Curious about why General Hospital is saying goodbye to Ethan Lovett once again? The fan-favorite character has exited Port Charles after Nathan Dean’s short return to the soap earlier this year. With Dean always planning only a brief comeback after six years away, his departure doesn’t come as a surprise, but it may not be permanent.
Here is everything you need to know about Ethan Lovett leaving General Hospital, including why Dean turned down a longer deal and whether another return is possible.
General Hospital’s Ethan is leaving yet again
General Hospital has written Ethan Lovett out of Port Charles again.
The August 4 episode marked the character’s latest farewell from the soap. Christian Howard played Ethan during his final episodes. Dean’s final appearance as Ethan aired on July 17 before he left the role. Christian Howard later stepped in for Ethan’s final storyline. This week’s episode marked Howard’s final appearance as Ethan Lovett.
Speaking with TV Insider, Dean revealed producers originally wanted him longer. “Initially, they wanted three years.” However, Dean said his personal life made that impossible. “I said, ‘I can’t do three years. There’s a lot going on in my personal life. I need to be home with my wife and all this stuff, so can’t do three years, can’t do two years.’”
The actor explained both sides eventually reached a different agreement. “So, we agreed to do these next four months, see how it goes, and they have a pretty interesting little story lined up.” Dean also admitted he felt nervous before returning to daytime television.
“I’m definitely nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked in that environment, and it’s a very, very different environment than other shows that I’ve been doing.” He also said his first week came with several challenges. “I hope I still got it. My first week definitely had some growing pains at first.”
During his latest return, Ethan Lovett became involved in several major storylines. Although Ethan has exited the soap again, another future return still seems possible.
