Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacharra) will be exiting General Hospital. The actor made the announcement on Twitter with a touch of trademark humor.
"With a bittersweet, heavy heart I announce my time at GH has come to an end," Barash wrote before adding, "I have chosen to move on & pursue my NBA career. I love u all."
Barash's co-star and rumored off-screen love interest, Kirsten Storms (Maxie Jones), replied, "They're lowering basketball rims in arenas across the country as we speak..."
Barash also took to Twitter to let fans know that it was his decision to leave Port Charles.
"To clarify: A) Yes, I'm actually leaving. B) Don't be mad at GH, it was my call. Mad respect for @valentinifrank &co," Barash wrote, also adding that he was "cut by the Lakers."
Barash joined the cast of General Hospital in 2007. The actor, a fan favorite, is a two-time soapcentral.com Dankies winner. In 2008, the actor was named Outstanding Newcomer and, in 2012, he won Outstanding Supporting Actor.
With his exit, Barash becomes the third member of the Port Chuck band to leave General Hospital. Steve Burton (ex-Jason Morgan) bowed out of GH in October 2012, and Scott Reeves (Steve Webber) made his final appearance earlier this week. The group's other member, Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli) remains under contract to GH.
A final airdate has yet to be announced, but the actor has reportedly already taped his final scenes.
An ABC spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.