Dylan Cash

Dylan Joseph Cash (born November 30, 1994) is an American former child actor best known for portraying Michael Corinthos, the son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital from April 2002 to April 2008.^[1] During his tenure on the show, Cash's character endured numerous dramatic storylines, including a kidnapping in 2005 and a storyline in 2008 where Michael was shot in the head during a mob hit, resulting in a coma that led to Cash's exit from the series. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cash began his acting career at age four with a guest appearance on the CBS family comedy series Kids Say the Darndest Things.^[1] Cash expanded his resume with voice work as the Boy on Train in the 2004 animated film The Polar Express, directed by Robert Zemeckis.^[2] He also appeared in episodes of the science fiction series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in 2008 and the police procedural Common Law in 2012, marking some of his later television roles as he transitioned away from child acting.^[3] In addition to television, Cash featured in the 2001 independent film All You Need under his full name, Dylan Joseph Cash.^[1] By his early twenties, Cash had largely stepped back from the entertainment industry, though he maintains an online presence discussing his past experiences.^[4]

Early life

Birth and family background

Dylan Joseph Cash was born on November 30, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, United States.^[1][5] His parents, Dan and Julie Cash, raised him in the area, though further details about his family life, including any siblings, remain private and are not widely documented in public sources.^[6] Despite sharing a prominent surname, Dylan Cash has no confirmed familial connection to the legendary country musician Johnny Cash, whose family lineage is well-documented in biographical records without any reference to the actor. Cash's early childhood unfolded in Los Angeles, a city long established as the epicenter of the American entertainment industry and a prime location for child performers seeking opportunities in film and television.^[7] This environment, with its concentration of studios, casting calls, and industry networks, provided a backdrop that naturally exposed young residents to the world of acting from an early age.^[8]

Initial steps into acting

Dylan Cash, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, began exploring acting opportunities around the age of four, benefiting from the city's proximity to the entertainment industry and its frequent local casting calls for child performers.^[4] Cash's first public television appearance came at age five on the CBS series Kids Say the Darndest Things, with his episode airing on April 28, 2000. During the segment, he captivated host Bill Cosby by confidently declaring his ambition to become a movie star, marking a charming introduction to on-camera performance in a family-oriented format.^[1] As a newcomer in the competitive landscape of child acting during this period, Cash navigated the challenges of breaking into an industry filled with aspiring young performers.^[9]

Acting career

Early television and commercial work

Dylan Cash's entry into professional acting began with a series of national commercial endorsements starting around 1998, when he was approximately four years old, capitalizing on his cherubic features and natural charm to appeal to family audiences.^[5] He appeared in advertisements for prominent brands including Fuji Film, Pledge wax, Motel 6, McDonald's, MasterCard, and Johnson & Johnson, which helped build his initial portfolio as a child performer.^[5] These spots, often featuring lighthearted scenarios suited to his age, provided steady exposure in the competitive Los Angeles market during the late 1990s and early 2000s.^[1] His film debut came in 2001 with the independent drama All You Need, where he played Dylan Rampley under his full name, Dylan Joseph Cash.^[10] Transitioning to scripted television, Cash made his on-screen debut at age four on the CBS family comedy Kids Say the Darndest Things, where his spontaneous responses served as a stepping stone to more structured roles.^[3] In the early 2000s, he landed guest spots on popular family-oriented series, demonstrating his comedic timing through minor but memorable parts.^[1] Notably, he portrayed Kid #2 in the 2002 episode "Monkey" of Malcolm in the Middle, contributing to the show's chaotic ensemble dynamics in a brief but energetic appearance. Similarly, in 2003, he played Billy Johnson in the Sabrina the Teenage Witch episode "Spellmanian Slip," embodying a playful, family-friendly persona that aligned with the series' whimsical tone.^[1][11] Cash's early forays also included the beginnings of voice work in narrated and animated projects, enhancing his versatility as a young talent beyond live-action.^[12] These initial efforts, though limited in scope at the time, laid groundwork for later credits in animated features.^[3] Collectively, these commercial and television engagements generated momentum in Cash's career, securing him representation and elevating his visibility in Hollywood by ages six and seven, positioning him for more substantial opportunities.^[1]

