With rumors circulating that Steve Burton plans to leave his role of General Hospital's Jason, SID went straight to the source to find out if it's true.

The In-Depth Story:

"My contract is not up for awhile. Next summer" reveals Burton, adding that quitting the soap he's called home since 1990 has often crossed his mind. "Obviously, I love it here. I wouldn't be here for so long if I didn't. But it's there in my head that I need to take a long break."

What could possibly draw Burton away from Port Charles's mob scene? Makena and Jack. "I want to be home with my kids. That's really why I started selling (selling acai berry health juice) Mona Vie. I'm working toward retirement. Not necessarily that I'm going to stop working, but retirement being financially free that you don't have to work. I just want to be able to do what I want, go where I want and be with my family."

But Burton's fans shouldn't worry about him exiting stage left just yet. "I don't like to make any concrete plans like 'I'm Leaving' or 'Sign me for Another 3 Years' he admits.  "I use to be able to say "Let's re-negotiate and sign me up  for another couple of years."

"But now, I just can't do it.  Having a family changes everything.  I work a lot and sometimes I just need a break.  My plate is full."

"I hate to even think of the idea of leaving here.  I really do.  But sometimes" Burton concludes with a sigh, "it's time for a change."