General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sam Dies! Kelly Monaco’s 21-Year Run Comes to an Almost Conclusion
In the final moments of today’s October 30th episode of General Hospital, Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) passed away after efforts for over a half hour to resuscitate her from the medical team including; her surgeon and half-brother, Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), failed to bring her back to life.
GH viewers have been clued in for sometime that Kelly Monaco was leaving the show after 21 years in what was initially reported as a “storyline-dictated” move. How Sam would actually meet her maker was up in the air, although rumors have been that she would die saving Lulu’s life after she donates her liver to her. Now, on today’s GH, and out of the blue, Sam took a deadly turn for the worse, after having a heartfelt and happy conversation with her mother, Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).
Soap Opera Digest confirmed from a GH spokesperson that today’s episode did indeed mark the end of the line for Sam McCall, but that Kelly Monaco’s last episode will air later this week.
Courtesy/ABC
In story, Sam was radiant (according to Alexis) as she found out that Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) proposed to her daughter and Sam said “yes!” The two talked about how Sam has been able to have lasting relationships and build a solid family unit, which is something Alexis admits she hasn’t been able to do successfully in her own life.
Elsewhere, Dante tells Rocco (Finn Carr) that he proposed marriage to Sam and she accepted. Rocco questions Dante of what marrying Sam means for Lulu? Dante says that Sam has given them a second chance to all be a family and he loves her.
Courtesy/ABC
Cut to Alexis at the nurses station at General Hospital beside herself. Just then, Jason (Steve Burton) enters from the elevator and he can feel in his gut something is off and up with Sam, when he sees a frazzled Alexis and they lock eyes. Jason quickly sends Danny and Scout away to Bobbie’s so they aren’t around the hospital.
Inside Sam’s hospital room, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Portia (Brook Kerr) and Lucas began their efforts to save Sam. Lucas orders a crash cart as he cannot understand what could be happening to Sam, when her vitals were normal, and her blood work was all normal. Portia suggests it might be an embolism. The crash cart arrives. Lucas grabs the paddles as Portia resumes compressions. They continue to try to bring Sam back, as Lucas says, “Don’t quit on me” to his sister.
Courtesy/ABC
Back outside of the room, Jason and Alexis keep each other company. Alexis says Sam had “gone completely white. Her face just went completely white and she couldn’t breathe.” Jason is in near tears, and Alexis admits to him that she’s scared.
In Sam’s room, Portia tells Lucas it’s time. Nothing is reviving Sam and they have tried compressions and the paddles and all of their tricks to save her. Portia tells Lucas that Sam had been in asystole and flatline for 30 minutes. “She’s gone,” she says. Lucas is beside himself and in tears, as he finally manages to officially call Sam’s time of death, “5:48 p.m.”
Now the “why?” of the story begins. Why did Sam die? Did someone kill her? Coming up look for the emotional fallout, plus the heartfelt and gut-wrenching goodbyes as Sam’s family and friends gather to try to cope with this devastating loss.
So, what did you think about how Sam died suddenly on today’s GH? Was that how you thought she would exit the canvas? Are you sad knowing that this is, for all intent and purposes, the near end to Kelly Monaco’s GH run? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
God, this socks! I hope they can explain why this storyline had to be. There were more stories to tell for.Sam and there are other characters who are dispensible, besides a 21 year vet who wanted to stay and take a pay cut.
I doubt that was th especially When Jason came back! Maybe a movie soon find out
I’m holding out for a twist because I really cant’ process all this right now, I’m still shock with the shows decision.
I think the GH writers and producers did Kelly Monaco wrong. The fact that they had already taken the substance out of such a strong and street smart character and turned Sam into a bland character was bad enough but now, to kill her off. Just can’t comprehend the thought process. After bringing back Steve Burton and reviving his character, was hoping for a reconnection of 2 badass characters from bygone days. Maybe GH needs new writers.
This makes me so sad. Sam and Dante are so beautiful together. Sam will be missed for sure
Bad move on producers part.Very SAD
So sad!!! I don’t believe they have treated Kelly right since Billy Miller got let go, I really hope Kelly talks and tells what really happened behind the scenes.. also I think this is the first time Alexis and Jason had a scene together since he was let go du to the covid mandates.
I watched this at 2pm EST today and am still crying. I know it’s a fictional drama but I felt Kelly was one of the linch pins that held the show together. My heart hurts for Kelly and I hurt not being able to see my friend Sam McCall anymore. God bless you Kelly❤️
Brooke Kerr, Rebecca Herbst and especially Van Hansis were amazing. I’m glad the final scene of living Sam were her being happy with her mom. This storyline is already highly emotional and is going to spin weeks, if not probably months of future story for so many characters. Congratulations to Kelly Monaco for a 21-year run and for being a pro during what must have been difficult final scenes to record. Anyone who works in showbiz will tell you 21 years of steady work is a miracle.
Brooke Kerr was horrible! Portia is horrible. Portia had such little compassion; was so void of empathy it was cringe-worthy. This is a woman who would die or kill for her own daughter, yet look as detached as possible from Alexis’s devastation. I wouldn’t call Brooke Kerr out for anything other than she can play a cold bich.
Steve Burton and Nancy Grahn were who broke viewers hearts. Both of them gave stellar performances; their characters grief palpable through the screen.
