General Hospital
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn Shares How “Hard” it Was to Say Goodbye to Kelly Monaco, and Play Out Their Final Scenes as Mother and Daughter
Two-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis), has taken to social media to address the on-screen death of Sam McCall played by Kelly Monaco. On Wednesday’s October 30th episode while Alexis was visiting her daughter in the hospital, as Sam was recovering from live-saving liver transplant surgery (S donated her liver to save Lulu Spencer), suddenly things went very awry.
Before you know it, Alexis was at the nurses hub pleading for help and in shock as all of Sam’s monitors and alarms went off. After trying valiantly to save her, Lucas, Portia and Elizabeth had to face the truth that Sam died.
Now today, on the October 31st episode, and in the days to come, Alexis will have to face the tragedy and losing her eldest daughter. While so many GH viewers are outraged with the soap for killing-off Sam to begin with, now they are watching and enduring the heartbreaking fallout, which we are sure will feature many gut-wrenching moments from the cast.
Photo: JPI
Grahn shared how difficult it was for her to perform with Kelly in her final scenes, “As hard as it may be for GH viewers to watch today’s episodes and the episodes to follow, it was equally as hard for me and my casemates to play.” In tribute to Kelly, Nancy added, “Playing Kelly Monaco’s mom has been effortless and the love is real.”
After she posted her sentiments, several fans responded about their real-life experiences, and how Nancy and Kelly’s scenes hit so close to home with the death of a loved one and a child. One mom shared, “I had to change the channel when Alexis climbed into the bed w/Sam. Lost my son June 2022. He was 25 and severely disabled. Complications due to Crohn’s disease got him. I climbed into his bed as he took his last breath. Can’t watch death scenes any more.” Nancy responded, “Understand. I’m so sorry. My sister has Crohns. Don’t watch. Just watch happy shows.”
Photo: ABC
As for Monaco, this week’s episodes will mark the end of her 21-year run on General Hospital. Along the way, she was acknowledged for her performances back in 2006 in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category at the Daytime Emmy Awards and became one of the most popular actresses to ever appear on the ABC soap opera.
What do you think about the sentiments shared by Nancy Lee Grahn on playing out the scenes where she loses her on-screen daughter Sam as played by Kelly Monaco and saying goodbye to her longtime scene partner and castmate? Comment below.
As hard as it may be for #gh viewers to watch today’s episodes and the episodes to follow, it was equally as hard for me and my casemates to play. Playing Kelly Monaco’s mom has been effortless and the love is real. 💙
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) October 31, 2024
It might take a while to get over today’s episode. Nancy Lee and Steve Burton knocked it out of the park. I loved how Nancy Lee’s goodbye scenes were as fierce as we would have imagined. Steve’s was understated and…perfection along with the flashbacks.
The entire episode was a return to form with the show. Excellent dialogue and great acting. I’m also loving that Cody is no longer bumbling and is standing up and saying what we all want to say to Drew. Michael and Willow’s scenes were great, but we know the fallout of Michael and Sasha will be some great drama.
I wish Frank and the show would listen to the fans. It is obvious there are several actors on the show that are EXTREMELY unpopular with those who watch the show faithfully. Sam could have been in an interesting triangle with Dante and Lulu, a storyline with Jason getting back together, etc. Instead, Drew and Portia stay on the show.
Give us more Tracy, Lucky/Elizabeth, find Jason a love interest, bring Valentine back for Anna (or Ava) and a storyline of substance for uber-popular Maxie.
There are now seven people who will never watch GH again because of what the Producers/writers did to Sam. For these people there is nothing GH can do to make them get over it.
Perfectly stated
Bring Valentine back, are you crazy? That S,O.B causes nothing but trouble for anyone he comes in contact with!
Kelly is one of the true stars of daytime this just isn’t right.
Agreed
The ICONIC SAM MCCALL!!!!!!!
NEVER FORGOTTEN
FOREVER REMEMBERED
WE LOVE YOU KELLY, 21 YEARS AND BEYOND!!!!!!!
Same Here
Why is GH bringing on ALL of these new actors and firing the best ones ? Sam is a needed character.Sam and Finn would have been a super couple. LuLu, Gio, Natalia, Rick, and Holly, would not be missed !!! GH is not what it used to be. I have been watching since 1963. Gone to Soap Opera Weekend’s. Too many new people. Too many storylines . No connection anymore.
