General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Celebrates 20 Years on GH and Sam’s Evolution: “All the Pieces Don’t Fit Perfectly Yet, But It’s Certainly Not Broken Anymore!”
Sunday, October 1st will mark the 20th anniversary of Kelly Monaco’s debut on General Hospital as Sam McCall. And as the story goes, when Kelly finished her run on Port Charles as Livvie Locke (2000-2003), and the show had been canceled, the three major networks were all interested in her to join their soaps.
In the end, GH won out and fans of the ABC daytime drama series have been the lucky ones to have Monaco join the A-list cast of the iconic soap. Throughout Sam’s journey in Port Charles, viewers have seen quite the character growth. Sam started on the show as a con and hustler, and bloomed into a bonafide heroine and a private investigator.
Kelly shared with Soap Opera Digest in their latest issue, how she viewed the Sam of old, to the Sam of today: “Sam came on to the canvas only having herself and her brother, always taking care of someone, and never being taken care of. I think the biggest evolution for her is starting from being a really lonely, scared woman and becoming a woman who is still really independent, but is protected by family and friends and love and relationships and loyalty, and she never had that before.”
Photo: JPI
In a very poetic way, Monaco added on her character’s development: “She came in bent and broken, and I feel like there’s a lot of her that’s still broken, but she’s constantly sort of putting the Rubik’s Cube together. All the pieces don’t fit perfectly, yet, but it’s certainly not broken anymore.”
Throughout Sam’s two decades in Port Charles she has been in love, suffered terrible lost, found family members, had children, and has been involved in some of the most dangerous and criminal cases involving many a villain as she tried to help bring them to justice.
Photo: ABC
Currently, Sam is involved in a romance with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna). Viewers wonder if Lulu ever wakes up out of her coma, would that spell trouble for their relationship, and in turn, give Kelly some great meaty story to work with?
Now, in the comment section below, share your congrats to Kelly for her 20-year-run on GH. Then let us know, what has been your favorite Sam story over the years?
Kelly is gorgeous and a wonderful actress and sometimes I don’t think she gets the credit she deserves. Congratulations on 20 years you are truly a Daytime icon.
I agree with you. She is talented and very pretty. Kelly has changed her character into a very strong woman? I wish they would show her kids more often then we could see the mothering side of Sam. We think she needs more story as Kelly has great talents. My husband was amazed at her dancing skills.
Sam has been my favorite GH female character since day one. Love how her relationship with Jason evolved and always maintained. Kelly plays her beautifully.
Congratulations Kelly You’ve Done It Well !!!
Congratulations
Sam has become more likable the past few years. Being out of Jason’s orbit and onscreen less has reinvigorated the character. Some of Kelly’s best work was when Sam’s brother Danny died. The cat scratch fever and giving birth to Scout with her jeans on were memorable for different reasons.
I love Kelly’s acting she has had me as a fan from day one! I really enjoyed her kicking butts to show she can handle what ever they are throwing her way! She can be funny at times and serious when need be. She has plenty of talent just wish she was in more of the story lines, she has a lot to offer and I for one know she can handle it! And she can dance very well too! Congratulations Kelly, job well done
Congratulations Kelly!
Thank you for entertaining us for 20 years and here’s to many more!!❤️
Was running old GH shows on a streaming the other day. The show where Brenda meets Sam and she tries to explain to Brenda how Jason and Sam ended up together. It was hilarious. Those old shows are the best and I am thankful to whoever stashed them for us.
GH and ABC are losing a goldmine by not replaying all of them in better condition on ABC or Hulu. Some of those old shows with the cast is so young are the best TV out there.
The residuals they’d have to pay the actors who are no longer on the show and any of the “under 5” day players makes rerunning those shows on broadcast or streaming cost prohibitive.
Thank you Kelly for entertaining us for 20 years! Here’s to many more years with you coming into our homes! Have enjoyed you since Baywatch and Livie!!❤️
Kelly’s work as a daytime actor has been a joy to watch. Sam has been so multifaceted and enjoyable to watch. Watching her with her family of “Davis women”, reminds us of OLTL ” Cramer women” or “Buchanan women”, soap families of strong women ĵoined at the heart. There is something special about her work with Steve Burton, they sizzled even in a blizzard! However, that is nowhere the roaring flames that she and Michael Easton created as Livvie and Caleb. Many of us would wish the GH would create their own “Bobby & Pam” dream and bring Caleb and Livvie alive again, even in a dream for a fleeting moment. Congratulations Kelly!!
