'General Hospital' Cast News: Jason Thompson CONFIRMS Exit As Patrick Drake, Will Role Be Recast? [PHOTO]
General Hospital is soon going to be without the only surgeon who often saves the day with complicated surgeries at the drop of a hat.
Tristan Rogers Returning As Robert Scorpio
Jason Thompson, who portrayed neurosurgeon (who did all kinds of procedures if the need called for it) Patrick Drake for 10 years on the ABC soap has confirmed he will be exiting the show and the role, after making the decision not to renew his contract.
"I have made the difficult decision to bid farewell to a character I've loved playing for over 10 years," he wrote in an Instagram post over the weekend. "It was not an easy decision but I feel like it's time to hanf up Dr. Patrick Drake's white coat and scrubs. I want to thank Frank Valentini, Vicki Dummer and Paul Lee for their support and appreciate their understanding. To everyone at ABC, the General Hospital crew, producers, writers, directors, my beloved cast mates and those in my home away from home, the make-up room, I can't possibly begin to tell you what you mean to me. Most importantly, I would like to thank the fans. General Hospital changed my life and I have to thank you for that. I am forever grateful for your love and support and for embracing me and this character for all these years. I mean these words from the bottom of my heart: GH is family to me, and I will miss you all dearly."
Is Jason Thompson Leaving 'GH?'
Rumors had been surfacing that Thompson was on his way out, which coupled with the planned reappearances of his one-time on-screen wife, Robin (Kimberly McCullogh) and father-in-law, Robert (Tristan Rogers) during November sweeps, seemed to hint his character could be leaving town with his former love.
It is unclear how the character will exit, or if a recast is currently being planned for the role. It is also unclear if Thompson will consider making guest appearance or not, and what his leaving the show means for Robin's future returns on the show, or the current status of the couple's on-screen daughter, Emma (Brooklyn Rae Silzer).
A final airdate for the character has not yet been revealed.
