General Hospital
EXCLUSIVE: GH's Kelly Monaco Opens Up About JaSam, Liz/Sam Fan Wars, Public Perception & What's Up With Those Fainting Spells?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
General Hospital viewers are in for major story developments in the days ahead involving JaSam. On recent episodes: Sam (Kelly Monaco) and Jason (Billy Miller) tracked down Nikolas (then Nick Stabile) to Cassadine Island, were held hostage by Valentin (James Patrick Stuart), almost perished in a plane crash, were rescued, and through it all Sam has been having periodic fainting spells. Speculation has been running wild on social media that Sam could be preggers. Is there another JaSam baby on the way, or is there something else going on?
On-Air On-Soaps sat down with the elusive Kelly Monaco at the just concluded GHFCW for an exclusive interview, where she opened up on a myriad of subjects both on-screen and off. From the Jason and Sam love story since Billy Miller took over the pivotal role, to if Sam is truly on the receiving end of the Cassadine Curse, to the Liz (Rebecca Herbst) vs. Sam fan faction wars on social media, and why Kelly feels there are misperceptions about her personally, and where it stems from. We even touch upon Sam’s often maligned wardrobe choices!
As for some dish on her GH co-stars, Monaco reveals her critique of her longtime soap scene partner Michael Easton, and his take on his latest Port Charles incarnation of Dr. Hamilton Finn. (Don’t miss Monday’s episode when they share scenes together for the first time since he returned to GH as the quirky doc!) One thing can always be said of Kelly – she’s the real deal, who is candid and possesses a great sense of humor. Read on and you will also learn why Kelly is very appreciative about being part of the A-list cast of General Hospital, and what it has meant to her all of these years. Without further ado, here’s what Kelly shared.
During our interview back in January of 2015, Jason and Sam were in a very different place. What did you think about the length of time it took for Jason and Sam to be reconnected back together in story?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I think it’s been unfortunate for Billy that he has had to wait as long as he had to actually play the character of Jason, and not “Jake”. I think he’s doing great. The writers are doing great at trying to find a middle ground of what works for the character, and what works for the future of the characters, and what Billy is capable of delivering. I think they finally figured something out. So, I am super excited.
Many viewers felt that it was long and drawn out, and that by the time of the crash where Jason began getting his memories back, that it felt somewhat anti-climatic. And in story, Sam certainly got gypped out of time, because she waited so long to have her husband back, and the man that she loves.
KELLY: I feel like there will be an opportunity to not be gypped in the future. Many times you think it’s going to go in one direction, and then it’s pulled into another and you are like, “Oh, OK. Let me get my footing.” Billy and I are trying to do our best, and it’s our job as actors to make the writing come to life.
How has it been working so closely in story now with Billy Miller?
KELLY: Oh, I have so much fun with Billy, and we have a blast on set. I am enjoying it a lot.
Many fans like seeing Sam kick butt! Do you want her to do that once again?
KELLY: Yeah! Now that they are solid, I am ready for the next challenge for the couple, and for Sam. I’m excited to see what hoops and obstacles they will have to jump through to prove that they were worth fighting for. I think that’s exciting, but it took them a while to get there.
We haven’t seen Sam in that many scenes with her, and Jason, and their son Danny.
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I don’t remember the last time I have seen Danny! (Laughs) One day Sam tucked him into bed, and I have not seen him ever since. I had to sing this lullaby, and I did not know what I was doing. (Laughs) And, this was to the new kid playing the part. I am like, “Oh, Hi child. What’s your name? You’re five years older than the other kid!” (Laughs)
One of the big questions facing Sam: Is the “Cassadine Curse” following her around?
KELLY: I guess so! (Laughs) All I’m going to say is when we were taping those scenes at Helena’s bedside, and Constance Towers (Helena) was doing her dialog, and she is like, “I curse you Samantha ….” I go, “This is really going on, isn’t it? I’m being cursed!” They are like, “No, no, that’s not happening.” (Laughs) But yes it is! I have to say, I don’t think Helena is dead. I think Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) poisoned her with the tea that he gave her before her “death”. He poisoned her so she would be dead for a couple of seconds, and then we all went out of the room, but she is actually alive, and probably went through the trap door or something. Now this is just my opinion, but I believe she is alive and well, and yes, she has cursed Sam, and yes it’s following her around. It’s Sam’s parents, and her sisters, and she has cut herself after the cursing and had blood on her hands, and all of that and there is more to come! It’s really cool to play.
Did you talk to Genie Francis (Laura) about how Laura was cursed for decades by Helena?
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KELLY: Genie did say that when Helena’s will was being read. She turned to me and says, “You know …” I go, “No,” and she goes, “Ah-hah”. I go, “I knew it! I knew it!” That makes me excited the more I think about it. It’s awesome, and it’s like being on a giant adventure trail.
Let’s discuss your thoughts on the Elizabeth vs. Sam fandom, and fan factions on social media. It gets very nasty out there.
KELLY: They are so against each other, and it’s partly why I stay off social media. It’s really, really brutal, and there is bullying on both ends. Even if you are just talking about a character, some of the language that is being used is so inappropriate. But they are super passionate, and if these fan factions really hate each other then I guess we are doing our job well. It’s the nature of the beast, but as long as they are character-driven remarks and not personal. It’s not good at all when they attack us personally. However, I can’t win with some of the critics.
Why do you think that is?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
KELLY: I have been for a decade trying to think about this. You either love me, or hate me, and there is no in between. I feel like people really don’t know me. The assumption people make of me, because of my past in Playboy, Maxim, and on Dancing with the Stars. They have this image in their head of who I am; I’m not married, I don’t have kids. Some people can look at that and see it as something negative. I think people will take those images, and just judge a book by its cover. I really think that has a lot to do with it. They don’t see me in another light. It could just be my own insecurities that I am thinking about, but I think I’m on to something. Even the other day, I was walking in the hallway and I had just come off set after two crying scenes. I go into the hair and make-up room, and the head make-up artist Donna Messina said something to me like, “You have to go in and sign some stuff for the people in there.” I’m like, “I walked by there three times today. Why won’t anyone of them come up to me?” And she is like, “They’re afraid of you.” I’m like, “Why?” She goes on to say, “Kelly. People just assume.” I think it all started when Sam started sleeping with Sonny (Maurice Benard)! I was doomed from then on. (Laughs) I became the tramp on the show then, and I have been fighting my way back to goodness ever since.
You chose to do Playboy, Maxim etc, when you were younger. Do you now regret any of those decisions?
KELLY: I thought growing up these were all cool decisions, but I wouldn’t necessarily be making the same decisions today. But it was my path and my story, but I think it comes back to bite me.
Courtesy/ABC
Many people feel that you are very reclusive about your personal life. Would you agree with that?
KELLY: Well, yeah. I was in an 18-year relationship with Mike, and we were never photographed even once together in public, or at an event. It was the only thing that I did have, and that’s before even social media started, and that was so long ago. I still feel that, but now I have nothing to protect. (Laughs) I also want to say, while the fans seem divided, I just want everyone to know that Becky Herbst is probably one of the top three closest friends that I have. So, it’s interesting that our fan base is in turmoil.
What do you think about all the drama going down between your on-screen parents Julian (William deVry) and Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), or better known as “Julexis”? Will has been fantastic in playing the darker aspects of his character again.
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: Will was so good that he creeped me out so bad. I don’t know if he was intentionally trying to do it … but it worked! (Laughs) It’s so good, and I love him dark. He is such a good bad guy, and he was scary creepy, and I don’t think Will knew it. I told both Will and Nancy. I said, “You guys are awesome!” When Alexis was texting Julian while in the tub, and he comes in and drowns her, I’m watching on the monitor going, “What is going on?” Then I realized Alexis was dreaming. Of course, I tape GH, and I do watch it, but not always, and I want to catch up. We don’t get the whole scripts, and so I don’t know what’s going on with all the other stories. But I will watch everybody. I think Will and Nancy are knocking it out of the park right now. I think we will see Sam involved in the fallout of what Julian and Alexis have become.
Would you like to see more father/daughter scenes between Julian and Sam moving forward?
KELLY: Right now, there is no reason why they should be. If anything, she should be out for revenge to protect her family.