I too was shocked at her coldness towards Alexis. I have never been able to stand her. Alexis & Jason broke my heart-the scene where they met eyes & he sent the kids off to Bobbie’s. You just knew what was coming. Heartwrenching.
The way this story went down was absolutely heartless. After 21 years of continuous service, Kelly Monaco deserves much, much better than what she got. As always, the alphabet network and the mouse company have no respect for their actors, their characters, nor for their audience.
Wondering if ABC has instructed the GH writers to kill the show. I am unsure what the fans ever did to the writers, but they must hate us.
First, Sam was killed, then Cody and Sasha were smashed into millions of pieces. I am betting TPTB was surprised by the large number of fans upset by them trashing an almost two-year build-up to their romance. Or maybe they weren’t.
Couldn’t they have at least had Sam’s kids visit her one more time before she flatlined? – I mean that was pretty cruel. They were so close.
And how ridiculous was it that neither Molly or Kristina were at the hospital? Not in ONE scene from beginning to end. The excuse that was written into the dialogue was laughable.
Bad decision by the writers. He writers for GH haven’t been up to par for a long time. I guess next they will get rid of Sonny.
Maurice wants to exit GH. He has said repeatedly it’ll be sooner rather than later. I don’t think they’ll “get rid” of Sonny until Maurice wants them to.
Actually Maurice recently said in the YouTube chat of his State of Mind show that he recently signed a two year contract with GH. So he’s not leaving anytime soon. Two years was also the deal Steve signed when he came back, so I’m guessing that’s the “standard” contract length these days. We are talking about a show that’s been on the air for over 61 years, after all. So they probably wouldn’t do a 5 year deal with anybody right now.
He literally just said a few months ago and previous to that, that he will be “retiring sooner rather than later” as soon as he feels he’s making the money he wants from his State Of Mind show and his book. He put it like, “sorry to say, but it’ll be sooner rather than later.” He went on to say he was tired of doing the soap, it’s been a long time, and it stresses him out too much. So; dunno. Either you saw an old YouTube clip or he changed his mind again.
Throughout the years, Sam was frequently referred to as a “ride or die” girl. Yesterday, at 5:48pm, the last part apparently became true.
Most actors and actresses get a goodbye and a cake after their last episode or before not sure which, My question is did Kelly? If not why not? and did any of the other people on the show fight to keep her? I agree what they did to her character was horrible she was a bada$$ and then to turn her into what they did was all kinds of wrong.
You’re asking if others on the show fought to keep her? If someone else at your work loses their job, would you speak up to your boss or protest – of course not. I know we’re talking show business here, but those that remain are employees of ABC/Disney and want to retain their jobs regardless of how they feel about someone else’s dismissal.
Buh-bye Sam McCall! Now, bring on Lulu Spencer!
So wish they had kept the character of Sam and given the part to Lyndsay. She was amazing!
This is so beyond cruel to not only Kelly Monaco, but to longtime viewers. We’ve had enough of goodbyes…older vets retiring, others regardless of age who have passed. So much loss. We didn’t need to “lose” another legacy character because of behind-the-scenes drama.
Putting that aside (with difficulty) I have to give props to Steve Burton. When Jason is “heartbroken” or emotionally moved by something, he’s able to convey that completely without saying a word….His eyes tell the story.
So sad…when there are her kids to think about!!!! The management should’ve worked something out!!!! I wanted her & Jason to end up back together too!!!
I loved Sam so much she was the best actrist. Perfect at every thing . Not to mention how pretty . She must have her own family to get to. She deserves it. If possible have her come back as a deceased ghost line talking to loved ones
Im sorry that kelly was disrespected in the way they hurt her and her charactor she did not deserve what they did to her she should have been reunited with steve when he came back to general hospital they were a dynamic couple i will alway miss her and sam they better not recast someone else as sam because no one put up with it there will be a big back lash from her fans kelly forever
I have just been told my seven people that as a result of Sam’s death each of them will no longer watch General Hospital
I was never a fan of “Sam”, but I didn’t want her off the show. Kudos to Nancy—very moving scene—so much so, it brought me to tears.
On a happy note—Steve Burton is coming to the Smithtown Theatre ( Long Island, NY), in November- Lori Stancati-Sasbon ( of SWEET TEA ACOUSTIC DUO) co-ordinated the show!! Amazing.!!
Writing this character off the show is a big mistake. There was definitely more story to tell esp if Sam and Dante married. I’m not impressed on where this new writing team is taking the storylines.
There had better be a Cassadine twist. Everyone loves Samantha. I am grateful that Jason was the second person to say goodbye. Theirs was the best love story on GH. Love Dante and Patrick with Sam but Sam and Jason are endgame. You always wanted to cheer on Jason and Sam even today. Thanks for the beautiful montage at the end. We needed that to remind us they are a Soap Supercouple! Thank you Kelly Monaco!
Not “everyone” loved Samantha. Jason and Sam long passed their expiration date. Luke & Laura didn’t last – neither did Jason & Sam
Whyyyyyyy did they kill off Sam , I’m so disappointed in gh letting all the great ones go , this sucks
Yeah, I hope GH isn’t circling the drain. With the exit of a lot of characters, like Sam, Finn, Austin, etc., then bringing back Lucky and Lulu, it makes me wonder if this is sort of the “big power surge” before the end. I mean the soap has been on over six decades, and ya kind of wonder where it’s headed. Don’t mean to be a downer, but I can see it winding down.
I can only ask why.
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.
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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
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