Michael Eisen

Michael Eisen is a fictional character from the NBT soap opera Port Richard. The character, then portrayed by Garrett Burns, was first introduced on 2 April 2002 as a manipulative antagonist and the owner of the 13th Avenue Diner. He eventually falls in love with Darcie Donaldson (Francine Davies), and the two date for three weeks before she dumps him in favor for Craig Hazel (Douglas Whittaker). Eisen was written off in a 2003 episode in which the writers had him leave city.

The role was later given to Shawn Boyd, and the character returned on 8 June 2005 after moving back into the town of Port Richard. He slowly falls in love with Abigail Quinn (Laura Barnes), and the two quickly begin dating. He breaks up with her in favor of dating Karen Valeman (Cynthia Cameron), who shows mutual feelings toward him. In October 2009, after frequent arguments with Karen's sister, Kate (Alexia Berkowitz), the two break up. During the 2013 "Great Thunderstorm" storyline, Michael Eisen is killed off after being found buried under a piece of debris in the Forest Harbour neighborhood. The character briefly returns to the show in 2015 when it is revealed that he is the person who kidnapped Karen's best friend, Dora Wade (Lexi Sampson), but he is quickly "killed" by Abigail Quinn.

The character was brought back one last time in 2020, once the show revealed the character was alive; After appearing in six episodes, Michael leaps from the roof of the 13th Avenue Diner and dies, this time for real. His death—which was caused by Boyd's optional departure from the series—polarized its fanbase, many of whom considered Eisen to be their favorite antagonist. His death also resulted in the creation and rapid spread of #BringBackMichael on social media.