Breakthrough role on General Hospital

Dylan Cash assumed the role of Michael Corinthos III on the ABC soap opera General Hospital on March 28, 2002, initially as a recurring character that rapidly aged the young son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Corinthos (then Tamara Braun, later Laura Wright) from a toddler to approximately seven years old.^[1] At the time of his casting, Cash was seven years old, bringing a fresh energy to the troubled child navigating the dangers of his family's mob ties. His prior experience in commercials helped secure the audition, but it was his natural ability to convey vulnerability and resilience that landed the part.^[13] The role quickly became central to the show's narrative, with Cash's tenure spanning over six years and marking a pivotal shift in Michael's storyline from peripheral family member to a figure embroiled in high-stakes drama. During this period, Cash expanded into voice acting, providing the voice of the Boy on Train in the 2004 animated film The Polar Express.^[14] In April 2005, following intensified plot developments, Cash was elevated to contract status, solidifying Michael's prominence on the canvas.^[1] During this period, the character's arc evolved significantly, portraying Michael as a protective older brother in a volatile household. A key storyline in February 2005 saw Michael, along with siblings Morgan and Kristina, kidnapped by Faith Roscoe (Cynthia Preston), a rival of Sonny's, in a scheme orchestrated with assistance from Michael's biological father, A.J. Quartermaine (Sean Kanan).^[15] Cash's depiction of Michael's fear and bravery during the ordeal, as he attempted to shield his younger siblings, underscored the emotional toll of the Corinthos family's criminal world. The plot resolved with the children's rescue, but it highlighted Michael's growing awareness of his precarious life, aging him on-screen to thirteen by the end of Cash's run. Cash's portrayal culminated in a dramatic 2008 storyline where, at Kate Howard's (Megan Ward) wedding to Sonny, Michael was struck by a stray bullet intended for his father, suffering a severe head wound that plunged him into a coma.^[16] This event, occurring on April 30, 2008, led to Michael's institutionalization, with Cash's final regular appearance airing on May 16, 2008; he briefly returned for one episode on December 29, 2008, to wrap up the arc.^[1] The role demanded Cash navigate complex scenes with adult co-stars like Benard and Wright, whose mentorship helped him deliver mature performances amid the soap's demanding format. For his work, Cash won the 2003 Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger, praised for capturing the emotional depth required in daytime television's intense family dynamics.^[17] This breakthrough elevated Cash's profile, earning him critical recognition as one of the standout child actors on General Hospital.^[1]

Later projects and retirement from acting

Following his departure from General Hospital in 2008, Dylan Cash took on a limited number of acting projects. He appeared as Byron in an episode of the science fiction series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles later that year.^[18] He provided the voice for Young Percy in the animated film Shark Bait (also known as The Reef), which was recorded in 2006 but released in 2007. In 2009, he appeared in the family comedy Opposite Day as the character Chaz. His last credited acting role came in 2012, playing Mason in a guest spot on the USA Network series Common Law.^[3] Cash's exit from General Hospital stemmed from the show's decision to rapidly age the character of Michael Corinthos, leading producers to place him in a coma via a shooting storyline as a narrative means of recasting with an older actor. The move reportedly caught Cash off guard, as the production sought to transition the role to a teenager. As he entered his early teens, Cash aged out of many child-oriented opportunities, prompting a personal shift away from performing toward other creative endeavors by around 2010.^[19] The challenges faced by former child actors, such as transitioning to adult roles and maintaining relevance in a competitive industry, contributed to Cash's gradual withdrawal from acting. Unlike some peers who encountered public struggles or legal issues, Cash has sustained a low public profile without scandals or attempted comebacks as of 2025. Currently, there are no confirmed plans for his return to acting; his Twitter biography under @OfficialDCash playfully nods to his past by stating, "I'm a huge freaking nerd. Oh, and I used to be an actor until I was shot in the head," signaling a lighthearted detachment from his soap opera days.^[20][3]