Please leave out Holly! The GH storyline does not need Ric… yes more Maxie!
Lulu and Rick are legacy characters same as Sam. I love Rick! If I had to pick I’d take Rick over Sam and Lulu, though it’d be nice if they all came back. GH are the legacy characters; no one can replace any of them.
Great writing and acting today. Loved the JaSam flashbacks. It’s a shame that the news about KM had to come out before she died on screen. As a long longtime viewer and fan of the genre, I wish they had kept this under wraps, and she just died. Now that would’ve been an iconic moment like Tracy keeping Edward’s meds, BI’s heart were.
That they used organ donation as a vehicle to kill off Sam does an immense disservice to the organ donation community.
We know that soaps are not real, but GH has been known for its commitment to telling real, intense stories. But now what they’ve done is stop (potentially) thousands of donors for people who desperately need organs.
There were so many other ways to handle this but Frank and the writers once again did the lazy thing and as a result could be responsible for people dying.
And yes I know that they are leading up to a serial killer storyline with this, but people have very short, very selective memories.
All that said, I will miss Kelly. And NLG did masterful work with a truly crappy storyline.
It was never stated the transplant is what caused her death. At all.
This whole scene of a “cardiac arrest” out of nowhere, in a healthy patient supposedly recovering well, is giving me flashbacks to the last time AJ came to Hell.
You might remember in that case, shortly before AJ shuffled off his mortal coil, we saw Ava in his hospital room convincing herself that AJ had to die before he remembered that she had confessed to the murder of ConKate shortly before the whole mishap with her $1.98 WalMart handgun.
Now I’m not saying Ava killed her own niece. They defintely were not close, but Ava would have no reason to kill her. What I AM saying, is that the cause of the “cardiac arrest” was probably the same thing in both cases – some sort of drug injected into the IV drip. Unfortunately those sort of drugs are very often “untraceable” so there may be no telltale signs of it turning up in the autopsy.
But I have a feeling that neither Alexis, Jason, or Sonny are going to believe this was a case of “natural causes” that took Sam out. So who would be the suspects? Hell only knows. If it’s Cyrus the Virus, at least that would finally lay to rest the ridiculous idea that he gave up his past sinful lifestyle when he “found” my Former Employer.
I have a [strong] feeling it was Cyrus’ doing after he failed at executing Lulu via her ventilator.
They have been saying this for weeks, nothing new! Yes, Cyrus is most likely the murderer.
I don’t think he tried to kill Lulu. I think he wanted Sam out of the picture so that Dante and Lulu will get back together. I think he messed with Sam’s intravenous line or something which caused her to have a heart attack.
Any procedure or operation can have that consequence. it was because of having the operation.
And per projected spoilers:
A little naive here?
Jesus. Really? Let me say this simply.
Leaving aside that Frank abhorred Kelly…if not for the surgery, Sam would not have died.
Too many people have antiquated beliefs about organ donation and there are never enough organs donated. People die daily as a result.
And now Frank has used organ donation as a vehicle that can – and will – lead people to believe that doing a live organ donation will kill them.
Frank and Doris Hursely must be turning over in their graves! Eliminating a legacy character , Sam, in the worst way. Valentine and his staff should be fired. Any parent watching this will think twice about becoming a live donor.
The scene where Alexis & Jason met eyes & he rushed the kids off to Bobbie’s gave me chills. Emmy Award for Nancy Lee Grahn at Sam’s bedside after she died. Last time I cried so hard was when Sasha & Brando lost their precious little baby. Jason with Sam afterwards & the flashbacks were so good. They never should have killed Sam-agree with others that there are too many characters & storylines on this show & many who could be sent off & NOT missed at all. I haven’t seen Friday’s show yet but my God how is Laura gonna take this & Sam’s poor kids? Sam was connected to so many.
I’m waiting for fallout from organ transplant organizations, since this was a bad decision in writing by the GH decision makers. It could potentially put a damper on people who were thinking about donating.
I agree. Thought that from the start. Fix it, fi nish it, ASAP! I donated a kidney to my sister, and from the start of this storyline I was scared about how people will take this! It was great up until the murder. Promote organ donation!!! not murder!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
