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After playing little-rich-boy-turned-hitman-with-a-heart-of-gold Jason Morgan on General Hospital for 21 years, Steve Burton is calling it quits. He told TVGuide.com that “it’s been nothing but a huge positive in my life and for my family. I have no complaints, no negative feelings at all. But it’s time to go.” He says his last tape date is Sept. 25, after which he’ll head to his new spread in Tennessee with his wife and two kids.

Reps for GH have declined to comment, but sources close to the show say that Burton’s words stand on their own, that it was well-known that he was thinking about leaving for some time now, and the details of his exit, including any possibility of recasting, are still being worked out. Jason is a hub character who affects many other story lines.

Burton tweeted to his fans Tuesday morning: “Morning. Just wanted to thank all of you for your support over the years. You are amazing. It’s been an incredible 21 yrs of my life.THANK YOU” READ FULL STORY »