Great analysis, Alyson! And great idea for that dream…
I am thrilled that Kelly is getting so much love here, as I have found her to be a joy to watch since day 1. She is a talented, beautiful actress. For my money, she should have been declared the winner on DWTS. Not the first time they got it wrong… Congratulations, Kelly!
Congratulations Kelly!! And the best and only one for Sam is Jason. Period. Writers messed everything up after the big reveal of Jason being alive and not bringing them back together permanently. They need to get Steve back and make it happen. Cause Sam is just not legitimately Sam without Jason.
They did try bringing them back together. The vibe just wasn’t there between Steve and Kelly when he returned. Even Luke and Laura didn’t last – Jason and Sam had a good run, but it reached its expiration date.
I think Sam and Dante belong together. It would ruin the beautiful love story if Lulu came back. I think they should write that Lulu passed away in her coma. She’s been in a coma too long and there hasn’t been any news of her.
Violet went to visit her mother this summer and Lulu’s been mentioned a few times since. The coma is just a means to keep the character active until the writers decide there’s enough story to bring her back.
With Britt (screen), Epiphany and soon Bobbie passing, the audience won’t be subjected to another long term character passing.
Meant to say Charlotte visited her mother. Violet doesn’t know where Hayden is and never mentions her. They’ll need to circle back to that eventually.
When they had the Jeff Webber stand-in a few months back, did he even mention his supposed other daughter even once? Seems to me they’re trying to “disappear” Hayden from memory. The existence of Violet makes that problematic, obviously.
Of course it was silly to give Liz another sister in the first place… they should have brought Sarah Webber back instead.
Apparently Rebecca Budig was so disenchanted with the way she was abruptly dismissed twice, that she’s sworn off returning again. Didn’t like her character at first, but I grew to appreciate her toward the end of her first run.
Sarah was surprisingly mentioned when Finn went behind Elizabeth’s back before Jeff returned. Is Steven Lars (a dull character despite his birth parents) still languishing in prison for the organ harvesting issue? And now a whole summer went by without Cam returning home for a visit.
Hi KELLY MONACO! You are one of the MOST TALENTED BEAUTIFUL daytime actresses!! I LOVE the romance with DOMINIC ZAMPROGA’s character DANTE FALCONERI, but I want to see more scenes with you two together!! SAMANTHA MCCALL is a GREAT character & I can not believe anyone else can play her to the perfection that you do! I also LOVED you with STEVE BURTON as JASON MORGAN & MICHAEL EASTON as JOHN MCBAIN!! You have had 3 GORGEOUS TALENTED actors to play across!! Lucky you!! HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY on GH & here’s to 20 more!! GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY, have a very BLESSED day & always STAY SAFE!! I LOVE YOU!! I have been a GH fan since 1968, when I I was 9 years old!! I am 64 now.
Congratulations! Been watching GH since I was a kid and I’m 42 now. So, proud of Kelly. She went to Northampton Community College which is only a few blocks from my house. Love her I’ve never met her but I am super proud.
Congrats kelly On October 1st it’s a Special Day for you Happy 20 Years On General Hospital and it’s my Birthday you are a Beautiful Awesome Person And Actress looking forward seeing many more years On General Hospital Congrats you go girl Kelly
I love the Sam character and how Kelly plays her. Sam is flawed, but unlike some, she owns it. She is kindhearted, despite having many reasons to harden her heart. She is a great friend even though GH has often left her practically friendless. She is truly resilient, the bounce-back queen. She’s tough, yet vulnerable. Kelly does so much with the very little screen time given to her. Well done, Kelly. Thank you for persevering!
I love how GH kept Sam in the Sonny circle. She came on pregnant with Sonny’s baby. Was married to Sonny’s best friend Jason. Had a baby with Jason and his twin brother Drew and now in love with Sonny’s oldest son Dante. Isn’t that weird?
Congratulations Kelly!!!!!!!!!!
Sam is The Great character I loved Kelly Monaco as Livvie on Port Charles. Some of her greatest scenes were done when she was with Drew Billy Miller. I am forever team DreAm. There was a montage on YouTube of their scenes together it made me cry.
Sam is a great character. I loved her as Livvieb on Port Charles. I was team lDreAm all the way.My favorite scenes were when she was with Drew Billy Miller. They posted a montage of their scenes together on YouTube it made me cry.
I am shocked but elated on the great chemistry that Sam and Dante share. They appear to enjoy working with each other and seem like a real couple in love!
Congratulations, Kelly. You are an amazing actress n very beautiful. 20 years ago by fast. You are loved.
She has been my favorite female Character from the beginning. Congratulations Kelly Monaco! JASAM FAN FOREVER.
She’s great with Dante never liked her with brain dead Jason
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
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