If you were to write something that you would like to have happen for Sam in story, what would it be?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: I can’t answer that right now, because something is going on currently, and if they go through with it, then there is something that I would like to see happen. If they don’t go through with it then that can’t happen. The show doesn’t know what I would like to do, yet. (Laughs) However, there is a part of the story that is being taped right now that I can’t discuss at this moment. I don’t know where they are going with it, but if they go through with it there is really something I would like to play, because I don’t think its been played before on General Hospital, but maybe it has on other soaps. But for me as an actor, I will be requesting that if we are doing this then can we please do that. Make sense? (Laughs)
If that doesn’t happen, then what are your thoughts on said story?
KELLY: If they don’t go through with it then I can’t play that. I can play something else, but it would be way cooler if I got to play this other thing. In my role as Sam thus far, I haven’t been able to step outside my character, and be outside of my character’s morals and values, but this would give Sam a reason to step outside of that.
What do you think about Roger Howarth as Franco, and his relationship with Sam?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: I love Roger. He is so good. I think he is awesome, and one of the most talented guys in daytime, period. And, if there is any opportunity to work with him, I am grateful, and that is even if I have to play hating him, or anything else. I am all for it, because I think he’s great. And can I just say, Roger and Michael Easton are the two most funny, honest, loyal people you will ever meet.
Coming up next week on-air, you will be sharing scenes for the first time with Michael Easton since he returned to GH in his latest incarnation of Dr. Hamilton Finn. What do you think of what Michael is doing with this character?
KELLY: He’s the best, and I love what Michael is playing right now, and his character. He’s making choices that I don’t know if they are his, but I think they have got to be his with all of these OCD things he does with Finn. I think what he is doing is super intriguing and interesting. I love watching it, and it makes me look at him like a different character. I don’t get a Silas, or a Caleb, or John McBain. I get that he is someone different.
Clearly the show is moving toward a romantic pairing right now between Rebecca Budig as Hayden and Michael’s Hamilton Finn. What are your thoughts on the two of them together? Any thoughts of: “Wait a minute! I want to come in and play those types of scenes with Michael!”
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: No, that’s what’s going on right now, so I think that it will work. I don’t think Sam and Finn would work right now. It’s not about his character traits, but just where Sam is at in her life. She is all about her man, and her family, but if this thing happens that I hope happens, and I could play this other “thing”, then it opens the canvas up for some really interesting choices.
During your time on GH, what do you think was Sam’s best story … evah?
KELLY: I think her being pregnant with Sonny’s baby, and then she and Jason falling in love. I think hands down that was the meatiest, juiciest, best story that the character of Sam has gone through.
Maurice Benard (Sonny) and Steve Burton (Ex-Jason, now Dylan Y&R) were your scene partners back then. If I recall, Steve did a lot to protect the integrity of the Jason and Sam love story.
KELLY: They handled that with kit gloves with me, and methodically went up to the powers-that-be every single day to make changes, and to make it work. Originally, it was rushed, and Steve Burton had a big, big hand in changing that. He was like, “No, no, no. We can’t do this.” Knowing him and how a soap story was supposed to play out, coupled with the fact that I was so young that I really didn’t know what they were doing, it all came down to that I just trusted both of them. Steve had my back! The story was supposed to move so fast where all of a sudden Jason and Sam were in love. Steve made sure that our story was carefully planned.
Courtesy/ABC
Back in the day, the original Jason and Sam love story played so well. Maybe it was all just a moment in time, and the perfect storm.
KELLY: Yeah, the writing, the story, the timing – it was a perfect storm.
I think that was the Sam the audience wants to root for, and hopes to root for again. Agreed?
KELLY: Agreed! Me too. I want to root for her, too. I really enjoyed that time.
At this year’s GHFCW 2016 there was quite a stellar line-up of cast members that showed up. What were your thoughts on participating in that, and being witness to it?
KELLY: It’s awesome, and always great to meet the fans. What a turn out! When I walked in the green room and saw the cast I went “Everyone is here!” Now, I know Billy Miller was not here because he was at a bachelor party in Texas, and Laura Wright (Carly) was up north with her kids. But there would have been no excuse for me not to be there, especially since I don’t have children. This was the biggest turn out I have seen from our cast.
Did you look around and take stock at what a great powerhouse cast you are a part of at GH?
Photo Credit: Steven Bergman Photography
KELLY: I am so appreciative you have no idea. Every day I go to work I have to get off the 101 Hollywood freeway. I remember when I first moved to L.A., and I was living out of my car with my boyfriend at the time. We would rollerblade up and down Hollywood Blvd., and eat eight dollars worth of Chinese food for the day. So now every time I get off that exit, I thank God, or whatever the powers-that-be, that I’m fortunate enough to still be driving 16 or 17 years later to the studio, and go work with what I consider my family. I see my real-life family twice a year, but I am with this crew every day for the past 16 years, so to me this is my family, and I am extremely grateful. I know how hard working and talented those actors are on GH, as well as the crew. Donna Messina and Sandy are like my pseudo-moms and aunts. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have that every day. I am very fortunate.
Let’s talk about another subject fans always comment about – the outfits that Sam wears on the show. Do you have a say in that?
KELLY: I know, poor Sam! She is stuck in jeans and t-shirt. The only time we got out of that was when she was the talk show host for “Everyday Heroes”. (Laughs) It just doesn’t make sense for her to be in dresses. When she was doing P.I stuff with Anna (Finola Hughes) for a little bit I was thinking maybe we could sharpen Sam’s wardrobe a little bit, and put her in slacks and a button up blouse and clean her up, but it didn’t work. I would love to be in dresses every day!
Courtesy/ABC
People are always dogging on Sam for her clothes!
KELLY: I know, but truth be told, I would love to have Maxie’s (Kirsten Storms) wardrobe! I don’t get to have that on GH. I’m a woman. I would love to wear a dress, and I love color, clothes, and fashion.
But she wears a lot of black!
KELLY: Always! (Laughs) She wears black and navy, and once in a blue moon I think she has on a red t-shirt! They really don’t have to have to spend any money on my wardrobe.
You are a good budget-cutter! (Laughs)
KELLY: Yes! (Laughs) Sam doesn’t even carry a purse. The directors have talked about it and came back with, “No, that’s not her. Get her a backpack.” (Laughs)
Sam just got off of Cassadine Island along with: Jason, Ava (Maura West), Laura, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), Lulu (Emme Rylan), and Kevin (Jon Lindstrom). Did you enjoy those group scenes?
KELLY: Well, (Laughs) I was hoping we would be like “Survivor” and they would have us stranded for awhile!
OK, Sam has been fainting! Social media is abuzz that she may be pregnant, or something else is afflicting her. What’s up?
Courtesy/ABC
KELLY: Sam needs to take a multi-vitamin. She is low on iron! Stay tuned.
So, what do you think is in store for Sam and how it will play out? Kelly on her hopes for her upcoming storyline? How she opened up about how the public may have been perceiving her? The Liz Vs. Sam internet wars? Her comments on her GH co-stars, Becky Herbst, Michael Easton, Roger Howarth and Billy Miller?
Share your comments below, but first watch a preview of Monday’s upcoming episode of GH, where Sam lands in the hospital and is being evauluated by Dr. Finn!
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Such a class act… love her… don’t care what others say… I also love Becky Herbst and Liz, not all of us fans chose sides… though I like Jason and Sam better and loving the Liz and Franco pairing… FYI, I like Jason and Sam better with Billy Miller as Jason, Miller is rocking it! Thanks for the interview folks!
That’s something I wish the more strident members of the two fan bases would remember (and not just in regard to this particular on-screen rivalry, but others like the Hope fan base on Days): that not all of us are necessarily in one camp or the other, just because there’s a war going. If I say something in favor of Jason and Sam, I’m not necessarily anti-Liz/Rebecca, and if I react favorably to Jason and Liz, I’m not necessarily anti-Sam/Kelly. I want a good, believable story, period (which, incidentally, I don’t think we’ve gotten in this case, but that’s on the writers, not the actors), and if it’s written in a way that I’m convinced, that’s great and all I really care about. (In fact, I think some of the best stories on soaps have come from triangles in which it’s not perfectly clear who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy, and you can really root for either pairing–or both simultaneously. They really should have gone that way, in my opinion, with Liz-Jason-Sam; there was plenty of drama to be milked–and probably more satisfying drama than what we got–if they hadn’t had Liz keep Jason’s identity a secret. Oh well.)