Personal life

Education and upbringing

Dylan Cash was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended Holder Elementary School in nearby Anaheim during his early years.^[4] As his acting career took off, he balanced formal education with on-set demands, residing with his family just outside Los Angeles to maintain a semblance of normal family life amid Hollywood schedules.^[1] From 2002 to 2008, while portraying Michael Corinthos on General Hospital, Cash, as a minor performer, received mandatory on-set tutoring provided by a certified studio teacher, in compliance with California labor laws requiring at least three hours of instruction each day worked for minor performers under age 18 during school sessions.^[21] These regulations ensured continuity in his schooling despite the irregular hours of filming soap opera episodes. During his tenure on the show, the character's age was advanced through storylines, leading to Cash's departure from the role in 2008, when Michael was written into a coma storyline to facilitate recasting with an older actor.^[22] Following his exit from acting at age 13, Cash transitioned to regular schooling away from the spotlight, embracing a more typical teenage experience with his family; however, no public details are available regarding his high school attendance or any pursuit of higher education.^[1]

Current pursuits and privacy

Since retiring from acting in 2008, Dylan Cash has deliberately maintained a low public profile, avoiding interviews, media appearances, or professional engagements in the entertainment industry. At age 30 as of November 2025, born on November 30, 1994, he leads a private adult life with no confirmed career or public activities reported beyond unverified reports of working on a graphic novel and animation projects.^[3] Cash's online presence is minimal and personal, centered on two social media accounts where he shares infrequent, non-professional content. His Instagram profile (@dylancash.fuminsho) features casual posts such as selfies and food photos, with approximately 12 total entries as of November 2025 and a small following, reflecting a focus on everyday interests rather than publicity.^[23] Similarly, his Twitter account (@OfficialDCash) includes a self-descriptive bio stating, "I'm a huge freaking nerd. Oh, and I used to be an actor until I was shot in the head," a humorous nod to his past role, but shows no recent activity since its creation in 2017.^[20] These platforms suggest hobbies tied to pop culture and "nerd" pursuits like video games, though no specific professions or detailed updates are evident.^[20] This emphasis on privacy aligns with Cash's post-acting trajectory, enabling a secluded existence away from the spotlight he experienced as a child star. While fan communities continue to reflect on his early contributions to General Hospital, such as his portrayal of young Michael Corinthos, no new professional developments have surfaced in recent years.^[1]

Filmography

Television appearances

Dylan Cash's television appearances span from his debut as a child to a brief return in adulthood, encompassing guest spots, specials, and a major recurring role on a daytime soap opera. His credits total approximately 10–15 projects, with the majority occurring between 2000 and 2008.^[1][3]

• Kids Say the Darndest Things (2000): Cash made his TV debut at age four, appearing as himself in a guest segment on the CBS family comedy series hosted by Bill Cosby.^[1]
• Malcolm in the Middle (2002): Guest appearance as Kid #2 in the season 3 finale episode "Monkey," portraying one of the neighborhood children.^[1]
• General Hospital (2002–2008): Primary recurring and contract role as Michael Corinthos III, appearing in 277 episodes across the ABC daytime drama; he returned for one additional episode in December 2008.^[3][1]
• Judging Amy (2003): Guest role as James Garrison in one episode of the CBS legal drama.^[1]
• The Division (2003): Appeared as Noah in a single episode of the Lifetime police procedural series.^[1][24]
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch (2003): Guest spot as Billy Johnson in the season 7 episode "Spellmanian Slip" on the ABC sitcom.^[1]
• The Cat That Looked at a King (2004): Voiced the Boy in this Disney animated/live-action TV special, sharing the screen with Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins in a story based on P.L. Travers' tale.^[25]
• The Bill Engvall Show (2007): Guest role as 6th Grade Boy in the episode "Feel Free to Say No" on the TBS sitcom.^[26]
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008): Guest role as Byron in the episode "Strange Things Happen at the One Two Point" on the Fox science fiction series.^[27]

After a hiatus from acting, Cash returned for a one-off guest role as Mason in a 2012 episode of the FX comedy series Common Law.^[28]

Film credits

Dylan Cash's film career as a child actor primarily consisted of supporting and voice roles in family-oriented comedies and animated features, spanning from 2001 to 2009. These credits often overlapped with his television commitments, allowing him to balance multiple projects during his early years in the industry. His contributions emphasized youthful characters in ensemble casts, contributing to the lighthearted tone of these productions. The following table summarizes his verified feature film and animated roles: