Soap Opera
Steve Burton Reveals the Story Behind Jason’s New Look on ‘General Hospital’
Steve Burton returned to ‘General Hospital’ on July 13 with an intentional new look, including weight loss, shorter hair, and bruises.
When Steve Burton made his long-awaited return to General Hospital on July 13th, he unveiled a brand-new look that left fans a bit startled. When Jason appeared on that plane looking like he had just been through a war, the audience had to do a double-take. That’s not the Jason Morgan fans have been used to for more than 30 years, but that’s the Jason who made his way back to Port Charles.
Why Jason Has a Whole New Look
In the weeks leading up to his return, Burton and GH hinted that Jason’s experience in an international prison would produce changes in the character that went beyond the physical. Indeed, Jason’s first stop when he landed was his family estate to see his son, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn). Without even telling Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright) he was back, Jason took off on a father-son road trip, which was the most out-of-character thing that Jason has ever done.
He also looked a lot different. His hair was shorter, his body seemed emaciated, and there were bruises all over his face. Burton addressed the physical change on the latest episode of his podcast, That’s Awesome, after comments to him and co-host Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli) demonstrated just how shocked fans were to see Burton and Jason again.
During Burton’s multi-month break from GH, he spent time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom, to focus on his new marriage. However, he also knew what the storyline would entail when he was on screen again and used his time off to prepare.
“The hair change was intentional,” Burton stated. “The weight loss was intentional, and the makeup was intentional. It was all intentional because I think I look pretty good right now … I made a conscious decision to go, ‘Hey, I’m going to start kind of just slimming down a little bit’ … so I look a little more emaciated, and then makeup can do what they do.”
Burton accomplished what he set out to do, showing GH fans that Jason is not the same man he was back in March when the WSB took him away. What other changes will we see in Jason? With the character set to return from his road trip on July 24, we are soon to find out.