But in any case, I’d really appreciate being left out of the flame wars among the couples fanbases, please. Just think of me as Switzerland. My loyalty is strictly to good story and good writing.
Beautifully put, Michael (not Fairman). I like Sam, and I like Lizzy–liking one does not negate the ability to like the other.
Michael (Not Fairman),
Agreed with you on the first part. Very well said!
Second part about triangles, to me, it’s not even about not knowing who is the good or bad guy. Just because one is good doesn’t mean he/she should be chosen and bad one be ditched. A pairing to me should be based on chemistry and great writing.
Third, I just wanted to point out that if Liz hadn’t known Jake was Jason, she wouldn’t have want him. We saw how Liz picked Ric over Jake Doe but as soon as Liz discovered Jake Doe was Jason, she couldn’t wait to bed him. She had to lie to keep Jason because she knows Jason would not want her.
Lastly, I completely agree you. I’m a sucker for good storylines. I watch everyday to show my support. No one character or couple is the reason why I watch soaps. I too, would like to be kept out of these fan wars.
Exactly!@Michael (not Fairman)…and Harry, too! I’ve never found my affection for Liz or Sam to be necessarily mutually exclusive…comparing these two characters (and the lovely ladies who portray them) is like saying one must choose between an apple and an orange….as if one were unable to enjoy them both, albeit for different reasons! With all the horrible newbies that GH seems to present with disturbing regularity, I’m simply gratified that we still have these two stellar legacy players around to grace the GH canvas, particularly as there are certainly enough other major—and niggling—objections to characters and storylines left to debate in today’s Port Charles!!!! Hence why the Sam vs. Liz controversy continues to be such a hot button issue after these lo so many years is a bit of a mystery to me.
AGREED, I like both actresses but personally I want the characters away from each other. Liz needs a decent man…Sam is better suited to Jason. Both of them have had no real family so they fit better….Just my opinion….
On another note… This show is full of powerful actors and actresses… big names! As a wanna be writer there is no cast I would want to write for more!
What Michael (not Fairman) said.
Kelly is always a class act! I have met her several times and appreciate her genus kindness, professionalism, sense of humor, and fun spirit. This is a very nicely written interview Michael. Thanks to you and Kelly for sharing.
Thank you Michael for a fantastic interview with my favorite Kelly!!!! I am excited for a new story for her and very intrigued that maybe she will have some Airtime with Michael Easton!!! Hmm….. Is he really Caleb???? Glad to hear she is having fun with Billy & having fun on the show!!! I would like to add again that I think Helena cursed the knife or Sam and that IS the real resson Julian went nuts! It’s a case of the Shining I tell ya!!!! Kelly is awesome…. !!
Yea she is really awesome actor
I agree
It was a really good interview. Mr Fairman asks thought provoking questions. I also appreciated Kelly’s thoughtful and honest answers.
That said, I have to admit I find Sam and Jason as boring as their monochromatic wardrobe and no, I am not engaged in the Jasam vs Liaison fan wars. Perhaps it was due to the long drown out writing. It’s hard to say. I like both actors very much but together they make the kind of sandwich one would find in an airport restaurant–they make a plane sandwich.
My thoughts exactly. I felt Kelly came off more introspective and perceptive than one might have previously believed. Still don’t see why she can’t have a better wardrobe and a more varied one. Yeah, what’s the deal with that, anyway?
That would be a real kick, wouldn’t it, Ces???? I first encountered Kelly’s unique “cool chick” presence when she played the Gothic ingénue opposite Michael Easton’s multi-faceted vampire characters on Port Charles, and I’ve enjoyed these actors’ various incarnations/interactions on GH ever since! Let’s just say it would certainly bring their original roles full circle if Finn were to turn out to be Caleb after all….even though Sam is obviously not Livvie! (He did say his wife had died….hmmmm.) Then again, that’s probably asking a bit too much, since cohesive and logical follow-throughs don’t seem to be a strong suit of the current showrunning regime!
lol Shay!! If only other people wrote the show, they may actually be able to go into the depths of these characters. I think it would be cool if Caleb was Silas and Finn!! Now, wouldn’t that make for fun storytelling? Pretty sure this lame writing team won’t go that route… instead, we have another baby on board. Oh joy, as if they can even keep track of their first one. I think throwing Caleb into the mix would livin’ up the dullness that Sam & Jason have had lately.
This is true, Ces! Since I’ve always enjoyed Michael Easton, I wouldn’t mind if his multi-alter-GH-egos all somehow end up being related, but I doubt there will be enough imagination amongst the creative team to go there! However, it is a fun fantasy upon which to ruminate!!! I’m not sure what I think of Sam’s impending motherhood….depends where they go with it, I suppose!!!!
Shay, I think we (most people on Michael Fairman’s page) have more creative storylines for our favorites than the current acting regime do! Somehow, I don’t think they’ll bring all of ME’s characters together … sigh, wouldn’t that be SO awesome if it was Caleb all along?!
I’m not sure what direction they are headed with Sam’s baby but I sure hope she doesn’t have another baby crisis; hasn’t this girl suffered enough? I know it makes for good drama … but Kelly is so beautiful when she smiles 🙂 THAT & I hate baby storylines – BORING!
You are probably right about that one, Ces! Although I don’t envision a “Caleb conclusion” to this tale, it certainly wouldn’t go amiss to at least reveal a common familial link for all of ME’s characters…..twins, cousins, whatever!!!! As for the babies, yes, GH has gone overboard on using them as a plot device, especially over these past few years. It’s quite one thing to bring an infant into the picture if a great storyline comes along with it, like with Danny, or even, Maxie’s Georgie, Lulu’s Ben/Rocco and Ava’s Avery (except for the gross addition of Nina to the latter’s birthing equation….) But when the story is secondary and the pregnancies are those of convenience merely to accommodate a cast member’s real life condition, they are simply unnecessary, as in Olivia’s case with Leo, which led to very little satisfying drama, not to mention that boorish breastfeeding brouhaha, and of course, Sabs’ two out-of-wedlock wee ones. I guess we shall have to wait and see if Sam’s latest “baby-on-board” brings with it any excitement or unexpected surprises.
That whole stupid breast-feeding story was so damn dumb! The boobs in court, stupid Olivia, NINA again in every story. Please, no more kids on the show….
Tell me about it, Ces!!! I always refer to that storyline as a real bust!!! Prior to the “Lunchtime for Leo” peep show, I really enjoyed Olivia…she was a unique character with a lot of personality, but once she that child, it tied her down…’twould have been quite one thing if the baby had led her to pair up with its father and break up that ridiculous “Julexis” farce, but it accomplished nothing as far as making for an interesting story for or furthering the character of Olivia. And I’m with you….no more babies, although I don’t want to see Sam lose hers now. What to do, what to do???
lol – lunchtime for Leo! Pointless story. Pointless character; never liked Olivia; she seems to always be talking with marbles in her mouth and in everyone’s business. Glad she is recurring (as in – never seen).
As for Sam – hope she doesn’t lose baby, but maybe it can be a little Rosemary’s Baby (lol!!) hey, that’s never been done and Kelly said it was a story that may have never been done before. Still wishing its’ a little Caleb child; just to make things interesting, otherwise it will be a boring preggo story! Yawn!
Well, you know, Ces, given Helena’s involvement with nearly every recent baby storyline, it’s hard to say what horrors she may have planned for Sam’s pregnancy….I imagine that whatever tribulations she and Jason shall face this time around, they won’t be just of the straightforward medical variety….at the very least, they will no doubt include some sort of record tampering, since that is a recurring theme on GH. As for Olivia….yes, in recent years she has been a bit overbearing, but I would have loved her as a romantic spoiler in that pathetic Julexis pairing, although she was at her absolute best with Johnny Z.!!!!!
Loved the interview, she truly has me intrigued about her story ahead, hopefully she gets to play out the story that she thinks is so good. Kelly is a powerhouse actress also along with the rest of them.
What a classy woman! I think Kelly Monaco is a talented and smart woman. I am glad to hear Kelly speak up about the criticism and bullying. The sad part is these personal attacks on her comes from adults and they ought to be ashamed for their comments.
Hmmmm…I’m thinking the fainting spells are going to segue into some kind of split personality change or something of that sort.
I don’t think we can take it if Sam is sick. Please let it be pregnancy. It took so long to bring u and Jason back together. The writers promised some happy times. So they better deliver. By the way Billy Miller is a hunk. I am so glad he joined GH.
Jason and Sam are soul mates without a doubt.
They said she’s pregnant today (Mon.).
Great interview! The fan wars are out of hand & I always feel so bad for the actors involved. Kelly seems like a very lovely person. Looking forward to her upcoming story line.
Thank you for the interview, Michael!
I pretty much enjoyed all the questions you asked except for the wardrobe one. lol. I could careless what the characters wear. I mean I have seen characters dressed worse than Sam but I’m just not bothered by the clothing. I need GH to write better storylines! For example, I’m very disappointed with the way the power at be at General Hospital handled Jason’s return and memory story. It was never about Jason but instead all about Liz’s obsession with Jason. Worst of all, there were no consequences or fall out for Liz and straight to white washing.
I love her so much she is the BEST I drove 350 miles to attend her event she was so worth the trip great interview thank you
Interesting interview. Can’t wait to see what the “big thing” would be. I am trying to think of the scenario that hasn’t been played on GH before.
I think it’s interesting no one ever references Sam’s sordid past on the show. The character has been pretty much whitewashed.
Sounds like Billy’s going to be around a while–maybe he’ll start smiling again soon.
he smiles quite a bit now
You know very well that the show can NOT sell a leading heroine as the woman that watched Jake’s kidnapping and hired ARMED thugs to terrorize a mother, baby and toddler!
Why not?? If they did with Luke( who raped a woman), they can sure do it with Sam.
Of course, you can. Liz, lied, slept with a married man, who had amnesia, While she knew he was Jason and had a son with Sam, and was married to him, Liz slept, with Nicholas, while married to Lucky. Then cheated on Lucky and slept with Jason while he was drunk, many years ago. Should I go on. However, you still want Liz to be a heroine, of what, seducing and cheating. DON’T FORGET SAM RIGHTED THAT WRONG, SHE SAVED JAKE, FROM THE BURNING BLDG. I REST MY CASE!
@MsCris, I was never an LnL fan because of what Luke did to Laura and that was almost 40 years ago! Do you really think Luke raping a teenage girl on the dirty disco floor would fly, now? I don’t think so.
@Bee, What Sam did to Jake in 2007 was never outed where EVERYONE in town knew what she did to a baby, so I stand by my earlier comments.
You sound disappointed BM will still be around now see this is Liz fans are so negative
Marie, stop projecting.
Harry, best two words of all time: STOP PROJECTING. What a great comment to use in the Liz and Sam fandom war. Good enough for a T-shirt slogan.
I don’t care for Sam but Kelly Monaco has always seemed cool. Good for her for calling out those fan wars. People need to grow up.
I really wish Kelly would not say this: ” if these fan factions really hate each other then I guess we are doing our job well.” It makes me wonder if she has looked at some of the things her fans have said about Becky, and the level of hatred that is on social media. Fans verbally attack and threaten each other over tv characters on a soap.
Yes, I agree, it does seem to exhibit an enormous disconnect. It’s not a good thing at all, and it sure doesn’t do anything to support or promote the show.
I think her interview acknowledged all of that very well. She’s been on the recieving end of the same kind of attacks.
Sam definetly cleared it all up. More than I would have bothered to do. She has class.
Even though she said that one thing, it’s obvious that she’s sick of the fan war stuff. Fans from both fanbases attack each other, Kelly, Becky and the co-stars they admire. It needs to stop for sure and I’m glad she spoke about it because it feels like some of the people in charge don’t get that it’s harmful & not cool. With the way that GH used Jason’s return to fuel the Liason/Jasam fan wars, someone in charge was clearly not concerned about taking care of their leading ladies. It was extremely disrespectful to both Becky & Kelly.
She pretty much acknowledged that she’s not on social media because of that very reason —- in a probably half joking matter, she said GH is probably doing their job well with the characters hating each other. Pretty certain from everything else she said she does not encourage it.
So good to see a Kelly Monaco interview!!! I love how down to earth she is and how much she loves and appreciates her fans. I cannot wait to see what is to come for Sam and for Jasam! I wish she could go talk to the writers like Steve had in the past so that the writers could focus on details for the couple and not skip through major plot points. Great interview!
No actor should ever have the level of control over story as she describes Burton as having. Period. That’s a stunning admission, and to me an alarming one. But it certainly explains to me why the show was so centered around the Jason character for so long back then. No wonder the ratings were in the basement.
Alanna, Steve had said it himself a long time ago that the writers had wanted to rush Jasam and he went to them and told them to take it slow. And he did them a favor. Jasam has become second to Luke and Laura. The slow build of the Jasam relationship is what made viewers fall in love with them. It was natural. Maybe the writers need a reminder that rushing a story doesn’t mean it’s going to be successful.
I agree ALanna —- I don’t mind the actors maybe shedding light on their characters to new writers, but dictating how the story goes? That’s not their job.
That’s not Burton or any actor’s job to ‘remind’ the writers or to dictate story flow and pacing. As Ces said–offering an opinion is one thing, but beyond that is overstepping.
As for Jason/Sam being second to Luke and Laura — I personally find that laughable, considering Robert and Holly, Frisco and Felicia, Mac and Felicia, Anna and Robert, Anna and Duke, Sonny and Brenda, and last but not least, Liz and Lucky are couples who place way higher in the scheme of things. Sorry.
Agreed. We see what happened when Tony Geary’s ego ran rampant–he destroyed a legacy character, an epic, romantic love story, and lost his legion of fans–that’s all!
NO COUPLE can ever be L &L or even come close
I have heard Kelly make this statement before. I am always curious though whether she was talking about 2004 or when they reconnected in 2009. I don’t think Steve is the type that would demand that writers do things a certain way he would suggest and they could choose to listen or not.
Please Burton and Benard were running the joint with Phelps was over there no surprise!
And while Ron was there, they weren’t lol. No that Ron is gone, It’s become the Sonny and Jason are the best in the world show again
ok-
I just y’all to notice;
I am not going to say anything about Sam ….
But you did, su000! You did. You came in here to say you’re not going to say anything about Sam.
ahaa haa! I did didn’t I …
ok, so now I will say something..
whatever she has Julian blood/whatever can save her and therefore all will be in his debt and he’ll start his redemption !
Another great interview, Michael. I feel like I got to know Kelly Monaco better today. I’m a big Liason fan and Twitter is my Social Media platform of choice and in defense, I’d like to shed some light on the fanwar issue. As with most fanbases, we have a group of people we like to exchange ideas with and over the years have become quite good friends, discussing General Hospital, of course, other shows, books, movies and occasionally our personal lives. It’s also a platform for us to discuss our favorite couples, which contrary to the modern soap executive mindset, is actually the main reason we still tune into soaps. On numerous occasions, so many I’ve lost count as a matter of fact, I have been personally attacked when discussing General Hospital with my friends/followers by the MonacoMafia, whatever that is. When I say personally attacked I mean things would make a prison guard blush. I have been cursed, maligned and wished dead…not only me but my children and parents. It’s insane. These people are not my followers, not anyone I’ve ever interacted with but somehow felt justified in their actions because I don’t like the same couple they like. Not one time have I ever sought them out or gone into their mentions to pick a fight but yet I found myself consistently being bombarded with their vitriol when I was completely minding my own business. If I was a perfectly mature person and was able to completely control my emotions at all times? I would have, without question, taken the high road. But more honestly, when someone attacks? My first instinct is to defend myself…at first I got mad, and since then have intermittently ignored them, occasionally tried to make a joke out of it, have tried to reason with them when they’ve contacted me through DIRECT MESSAGES, and ignored them again. I heard what Kelly said at GHFCW about the fanwars and I really had to check myself. I never in a million years, EVER, want to hurt someone with hateful words or actions and I felt bad for my part in contributing to the animosity on social media when I did choose to engage and determined to be more careful that my criticism of the character doesn’t spill over to the person playing the character. I have been muting the people who are itching for a fight instead of answering them back. Again, minding my own business, THEY HAVE SOUGHT ME OUT as well as Becky, her husband, and her numerous fans. Being in the Twitter “trenches” every day, I’ve seen it happen over and over and over again. After this interview, I have a new respect for Kelly Monaco and understand that she can’t afford to alienate her fans BUT it would go a long way if she would ask them to stop attacking. I have rarely, if ever, seen Becky fans attack first but will admit, it’s gotten nasty when the argument escalates on… Read more »
And Becky needs to do the same thing with her fans. I’ve read many horrible things her fans have said about Kelly. But I guess you haven’t seen all that.
What you mean LIZ fans don’t attack first?? Liz fans have a FB groups dedicated to bashing KeMo And FYI KeMo has a much larger fan base and you know it Micheal Fairman thanks for the interview but please take Shell comment with a grain of salt I can prove how vile Liz fan base
It would be great if that HUGE KeMo fanbase watched the show–maybe the ratings would go up
And the responses are only proving their point that all of you need to chill. They are story lines!
LOL, Robynne. Co-sign
Yes, Michael does GREAT interviews. Thanks, Michael F!
I rooted for Liason way back before Sam was even on the show. But I lost interest when he fell in love with Courtney, and then Sam. And then he was in love with Liz again. And then Sam again. He seems like a ‘love the one you’re with’ kind of guy. When he came back to the show as Jake, he was ALL IN for Liz, but now he’s all in for Sam. I got whiplash from how fast he got over Liz and fell for Sam. Not romantic in the least.
Thanks, Michael, for creating an environment in which Kelly could be so comfortable being open with her thoughts and responses. I love that Kelly is a “fan” of the show, too, with opinions about characters, actors and storylines. Thanks to Kelly for showing how much she cares about what she does, cares about Sam, cares about her co-workers and cares about fans. I look forward to what is ahead for Sam, and for Kelly.
Great interview with my favorite girl Sam. Thank you Michael and thank you Kelly Monaco for being so gracious. I really hope the GH writers let Sam move on to do bigger and better things like she described in the interview, she can definitely handle it and knock it out of the park. It was very classy how you handled the fans who don’t necessarily like your wardrobe or you with Jason. Glad to hear you and RH are good friends outside of work too! She is also a good actress. Can’t wait to see what GH has in store for our Samantha McCall in the coming year. I pray it is nothing but the best! Keep rocking it KM!!!
I may not be a Sam fan, but I am such a fan of the always adorable Kelly Monaco. What a beautifully candid interview she gave! I hope the story ahead gives her plenty of opportunity to stretch out creatively.
Kelly Monaco seems like a sweet and smart woman. I, for one cannot wait to see what “Sam’s” story is going to be. I am also hoping for another baby for Sam and Jason.
Awe. Kelly is such an elegant, professional and talented person.
Thanks for asking about the lack of Sam, Jason and Danny scenes. The 3 of them are loved by viewers and the viewers want to see the 3 of them together as a family on screen. Also, I think this is a question that should be addressed to executive producers and writers on General Hospital. I hope you get to ask the executive producers and writer about the lack of Sam, Jason and Danny scenes. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.
Yes! I’m so disappointed in the lack of Jason/Sam/Danny scenes too. It’s time for GH to let Jason/Sam/Danny focus on each other. Family time is what I want to see on General hospital
Jason will ignore this kid like he does the other 2 he has.
Kelly Monaco is such a great friend to Rebecca Herbst….always speaking kind things about her AND showing it. I think it’ll be nice for Rebecca Herbst to do the same too if she considers Kelly Monaco a friend. I’m sure she might just start doing it now just because it’s pointed out.
Actually, Becky has mentioned prior to this interview several times she considers Kelly a great friend. She said in multiple interviews that they are very close off set. She even said Kelly was the first person she called when she sorted out her contract with GH.
Katie is right. Rebecca has indeed told her fans to chill, she has reminded them that she and Kelly are close friends and that this is fiction.
Geez, some of you are really blurring the lines between reality and fantasy and you give us somewhat sane and intelligent soap viewers a bad name. I would understand if you were in middle school but I suspect those days are long behind you. Knock it off–you just sound childish, silly, insane and stupid. There, I said it.
I was thinking the same thing too. This Kelly/Becky friendship seems too one sided. Poor Kelly! I hope she finds better friends.
Right. A true friend would never let other bashes her friends. If I am right, a few of the mean Twitter accounts that tweet mean things to Kelly Monaco actually tweet other things to Becky and she does answer them. If I was Becky, I would not even acknowledge them as fans if they personally attack my friends by NOT responding. This doesn’t go to just Becky but everyone. I hope one is not that desperate that they continue to take them any way they can get it.
Rebecca Herbst is married with two kids
I hope she doesn’t take time out to mind this
Sam can keep Jason … just hide
Jason can stud muffin OUTside of Liz orbit
all will be well
there’s nothing to mine here… Sonny and Carly ; Jason and Sam… are all tapped out
there are so many good actors on that cast
As a fan of Rebecca Herbst, she has 3 beautiful children.
Rebecca would probably sidebrush this as usual.
Sam doesn’t have to hide to be with Jason. That would be Liz’s thing because Jason wasn’t proud to show her off. And if Liz wasn’t hiding to be in a relationships with Jason, she would be lying to him.
Jason is already outside of Liz’s orbit, and all is not fine because the Liz fans are bitter. Have you seen the hate on Billy Miller now that fictional Jason is not with Liz?
Sonny and Carly, Jason and Sam are GH super couple. Because these super couples were separated for a long time, GH is just getting started on them again, sat hey should.
Agreed that GH has a good cast and they also have good couples like Sonny & Carly, Jason & Sam, Dante & Lulu and newest couples to be Kevin & Laura, Dillion & Kiki, Finn & Hayden, Franco & Liz.
What Katie said is true.
As a fan of Rebecca Herbst, she has 3 beautiful children.
Rebecca would probably sidebrush this as usual.
Sam doesn’t have to hide to be with Jason. That would be Liz’s thing because Jason wasn’t proud to show her off. And if Liz wasn’t hiding to be in a relationships with Jason, she would be lying to him.
Jason is already outside of Liz’s orbit, and all is not fine because the Liz fans are bitter. Have you seen the hate on Billy Miller now that fictional Jason is not with Liz?
Sonny and Carly, Jason and Sam are GH super couple. Because these super couples were separated for a long time, GH is just getting started on them again, sat hey should.
Agreed that GH has a good cast and they also have good couples like Sonny & Carly, Jason & Sam, Dante & Lulu and newest couples to be Kevin & Laura, Dillion & Kiki, Finn & Hayden, Franco & Liz.
My previous comment was toward Patrick. Somehow, I replied to you, Robynne
Hi Elizabeth. Kelly did address that. She said the fan wars were brutal and that’s why she stays off social media but realizes that she and Becky must be doing a good job if people get so passionate about their characters. She also stated criticizing a character is okay; criticizing the actor isn’twhich most of us would agree with.
As for fans threatening each other, ugh, some people literally are loose cannons, unstable. Scary…
I love what she said about the Liz/Sam fan war. I have often thought when reading some of the comments, that it would be funny to see Kelly and Becky in character do a video, reading the tweets in character. Something like the mean tweets that Jimmy Kimmel has on his show. Just making fun of each other and the fans in a fun way.
Love Kelly Monaco . Love Jasam. They are my favorite on GH
PS. Love Billy Miller as Jason. He had big shoes to fill and is the best recast ever!
He filled, plus more. He has added in his own touches. Billy, is a three time Emmy award winner. He is the best recast ever, I agree Noreen. I got sick of Y&R, and use to watch only for Billy Abbott. Love him as Jason.
I just wish they would give him a good story now.
Thanks, Noreen, for supporting our Billy. I absolutely ADORE Billy Miller, always have, and frankly have been disheartened reading some posts blaming him for not being the exact same Jason as Steve Burton. These two actors are obviously quite different in their approaches, but I appreciate both. I do blame the writing for not allowing for enough of a change in Jason’s brain chemistry and therefore being a bit lighter at times. I really miss Billy M.’s incredible, sexy, “I can get away with anything” smile, and sweetly goofy humor. You don’t win 3 Emmys without the range to play practically anything, as Billy can. Kelly seems to get it, as the interview shows. I can see she & Billy working in a good rhythm and, many times, seeming impatient for deeper stories and emotions. Perhaps, as she indicated, those days aren’t far off.
What a wonderful interview! Kelly always seems like she is very down to earth and kind. I love what she had to say about her costars. I would love it if she received a better wardrobe, and it’s nice to know she would too!
