Steve Burton Leaving 'General Hospital' After 21 Years

It's time to say goodbye to everyone's favorite hitman Jason Morgan: Steve Burton has announced he's leaving "General Hospital."

Although he's emotional about exiting the long-running ABC soap, Burton told TV Guide that his departure is necessary.

"I've been through 21 years of ups and downs with 'GH,'" he said. "Regime changes, cast and crew changes, budget cuts, shakeups of one kind or another, and it's 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."

Burton isn't the only soap actor saying leaving his show this month. Ron Moss and Susan Flannery both announced their exits from CBS' "The Bold And The Beautiful" within days of each other.

According to Soaps In Depth, Flannery told producers she wanted to leave the series and signed an agreement that would allow the series to form a storyline around her departure, while Moss decided to not renew his contract over "salary issues," according to EW.

Why do you think so many major soap stars have decided to leave their series in the same month? Sound off in the comments.