harrison, left the show on May 21, 2024. Fans were left torn by this news, especially as he was a favorite among the cast from the fictional town of Port Charles.
Gregory had a typical loveable personality and his character arc showed growth even as he aged gracefully. His effort to rebuild his relationship with his sons, Hamilton Finn, and Harrisson Chase, was widely appreciated by viewers.
In the April 2023 plotline on General Hospital, Gregory Chase was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease—a fatally terminal neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Almost a year later in May 2024, his character died of heart failure. At the time, a representative from the show told Soap Opera Digest that Gregory's departure was inevitable and "storyline-dictated."
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General Hospital star Gregory Chase's natural death
Gregory Chase's character dealt with various aspects, such as vulnerability, love, familial ties, and the bond he shared between his sons. The character died a natural death on screen, passing away during his sleep peacefully. The makers of the show wrote him off, considering the character's depleting health condition.
The writers of General Hospital reportedly aimed to show the reality of the deadly disease and create awareness among viewers and fans. His departure was creatively woven into the show, leading to a realistic portrayal of a person battling ALS.
Gregory's life was one well-lived, his last days surrounded by his loving family. He had the chance to officiate his son Harrison Chase's wedding as well, which gave him a lot of fulfillment.
His death came the morning after he officiated his son's wedding, leading to a sense of closure. The writers aimed for this holistic depiction of departure.
General Hospital star Gregory Harrison was adored for playing Gregory Chase by his fans and co-stars alike. His co-stars, Michael Easton (Hamilton Finn) and Jophielle Love (Violet Finn), expressed their sadness on his exit. They took to Instagram on May 22 to pen a heartfelt tribute for him.
Jophielle Love, who played Gregory's granddaughter Violet on the show, called him "the best TV Grand Pa!" in her Instagram post.
Actor Gregory Harrison joined Hallmark projects after his exit from the show.
What happened next on General Hospital?
Gregory's passing showed his family's heartfelt reactions to coping with his death. His son Hamilton Finn's emotional response caused fans to empathize with him. Viewers saw him struggling to tell his daughter Violet about her grandfather's passing. Harrison Chase, his other son, grappled with the loss of his father amidst his wedding.
The show focused on how his family coped with the news. After Gregory's death, the show also returned to its usual plotlines of Sonny and Nina's relationship, mob drama, and the legal struggles faced by Alexis.
General Hospital's natural progression of events was loved by fans. While Gregory's death caused quite a stir, the writers were praised for their handling of such a sensitive issue as a terminal illness.