Thank you for the interview, Michael. I love Kelly and Sam!
@Laura – I agree. As people age, many change their wardrobe style?
Kelly Monaco is a great actress. I hate that she has insecurities . People should not judge her from personal past experiences and her TV character’s actions. I would love to see Kelly branch out to do movies because she is that good. I have been watching GH for a long time and Sam is one of my favorite characters, and I do hope they give her better story lines and screen time because she is that good and deserves Emmy winning writing to perform.
I think she is a so-so actress, unfortunately, BUT I respect the maturity she exhibits in the interview. And she is grateful; I admire her for that. And I’m glad she is secure in her job; she has obviously worked hard and has come far from living in a care. Obviously she really wanted her career. I also liked it that she candidly acknowledged that she might not have done the nude spreads if she had it to do over again. Seems like she has her feet on the ground and is realistic–would that we could say that about all of the cast (or recently “retired’ member of the cast–LOL).
Wondering if she and Billy are NOT an “item” as we heard some time ago–when they had pics of the two swimming together. She says she has “nothing to protect” presently in her life–contrasted to the 18-year relationship with “Mike” that she fiercely protected but that is no more.
living in a “car”!
Thank you for this interview with Kelly. I think she is beautiful, awesome and a fantastic actress. I hope she gets to play this “big thing” sounds interesting. But I don’t want Sam and Jason to split up. Billy Miller is doing a great job and the chemistry between Kelly and Jason is something special.
Kelly is an amazing actress and very gracious and appreciative of her fans.
Great interview. I always love hearing from Kelly. She is such a sweet person. I’ve met her at GHFCW before and she was very friendly and down to earth. Her comments about the possible way her story could go are pretty intriguing. I can’t wait to see what is coming up with her. And I’m loving her being back with Jason. KM and BM have so much chemistry.
Yes they don’t!
Meant yes they do!
No, they don’t–you are right, unfortunately. And Billy acts so very bored–sleepwalks through his scenes. Wonder why that is since he has won Emmys for his work. I didn’t see him before GH so I don’t have anything to compare to his lackluster performance on this show.
Kelly monaco has always been my favorite and Jasam’s is the best love story in soap history because it was the realist and natural. Glad to see new jasam has that chemistry, I just hope the writers don’t destroy this couple they’ve been through enough GH needs that strong powerful couple not every couple needs to be cheating. I would love a medical illness of some sort that let’s Sam step outside her box. No split personality that is played out on GH. I could go for a baby too, but i don’t think that’s the case.
Kelly, is extremely classy. The same man for 18, years. No kids. I’m so sick of rumors. She gets along with every one on GH. She is truly beautiful.
One thing.
If Kelly, and even others like Becky, have a problem with the fanwars that have viciously destroyed this Jason return story, then they shouldn’t be pointing fingers at the fans. This fanwar was exactly what Frank and Ron wanted when they brought on Billy to try to play Jason. They didn’t want a good story. Their plan all along was to reignite the fuse of this disgusting fight hoping to garner ratings from it. I love that it has blown up in their faces and ratings have instead nosedived and never really recovered. If Steve had not done the smart thing and left when he did, who knows how bad the destruction would have been for all three characters at this point. It’s the decision by TPTB to start the fanwar again and make Jason a stupid hick of a character for 18 months that ruined Jason’s return. That’s it, that’s all.
I can only hope that it’s true that when Billy leaves the show, TPTB will make him an imposter victim of Helena’s as part of Sam’s curse so we can all bury for good this pathetic and disgusting fanwar. The personal attacks and bullying by rabid KeMo and Liz fans are a disgrace.
I also blame the execs. Just when you think things are calming down and it’s “safe” to assume things are headed in the right direction they pull us right back in. I’ve lost “Internet friends” because I am a Jasam fan. I actually had one that I chatted with daily who once she learned I was a Jasam fan totally cut off communication. This even before I was vocal about it! So ridiculous.
I believe the lack of a payoff after waiting so long for it is also what’s fueling a lot of fans. Not only with Liz but Franco as well now that Jason is “back”. It’s totally out of character for both Sam and Jason to have basically NO reaction. It’s like we long time fans are just supposed to dismiss such a huge part of GH history as if we never saw it. Anyway, I agree with most of your comment except I don’t want billy to leave! We just finally got Jasam back and now that he is actually allowed to play Jason he’s doing a fabulous job! I pray he does not go
I think all the characters and actors in the show are awesome, but sometimes the storylines Drag a little too long but they always turn out to have great endings….. keep up the good work guys
I’m glade Billy is Jason are in wouldn’t be watching I’m a JaSam when he started playing Jason It’s what made me tune in on a regular base so I’m happy we have BM playing Jason
I am sorry but one cannot blame the EP and head writer for engaging in idiotic, immature, delusional and hateful behavior. I mean really, these nut cases need to get a grip on reality.
Harry – Well said!
Yes, Harry. Well said….you should listen to your own advise and not be among that group with the delusional, hateful behavior of which you speak. Your worsds against Nina/ Michelle Stafford are not so “nice”, for lack of a more fitting word. You speak from both sides of your mouth.
Most of us do not vacillate. Love Kelly….beautiful, sweet woman. But, I am not very fond of Sam and her ridiculous storylines. Obviously, not her fault. As it is not Nina’s.
Your ridiculing of the character and repremanding me for liking her belies your point, my dear Harry.
What’s good fot the goose…..
I’m with you, Harry–:all the way”! 🙂
Honestly, Harry, I just don’t get anybody who is so wedded to a soap opera character/actor that they vehemently defend them and denigrate fellow show fans who don’t share their highly-vaunted view of said player. To me, it totally smacks of being dangerously unhinged! Of course, we all have our favorites, and may even post extremely complimentary thoughts regarding them—like here on this thread, I’ve always had good things to say about Kelly Monaco!— but to take umbrage and attack those when an opinion of a pet character fails to comport with one’s own indicates to me a person that really needs to get a life, not to mention some serious therapy!!!! As long as I like/enjoy a character, that’s quite enough for me….candidly speaking, I’m much more concerned about critiquing those highly-annoying creatures that ruin my soaps…..that’s where my passions lie when it comes to making my thoughts known, and I dare say you can relate to that notion, Harry!!!!!
No we are all responsible for own actions, but they have no problem fanning the flames. If you think they don’t consider it good exposure or that they don’t like it, it’s very niave. If it’s so bad and they really wanted to change it they would be writing very different for both Liz and Sam. I was really looking forward to a good big redemption story for Liz. One that shows remorse etc. just doing that would have calmed things down tremendously. Also keeping her separated from important long awaited Sam and Jason scenes would have helped. Of course the execs don’t have actual control over what people say and do but they certainly can influence it.
Writers can’t have their stories dictated by potential online “fan wars.” Love triangles have been a soap staple for decades and the rooting power of both couples is what drives long term story. Ron was setting up a classic triangle with Sam/Jason/Liz and wisely avoiding the whole “Stone Cold” mob angle but unfortunately Jean and Shelly chucked that in favor of the yawn inducing JaSam pairing and a return to the Sonny/Jason mutual admiration fan club.
And you, Alan, never disappoint me with your concise, no-nonsense comments. You see things crystal-clear and you transmit what you see descriptively and honestly. Thank you for your mature posts, without the use of ‘misplaced’ sarcasm.
I do not ‘indulge’ in the stupidity of social-media wars. This is my only venue to communicate my thoughts and opinions…..I LOVE my soaps. I have favorites and not-so-favorites. However, I can guarantee that I have never used the word ‘hate’ on these sites, or in my everyday life.
Nonetheless, my thoughts are my thoughts…..and, it drives me up the wall when some have the audacity to kick my derriere for loving certain protagonists just because they do not.
Kelly Monaco shone through in this interview. I love her aura. Sam? Well…..uhmmm, ‘they’ need to step-her-up.
By the same token, said people who profess impartiality drag a certain character/actress through the mud and then bury her…..(among many other actors). And, hypocritically, dare to comment that others behave in a hateful manner.
Then, there are some who just chime in with one-liners, just to be part of that irritatingly sarcastic, pungent jab-throwing, don’t mean ‘nothin’, mean comments towards the protagonists and the poster. I can read between the lines.
