General Hospital: Why Did Antonio Sabàto Jr.’s Jagger Leave?

Antonio Sabàto Jr. portrayed Jagger Cates in General Hospital between 1992 and 1994. He later reprised the role in the second season of its spin-off Night Shift. However, when the character returned to the franchise in 2024, Sabato Jr. was replaced in the role by Adam J. Harrington. This has naturally surprised many fans who have been wondering why Sabato Jr.’s Jagger, who had become a fan-favorite during his tenure, left the show and was recast.

So why did Sabato Jr.’s Jagger leave General Hospital? Here is his departure explained.

Why did Antonio Sabàto Jr.’s Jagger Cates leave General Hospital?

In a now-deleted Instagram post, Antonio Sabàto Jr. revealed that the General Hospital showrunners have never asked him to reprise the role 30 years following his departure. “The producers at General Hospital, ABC, and Disney, they know where to find me. They know where I am,” he said.

Sabàto Jr. then shared his thoughts on Adam J. Harrington’s portrayal of the character, who is now called John. He claimed that Harrington’s version of the character was called John because the showrunners knew that Jagger and Sabàto Jr. were synonymous with one another in terms of portrayal.

“It’s a character that is really a big part of my soul, that I dedicated my life, and that’s why it turned out to be great,” he added. “I gave everything I have to that character and I would still do.” Sabato Jr. further stated that he should be hired for acting jobs based on abilities and not political views. He concluded by admitting he was fine with the recast (via Michael Fairman TV).

Sabàto Jr.’s Jagger Cates was primarily known among fans for his hard work as a cop. He was also extremely determined and persistent. He had been involved in several subplots of the series, which included a romance with Karen Wexler.