Steve Burton, the beloved actor who stepped back into the role of Harris Michaels on Days of Our Lives, is saying goodbye once more. Fans were thrilled when he returned to the soap opera after a long hiatus just last year, but now, it seems the time has come for Steve to move on to the next chapter in his life. Let’s dive into the story behind this departure and explore the journey that brought him back to the screen.

Steve Burton's Journey on 'Days of Our Lives'

Steve Burton first stepped into the world of daytime television in 1988 when he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives. However, his initial stint on the show was short-lived, lasting only a year before he decided to pursue other opportunities. It wasn’t long after that he landed the iconic role of Jason Morgan on General Hospital, a role that would define much of his career for over two decades.

From Indiana to Hollywood: Steve's Early Days

Steve, a native of Indiana, found himself in the spotlight early in his career. His talent and charisma quickly propelled him into the world of soap operas, where he carved out a successful career. After leaving Days of Our Lives, he took on the challenge of playing Jason Morgan, a role that not only earned him critical acclaim but also a loyal fan base. For over 20 years, Steve became synonymous with General Hospital, earning a Daytime Emmy along the way.

Read also:
Julia Roberts And Danny Moder Are Dreaming Of A New Life In Europe

Leaving 'General Hospital': A New Chapter Begins

In 2012, Steve made the bold decision to leave General Hospital, marking the end of an era. He expressed his gratitude for the years spent on the show but felt it was time to step away. Speaking to TV Guide Magazine, he shared, “General Hospital has 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. I’m going to take some time off and do nothing but relax, just enjoy life a little bit with my wife and kids.”

However, the world of soap operas wasn’t done with Steve just yet. In 2017, fans were thrilled to learn that he would return to General Hospital to reprise his role as Jason Morgan. But fate had other plans, and in 2021, Steve left the show again, this time due to not complying with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Yet, this setback didn’t stop him. He quickly found his way back to the world of soap operas, joining Days of Our Lives and its spinoff Beyond Salem.

Why Is Steve Burton Departing 'Days of Our Lives' Again?

Just as fans were getting reacquainted with Steve as Harris Michaels, he announced that his time on Days of Our Lives had come to an end, at least for now. In a heartfelt video shared on Daily Drama’s YouTube channel in January 2024, Steve expressed his gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans. “Wow! Well, I just shot my final scenes here on Days of Our Lives and I just want to say, thank you so much to the cast [and] to the crew. It’s been amazing,” he said. “I can’t believe it’s been a year already! So, thank you so much to the fans. It’s just … I’m always so full of gratitude. So, thank you. Stay tuned.”

It’s clear that Steve cherishes the relationships he’s built during his time on the show. His decision to leave is bittersweet, but it’s also an opportunity for him to explore new ventures and continue evolving as an artist.

A New Chapter in Steve's Personal Life

As Steve bids farewell to Days of Our Lives, he’s also navigating significant changes in his personal life. In May 2022, he revealed that he and his wife, Sheree Burton, had separated after more than two decades of marriage. In an Instagram Story, he wrote, “I wanted to clear something up. Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that she’s expecting her fourth child. The child is not mine. We are still co-parenting our three beautiful kids. We would appreciate privacy at this time. Much luv, Steve.”

Steve and Sheree, who tied the knot in 1999, share three children: Makena, Brooklyn, and Jack. Their divorce was finalized in December 2023, marking the end of a long and storied relationship. Despite the split, Steve remains focused on his family and his career, proving that life’s transitions can be both challenging and rewarding.