I admire and thank Michael Fairmain. He knows that most of us CAN separate the actor/actress from the character. I may not say it often enough, but Mr. M is my hero for giving me this forum to discuss something I treasure dearly. And, to have some try to take the joy out of it needs to think before posting.
But, you, dear friend, are a breath of fresh air…..you always clear the oppressive fog.
I suspect Sam did pick up some disease in Greece and it may be related to what is killing patients at GH. Or somebody at GH has tried to poison her. Glad to hear that she stays off social media to avoid the wars!
Thank you, Kelly & Michale (no pun intended) for a great interview. This new storyline looks very promising. It seems that everyone is going to be drawn in to the Cassadine Island story and the fallout. I really enjoy the stories that involve more than a few characters and have high hopes that we haven’t seen the last of Helena Cassadine.
Kelly seems like a very nice, approachable person. It just goes to show that she does a great job of acting a badass on GH. I watched Dirty Soap and although she was going through some stuff on the show, she seemed like the nice, sane one. No offense to the others.
I adore Kelly as Kelly and as Sam……I adore Becky as Becky and as Liz….so awesome…both!!!!! I really wished you had asked Kelly about her and Billy in REAL life. I was hoping they were a THING!!! Great going, everyone. Love the show for many many many years. It is the only one I watch!!!!
Hi…good interview….I adore Kelly as Kelly and as Sam…..and I adore Becky as Becky and as Liz. Great jobs girls! I was Hoping you would ask Kelly about her and Billy in REAL life!!!! I have watched GH for many many years. It is the only one I watch now. Good job everyone!!!!!
I hope Sam is pregnant! There is no way she picked up a disease in Greece because there were like 10 characters that went to Greece and if it was some kind of disease more than 1 characters would be sick. Baby Girl Morgan is coming!!
Doc said so today!
Good interview!
Some Liz fans are just straight up nasty. Ask any actreassss who has ever played opposite of Becky Herbst’s character Liz what Becky’s fans say about them personally. Heck, you can even ask the producers and you’ll see Beck Herbst fans begging producers to let so and so actress go because so and so actress is a rival of Liz. So crazy! Some Liz fans don’t know the difference between real and reel that they start attacking the actresses. Yes! There are real attacks on the actresses who played Sam, Maxie, Gia, Courtney, Hayden, Carly and Britt. I dare you to ask the actresses (of the characters I mentioned) who are real people which one of their costar’s fan is personally attacking or has attacked them personally.
You’re right! I think the worst verbal attacks I’ve seen on an actress for GH is both Kelly’s. KM & KT got it really bad. It’s one thing to express dislike of a particular actors acting style. We all have our likes and dislikes but it’s quite another to seek them out in order to harass and call names and make fun of their appearance. It’s warped and mean.
Loved the interview. Love Kelly. Love JaSam. Hope there are good things ahead for JaSam and I hope there is a lot of drama that I know my couple can handle. Just hope it is written well.
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve read an interview with her. What a treat! I love how candid she is. Great job Michael! Thank you!!
I have a whole lot of respect for Kelly Monaco and anyone else who speaks up about personal attacks on them over a fictional pairing or character. It is just ridiculous and I am happy she talked about it. Now, if only, 20/20 can expose some of these mean social media accounts, which I must say, most of them refused to use their real pictures to do all the bullying.
Thank you Michael Fairman and Kelly Monaco for such a wonderful interview. I have been a soap oper fan my whole life as a matter of fact, I’ve watched General Hospital for 49 years and used to listen on the radio. For my soaps. As a long time soap watcher, I have always loved the whole cast! As for the characters, some may have made me disappointed in the choices they make but I never hated any of them. It makes me really sad to see some soap watcher, particularly adults bashing our soap actors and actresses personally.
I really liked how Kelly Monaco pointed out some real and honest issues. The sad thing is some people will never grow out of that delusional stage of bashing real people and twisting words said. I was on Twitter, most specifically on GH hashtag like 5 mins ago and I’m seeing some Rebecca Herbst fans twisting the words Kelly Monaco said even to the point of bashing her fans, Billy Miller and Kelly Monaco herself over this interview.
I hope General Hospital make their actors and actresses feel more comfortable. No one deserves to be bash or harass. Personally, this fan war of Kelly Monaco/Rebecca Herbst, Sam/Liz could be easily avoided; by having Sam and Liz out of each other’s orbit. And enough of the Sam/Jason/ Liz triangle.
Anyone who watches General Hospital know that Liz and Lucky are soulmates. They are and were the next Luke and Laura. I hope to see Little Jake as Lucky Spencer’s biological son so maybe GH can bring Lucky back. Lucky knows how it feels to be taken by Helena and can relate to Jake and perhaps be the one to help the boy. I know GH is trying to do something like that with Franco as the one helping Jake but their story/bond is too creepy. Now. don’t get me wrong. Franco was a bad man but like all the soap characters I think all the characters could be redeemed and deserve love but Franco’s relationship with Little Jake is just too rushed and forced.
My grandmother had a battery radio and she listened to “Helen Trent” and “Our Gal Sunday” on it–played it loudly. I can still put myself there in her little house with no electricity as I entered her room with her Grit and Christian Science Monitor spread out on her bed (which was in her living room). Sometimes she would have a fire in her fireplace in the summertime–she burned coal. A sweet memory.
Hi Michael Fantastic Interview Kelly is truly a class act she never has any false pretenious airs about herself her honestly and humility are so refreshing Kelly is the epitome of Grace and Beauty and Kindness I love the characters of Jason and Sam and I am truly looking forward to thier new up and coming storyline they deserve to be happy Kelly and Billy Miller are very talented they are both so EXTRAORDINARY as a fan it is a true Blessing to watch them on GH Thank you
They need another kid like they need a well shot to the head it is going to be some illness and Julian saves her blah blah blah so they can try to save Julian’s character. I like KM but I find their storyline Jason and Sam to be as moving as a slice of butter
If it wasn’t you Kelly I don’t think I waatch G H even I don’t know you really really good what you do don’t even bother what they say about you you brilliantl love you
Michael, I have been expressing how disappointed I am in GH for the lack of Jason/Danny, Sam/Danny, Sam/Jason/Danny scenes. I want some family scenes for the Morgans. It’s time to shift the focus to Jason, Sam and Danny.
It’s like Laura and Kevin–just gets momentum–and there it goes–off canvas. Can’t tell a story like that, can you? I, too, would love to try my hand at writing some (better) scenes for the characters.
Great interview Michael. Love Kelly. She is a great actress and a class act. She is right fan war is out of control. Folks need to learn the difference between reel and real. Hoping for good things for Kelly as well as Jasam story.
my adrenaline and pulse escalate… I am in to ONE fan base war than any other
LOL… it’s a fanatical thing… when you start reading posts and your mind races and jumps all over the place
wanting to commit to your reason
it’s my understanding… that most of these fan bases collide… is especially twitter
Rebecca Herbst does not need propping protecting and imagination run amok
be real
this thread reads we are still here… just not as loud as the first time around
will a preggers solidify THEIR true love
whatever
I think it will be made clear once we find out what Sams adVENTURE
EXCLUSIVE: GH’s Kelly Monaco Opens Up About JaSam, Liz/Sam Fan Wars, Public Perception & What’s Up With Those Fainting Spells?
it was bland… nothing to muster… after all the hoopla premiere of Jason and Sam faded and lacks
this thread is searching for resuscitate ? Will it be Kelly Monaco to the rescue
if she’s preggers ? the show really doesn’t know what to do with them.
ONE thing I really can’t stand… is GH choice of clothing for Sam… that black/drk. blue tank top with her skinny jeans and those god awful thigh high black boots with ( it’s not sexy ) stiletto….. SERIOUSLY GH ? clothes do make a person…
her voice sounds the same
her clothes are the same
her scripts are uneventful
why not give her a new wardrobe… throw away Jason and Sam matching leather jackets….
with a new wardrobe it would give the audience another look at Sam. it’s so passe ?? she’s been dressing the same way for decades… not pretty any more
I believe there is a collective “thank you” that Jason and Sam are not heavily featured… same goes for Sonny and Carly…. the dullards
I LOVE THE REST OF THE CAST
Sam is like fingernails on chalk board LOL
Patrick, great comments re Sam and Jason and Sonny and Carly. There ARE other characters in the cast (wink, wink)! Hey, writers. . . are you listening?
