In a twist no one saw coming, General Hospital fans were blindsided this week as Chris McKenna abruptly announced his departure from the long-running ABC soap—just months after being promoted to contract status. The news broke during the 2025 GH Fan Club Weekend, sending a wave of confusion, disappointment, and speculation throughout the soap opera world.
McKenna, who had quickly become a fan favorite for his intense portrayal of WSB operative Jack Brennan, revealed the decision alongside co-star Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli), catching many off guard. His exit is especially jarring considering the momentum his character had built and the network’s clear investment in making him a major player in Port Charles.
McKenna first joined General Hospital in early 2025, stepping into the role of Brennan after Charles Mesure’s mysterious departure. At the time, fans loyal to Mesure were hesitant, but McKenna won them over with a gripping and layered performance that brought a darker, more psychological edge to the role.
Over the months, Jack Brennan evolved from a mysterious government agent into a pivotal character who shaped some of the show’s most high-stakes storylines. From his morally gray alliance with Carly Spencer to his risky decision to involve Josslyn Jacks in a covert WSB operation, Brennan’s presence grew increasingly central to the show’s dramatic core. His role in the investigation of Professor Hank Dalton placed him at the epicenter of intersecting plotlines involving the WSB, the Corinthos family, and Jason Morgan.
So why would the show let go of an actor who had not only mastered a recast but had also redefined the character?
That’s the million-dollar question—and no one is giving a straight answer.
Neither McKenna nor General Hospital executives have provided an official explanation. This silence has sparked rampant fan speculation, with one theory standing out above the rest: the return of Charles Mesure.
Mesure, who originated the role of Brennan in late 2023, had amassed a devoted following before his abrupt and unexplained exit. Now, whispers of his return are growing louder, with fans citing subtle clues and industry rumors as evidence. Some believe McKenna’s exit was the result of a behind-the-scenes decision to bring Mesure back into the fold. Others suggest creative differences or an external opportunity that pulled McKenna away.
Whatever the reason, the move has deeply divided the fanbase.
On one side, Mesure loyalists are hopeful that the original actor is returning to reclaim his role. On the other, supporters of McKenna—many of whom feel he added a refreshing complexity to Brennan—are frustrated and vocal about what they see as an unjust cut. Social media has become a battleground of opinions, with some fans even launching petitions in support of McKenna’s return.
The timing of McKenna’s departure only adds to the confusion. Just a few weeks prior, his character was heavily involved in multiple ongoing arcs, signaling that Jack Brennan was being positioned as a key long-term player. Many assumed this meant McKenna had secured his place in Port Charles for the foreseeable future.
But just like that, it’s over—and General Hospital now finds itself with a major narrative hole to fill. Brennan’s connections to Carly, Jason, and the WSB remain unresolved, and fans are left wondering how the show will explain his sudden disappearance—or possible recast.
Despite the abrupt exit, McKenna’s time on the show won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Taking on a recast is never easy, especially when following a beloved actor, but McKenna didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them. He carved out a unique identity for Jack Brennan and brought an emotional depth to the role that resonated with both longtime viewers and new fans.
In the end, whether or not Charles Mesure returns, McKenna’s legacy as Brennan is undeniable. His performance reminded audiences that even in a world as unpredictable as Port Charles, a powerful portrayal can leave a lasting mark—even if it’s cut short too soon.
