General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Back On-Screen This Week as General Hospital’s Sam McCall
General Hospital fans have been trying to wrap their heads around the upcoming exit of 21-year vet, Kelly Monaco, who is scheduled to finish her run as Sam McCall when reportedly the character will be killed-off the canvas.
Last week on-air, another soap vet, Lindsay Hartley had once again stepped into fill the role of Sam when Monaco was temporarily away from the series for a few episodes. Now Hartley’s run is completed and Monaco will be back on your screens starting with the Wednesday, September 25th episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
Hartley’s recent returned timed around the funeral episodes of baby Adela, and the beginning of the courtroom drama for Sam’s mom, Alexis Davis, who has been arrested for the murder of John “Jagger” Cates (Adam J. Harrington). Monaco’s return comes in a key point in the story as Sam looks for evidence to free her mom, while Dante’s (Dominic Zamprogna) former wife, Lulu is about to wake up when Alexa Havins (ex-Babe Carey, All My Children) is finally seen on-screen as the new Lulu.
Photo: JPI
There have been many rumors floating about that it will actually be Sam who will save Lulu’s life and be a liver match and not Lulu’s brother Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson), who is still being held captive in Africa. Jason (Steve Burton), Anna (Finola Hughes), Laura (Genie Francis) and Kevin (Jon Lindstrom) are all trying to get Lucky out of a jam, and bring him back to Port Charles.
Photo: X
Meanwhile, the I Stand with Kelly campaign continues to ramp up signatures on its petition to reinstate Monaco as Sam, and to have the powers-that-be rethink their decision. Last week, the campaign took out a billboard in Times Square, New York City showing their solidarity and support of Monaco.
GH usually tapes 4 to 6 weeks ahead of its airshows, so it will be interesting to see what Sam does now to help get her mother out of a jam, and what will develop in the situation with a comatose Lulu in the time Kelly currently has left on the soap.
So, glad to see Kelly back on-screen at GH? How do you think GH plans to kill off Sam? Share your theories via the comment section below.
I’m a big fan of the character and the actress. Kelly is very talented and her character is interesting to watch when she’s been onscreen. Not much of a storyline these past few months. Shame on GH for writing her off the show. Many other characters that we could do without (Cyrus and Heather to name two.)
I agree with you Priscilla.
Hartley was better in the role, Kelly has not seemed to be all in for quite awhile
It’s good to know Kelly will return this week. I noticed her photo hasn’t appeared in the opening credits over the last five+ days and wondered if she would return to wrapped up her role. Many fans think Sam will die searching for the gun Alexis threw off the bridge. Regardless of how she dies, we all know they can always bring Sam back.
While there’s a sub in the role, they leave the permanent cast member out of the rotating opening credits.
I have always felt the opening credit photos represent who appearing on the show that day, nothing more.
There’s about 25 pictures in the credits. Usually that’s a bit more than total number of contract and frequently recurring actors in the episode, so they do add some. Laura hasn’t been on since the end of August, yet her photo has appeared a few times since.
Well, the Lulu liver makes sense if Sam drowns while she dives to find the gun. Loss of oxygen and brain death usually means an organ donation story..
And isn’t it so convenient that the new Doctor in the house is a transplant specialist?
From a story perspective, her death can lead to so many stories for all of the canvas. Maybe not as poignant as BJ dying to give Maxie a heart, since she was just a child. Not that it won’t hit home, but I feel like kids make everything more emotional. But this good be so good for so many on this canvas and lead to some Emmys.
Michael – please stop referring to the baby as
“Adela”. The name on her birth certificate and eventually her grave marker is Irene.
Or at least “Adela/Irene”.
Why do you insist on the baby only being named by her father’s family? As her birth mother, Krissy had every right to give her a name she chose. The name on the birth certificate could say Mickey Mouse, but Kristina can call her whatever she feels her name should be.z
Simple – there would never had been a baby to begin with if it had not been for TJ and Molly. Kristina did not set out to have a child – she was carrying it for her sister and her sister’s partner.
Not until the final month of pregnancy did Kristina decide (unseen by the audience) that she would claim the baby for herself.
Sure, Krisitna can call the baby what she likes, but officially, her name was Irene. Any references to “Adela” should be made with quotes to inflect Kristina’s view.
Wasn’t the egg Kristina’s?
Yes, Kristina was both the egg donor and the surrogate. Doesn’t impact her last minute switcheroo.
Not the switcheroo just that in her own mind, she called the baby growing inside her Adela.
You’d think two sister could have at least agreed on “Irene Adela” for the baby’s name.
To give Kristina a say in naming the baby would imply that she’s a co-parent. That decision was up to Molly and TJ.
Well.. I can now understand how hard it must be to have the egg be yours… then be expecting to just hand the baby over, agreement or not.
I was team Molly & TJ in the beginning of the story.. but now see Kristina side too.
I wasn’t interested when this storyline started, but now glad for the insight it gave into the complications of surgacey.
Meh. That baby was never legally Molly’s. And though it was intended to be, Kristina changed her mind. Not on purpose, but because her maternal feelings (which Alexis warned her AND Molly about) were stronger than she ever could have imagined. That baby was hers; biologically, and bonded in ways that Molly didn’t experience. Had the baby lived we don’t know how the story would have gone. I think it’s safe to say that if Molly and TJ did get custody, yes, the baby’s name would be up to them. But I get why Kristina wanted to give the baby a name. To her, this child that never got to live anywhere but inside her body was hers to name.
I’ll take Soap Opera Kyles for $2000.
Sam could still save Lulu without having to die, GH decision to get rid of a character that has so much rich history is baffling, I’m hoping things get reverse but for now I’m really sad if the character is killed off. sam does have a lookalike maybe real sam gets kidnapped and lookalike is the one killed off. Alicia Montenegro was that characters name.
I will no longer be a supporter to GH. They did Kelly Monaco so wrong She hasn’t had a good story because of the bad writers. They let Jacqueline go and are now bringing on new people. Maybe the writers need to go . I am so disgusted and disappointed.
I agree I stopped watching GH a long time ago because they have done Kelly wrong. She is one of the best actresses next to Laura Wright on the show and I cannot stand some of these new people. I just turned the TV off and don’t watch anymore.
I was a BIG Kelly Monaco fan. JASAM!! But the last couple of years she came off as being very unhappy with GH. My personal opinion is that it had to do with Steve Burton replacing Billy Miller. I for one could just see and feel her animosity words Steve. That’s a shame. They worked so well together and had GREAT CHEMISTRY. It wasn’t his fault that they replaced Billy Miller! This is my opinion!
Glad she’s back. Will stop watching when she leaves if they don’t change their mines and keep her.
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
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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