Great interview. Loved Kelly from day one. Hope she gets to play “that” story line she wants.
Thank you soo much for having the beautiful and talented Kelly Monaco. She is so humble and such a class act. I’m a jasam fan for life. But I was a big fan of L&L too. Becky and Kelly are great actresses and I for one are against all the bashing that goes on social media. I have been watching GH for the past 40 yrs. I love all the cast, they are the best. Kelly you are a role model, you are smart, witty, gorgeous and you have a big heart. You love your fans and you make us feel special. I for one am cheering for a great storyline for Sam because girl you soo deserve to win an emmy soon. Thank you again Michael we love you.
I agree Patty!! I love Jasam too!
General Hospital
With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
On recent episodes of ABC’s General Hospital, a few of the key characters in the life of the “late” Nikolas Cassadine spoke about him including: his on-screen mother, Laura (Genie Francis), his ex, Hayden Barnes (Rebecca Budig), and a woman who would have been poised to be a new love interest, Ava (Maura West).
So with the name-drops and mentions in recent weeks, could the character who was shot by Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) and fell out a glass window on a balcony, be making a return soon and be very much alive?
Soap fans tweeted at the actor most known for his role as Nikolas Cassadine (in which he won a Daytime Emmy for his performance), and former Days of our Lives star, Tyler Christopher, to see what his thoughts were on what could be happening on General Hospital with the character.
Tyler made this statement to his Twitter followers: “You are all very sweet to be so loyaI as you always are. I know they are talking about Nikolas as of late. I’ve always said I would never close that door from my side. I just want to thank you all for always rooting for me and the character. I grew up with him as many of u have.”
For over 20 years, Christopher had played the role of the dark prince of the Cassadines. When he went on leave from the series in 2016, he was replaced by Nick Stabile, who was Nikolas at the time of the character’s supposed death.
Later, Tyler debut on Days of our Lives and took on the role of the newly created character of Stefan O DiMera. He was also nominated earlier this year for a Daytime Emmy for Lead Actor for his performance in that role.
Longtime fans of GH have also been active on social media hoping that somehow GH could find a way to bring back both Tyler, as well as his on-screen TV brother, Jonathan Jackson (Ex-Lucky) so Laura could also have her sons back on the canvas.
So, do you think GH is about to bring Nikolas back? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
OLTL Favorite Mark Lawson Appears On General Hospital
Viewers of ABC daytime were in a for a surprise (although rumors had been circulating), when former One Life to Live alum, Mark Lawson showed up on Tuesday’s episode of General Hospital. In it, Mark came on to the Port Charles scene as Dustin Phillips, a man Lulu (Emme Rylan) was meeting with at the Metro Court for her “story” on online dating, and a potential suspect in the home burglaries tied to a dating app.
Meanwhile, while Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) is away originally being deprogrammed from his nightmare in Turkey, Peter (Wes Ramsey) and Maxie (Kirsten Storms) got news from Mac (John J. York) that there may be a lead to his whereabouts in Ithaca, New York,
Maxie is taking it upon herself to locate Dante and bring him back to Lulu. In addition, when she noticed Lulu enjoying the company of Dustin a bit too much, she was somewhat alarmed that her bff would be having a good time with another man.
It’s been a minute since daytime fans have seen Lawson, who played Navy Seal, Brody Lovett on One Life. His character was involved with Jessica (Bree Williamson) and all of her alters: Tess, Bess, Wes, et,c and also Jessica’s sister, Natalie (Melissa Archer).
Once fans got wind of his GH appearance, Lawson posted on Instagram along with his workout videos: “Well .. cat’s out of the bag, Stay soapy, my friends.”
So, will Mark continue on GH as a new love interest for Lulu? Could Dustin be tied to the crimes Lulu is investigating? Would you like to see Lulu move on with her life if Dante is off the canvas for a long time, or do you hope Dominic Zamprogna returns, and there becomes a triangle, or none of the above? Let us know what should happen for Luly in the romance department via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Cause of Death of Disney and ‘GH: Night Shift’ Alum, Cameron Boyce Deferred Following Autopsy; Industry Heartbroken Over Loss
Fans, and the entertainment industry including; many soap opera notables, have been saddened over the sudden death of the very popular Disney Channel star, Cameron Boyce over this past weekend.
On Monday, an autopsy was performed and the cause of death was ‘deferred pending further investigation’ according to the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner Coronier’s office.
Boyce was found unresponsive in his home on Saturday afternoon. A spokesperson for the Boyce family said in statement previously that the beloved actor died from a seizure in his sleep: “It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron. He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated. The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.”
Although, best known for his roles on the Descendants and the TV series Jessie, as well as the movies Grown Up and Grown Ups 2 that starred Adam Sander, Boyce was only 20 years old.
Boyce also appeared on General Hospital’s spin-off, GH: Night Shift in the role of Stone, the son of Jagger Cates (Antonio Sabato Jr.) and Karen. Upon learning of his death, his former on-screen dad, Sabato Jr. tweeted: ” Rest In Peace Cameron Boyce, it was an honor to have worked with you and spend our time together. Man my heart is broken, what an amazing kid with an amazing future. My deepest condolences to his family & friends. We will all miss you. #brokenheart.”
Kimberly McCullough, (Robin, GH) posted, “#CameronBoyce Had the pleasure of working with him on Night Shift where he played ‘Stone Jr.’ Broke out some crazy legs one day on set. That’s how I’ll remember him. RIP bright soul.”
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, Y&R) shared a video with Boyce. Michelle’s daughter Natalia was a big fan of Boyce. Staffotd wrote in her Instagram post: “NO ONE and NOTHING is way cooler than you, you beautiful, sweet, Talented shining star. Anyone who has young children has probably watched this man 1 million times! And seen just how talented he is. What an honor to have met this young, charismatic man who joyfully sent this message to my daughter who is IN LOVE with him. I want to send out my love and prayers to Cameron’s family. This is a GREAT loss for all of us. God Speed. You will ALWAYS shine bright ”
Share your condolences and thoughts on the passing of the talented Cameron Boyce, who was gone too soon via the comment section below.
‘Bachelor’ Creator Mike Fleiss Slapped With Restraining Order After Allegedly Attacking Wife; Demanding She Have An Abortion
With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
Y&R’s Loren Lott Gets Her Opening Title Sequence Credit; Shares Her ‘Reaction’ Via Video Post
71st Primetime Emmy Nominations: ‘This Is Us’ Stars: Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, HTGAWM’s Viola Davis Score Lead Drama Acting Nods
Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
THE BACHELORETTE: Hannah Finally Sends Luke P. Packing!
TOMORROW: Watch The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement Live-Stream
Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
OLTL Favorite Mark Lawson Appears On General Hospital
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
Olivia Rose Keegan Posts Parting Thoughts As Her Final Episode As Claire Airs On DAYS
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
Y&R’s Loren Lott Gets Her Opening Title Sequence Credit; Shares Her ‘Reaction’ Via Video Post
TOMORROW: Watch The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement Live-Stream
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
GH’s Friz Wedding Reception Set To Bring Romance, Drama & Plot Twists (Promo)
As Chelsea Makes Her On-Screen Return On Y&R; Melissa Claire Egan Looks Back At Some Of Her Most Memorable Scenes
GH’s Trans Actress Cassandra James On Her Portrayal Of Terry: “It’s Not Lost On Me The Importance Of The Work I’m Doing”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas’ Turn To The Dark Side Is Getting Creepier! What Is His Next Move?
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Takes A Look Back At Some Of Phyllis’ Most Memorable Moments
ICYMI WATCH: OWN’s ‘Ambitions’ All-Access Special & Get Ready For Its Soapy Debut Next Week
GH Poll: What Was Your Favorite Musical Performance At The Nurses’ Ball?
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General HospitalJuly 18, 2019With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
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General HospitalJuly 10, 2019OLTL Favorite Mark Lawson Appears On General Hospital
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PreviewsJuly 14, 2019THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
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Days Of Our LivesJuly 9, 2019Olivia Rose Keegan Posts Parting Thoughts As Her Final Episode As Claire Airs On DAYS
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Days Of Our LivesJuly 13, 2019DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
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Breaking NewsJuly 16, 2019Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
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Grand HotelJuly 15, 2019Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
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Breaking NewsJuly 11, 2019How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season