Connect with us

General Hospital

21

Kelly Monaco Fans Mobilize Their Support; Demand ‘General Hospital’ Change Course for Plans to ‘Kill-Off’ Sam McCall

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: IStandWithKellyIG

The soap world was shocked over two weeks ago when it was revealed that General Hospital pink-slipped veteran actress, Kelly Monaco, who for over 21 years has portrayed the character of Sam McCall.

In the original report from SON, the actress was noted as being “blindsided” by the dismissal and the fact that the plan is for GH to kill-off the character of Sam in a storyline-dictated move.

Immediately following the news, Kelly Monaco’s longtime and ever supportive fans launched a campaign to keep their favorite GH star on the canvas and in her job. So far, the petition signatures have reached over 12,800 as of Tuesday morning. And since the fans began to let their voices be heard, you can find Kelly Monaco or the #IStandWithKelly hashtag trending on X a some point of the day trending on X.

Photo: ABC

On Monday, September 9th, when General Hospital was back at work and after a short production hiatus, the I Stand With Kelly campaign took their efforts to to save their favorite actress to new levels. This time, they hired a phoenix truck complete with colored billboard, that was not only parked out front of ABC’s Prospect Park studios, but also driven around the famous studio property.

On the billboard and in full display for GH executives was the message “Rehire Kelly Monaco on General Hospital and save Sam McCall!” In addition, to call attention to how others can be active in their campaign to help overturn the ABC daytime drama series decision as they show you the social media icons for the I Stand With Kelly campaign, so you can follow and help continue to raise the voice of the fans.

Photo: IStandWithKellyX

If you would like to sign the petition to help reinstate Kelly Monaco to her role on GH click here.

Kelly began her journey as GH’s Sam McCall back in 2003, after completing her run as Livvie Locke on the GH spin-off Port Charles when the show was canceled and aired its final episode earlier that year.

So, what do you think of the fan campaign thus far to save Kelly Monaco? Do you have hopes that GH will reverse course and save Kelly and her character from being written-off the soap? Comment below.

21 Comments

21 Comments
oldest
newest

I have high hopes and truly believe that our campaign to get Kelly rehired is going to work!!! I love her and I would hate to not see her on GH anymore. She’s one of the best actress’ on the show. Sam McCall will always be my favorite character on the show!

Thank you so much for sharing our I Stand With Kelly campaign!

I love Kelly Monaco,she is a great actress.I’m hoping that Kelly will remain on GH continuing to bring Sam McCall to life.Kelly has been loyal to GH and it’s fans for 21years. She showed up and acted what was written for Sam. Despite the lack of storylines and screen time Kelly remained loyal.
We Love You Kelly!

When will you have an answer that your efforts worked to save Kelly/Sam?

If it doesn’t work. I wish Kelly the best. This could be a positive move for her. I think she will do well in film or primetime television.

Shame on the powers that be at GH for letting Kelly Monaco go. Give her a good storyline and she shines. There are lots of other characters that aren’t necessary and could actually be written off. Heather Weber (no reflection on the actress) for one.

When actors sign up for a gig, they know it could end at any moment. A commercial shoot might take a few days, a movie gig might last weeks, a theater role could go on for months. A TV series, if you’re lucky, might last 5-6 years. She has had a 20-year run, which is amazing. But it’s still an acting gig, subject to end at any time. That’s the nature of the business. Of course, I feel bad for Kelly, as I would for anyone losing their job. But entertainment is about the stories, not the actors. It should provide great story lines for many cast members as the effects of Sam’s death play across the canvas. No TV show should be forced to keep someone in the cast just because they’ve been there a long time, that’s not how it works. I’m looking forward to the repercussions of Sam’s death, and I wish Kelly Monaco all the best. Hope she finds a new role soon.

Bill Bell said it best you don’t let legacy characters go and this show is continuously bringing on irrelevant characters. Sam is a staple on the show and should stay.

But this show has a history of killing off legacy characters. They killed off, Alan Quartermaine (core character), Emily, and AJ and others before their time. It should come as no surprise they would kill off a legacy character. Besides, if they could bring back Jason, Nicholas and others who supposedly died, they could bring back Sam/Kelly.

I agree with you. Between real life deaths and retirement, GH has lost a lot of legacy characters and actors. They shouldn’t be killing off the legacy characters and giving the boot to the longtime actors who’ve played them. Soaps aren’t the same genre as prime time or a limited series. They’re about immersing the viewer in characters and families they come to know for decades. It’s ridiculous to kill off a character for one story. I still miss AJ. There are barely any Quartermaines from back in the day left. Now with Tracy, Lois, and Jason back, adding AJ to the family scenes, giving Michael his father back, would be keeping the family alive. Same with the Davis girls. There is no reason to kill off one of the sisters. Keep the legacy characters and families alive. Send them off canvas for a story if need be but leave the door open for a return…

I agree and also she refused the payout so that hurt her to

Just so curious how on earth you, or anyone knows what Kelly was offered.

Well said. As an actor, I second that.

I understand fans are upset. I also hate to see her go, but they should be careful their actions don’t have more of a negative impact instead of the outcome they seek.

A petition to keep Kelly on the show is good, and I hope it works. But is it true this group is also circulating petitions demanding the firing of other cast members, writers or producers? If so, then that’s borderline harassment. That sounds more like a hate group than a fan club trying to save their favorite character/actress.

At this point, TPTB might see this behavior negatively and stick with their decision to fire her.

You need money to keep Kelly? Thin the herd! Stella, the black guy who always wears a hat, cut them. They dont move any story forward. Trina, without Spencer, they have nothing for her to do.

So, why are you only pointing out Black cast members for cuts? Both Stella and Marshall are recurring and are only paid when they appear as opposed to Sam (a contract performer). And, neither are in heavy rotation. Marshall was recently shown at the baby’s funeral (first screen time since April).

Final note, both Vernee Watson and Robert Gossett have won multiple Emmys on GH.

What am I supposed to do, list a white, black and Hispanic character so you and all of Hollywood can drink your milk and eat your cookies! Kelly probably makes more than the three of them combined so yes, the dollars wouldnt fall from the sky to retain Kelly but you also need less people on the show. The three characters I listed are not used much right now. Offer them a chance to return if they are needed. The Lulu story and Jagger murder will take up lots of time from anyone not tied into those two stories. But anyway, since you are already mad with me, I would also love a TJ recast. The Nu-Molly acts circles around the dude who is currently portraying him. His reaction to his dead daughter was lacking effort. That was an important moment. Kristine and Molly kicked ass!

Here’s where we agree – Kristen Vaganos as Molly is the breakthrough character/performer of the year.

Everyone is going nuts doing all of these things to keep Kelly and that’s fine do as you think will maybe work but I will say this in order for her to come back she will have to take a huge pay cut like they said in the beginning she said no and also yeah in the past these petitions probably worked but Everyone is going up against Disney where the real actors do acting like Jhonny Depp who had a bigger come out on his petition and they refused it I understand Everyone is upset with there decision but also remember in order for her to go back she is going to have to compromise with them on her contract it is if she is willing to do that

Alot of people are failing to understand that sometimes shocking events on soaps will actually drive story. Before social media, stories did this and while we may have been upset seeing a favorite character meeting their demise, we still tuned in because we had to see the outcome of the storyline. I am sure we will see Kelly somewhere else sooner rather than later.

Shame on GH and Frank and the writers. Kelly Monaco is a 20 plus year veteran who has been on the show before horrible Frank took over and messed everything up. He only lets his favorites and his pets be on the show and get the storylines. When the writers actually write good material Kelly Monaco soars high but Frank won’t allow it instead he fires all the good writers like Patrick because they don’t fit his twisted agenda. It’s Frank and the writers who should be fired not our beloved actress Kelly Monaco who plays an excellent Sam! There are unwanted and unnecessary characters that could leave but not Kelly! I stand with Kelly! Most of us fans could do a way better job than these writers too!

The person that should be fired is whomever leaked this story to begin with! Had Sam been offed without anyone knowing beforehand, it would have been a great story! With much less embarrassing publicity. Now the clamor has gotten so far out of hand that any impact this story would have had will be anti-climactic, and a true disservice to the character.

Does Kelly want to stay with GH? Maybe she has other plans.

General Hospital

Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker

Published

on

By

Troy Lennon Appel

General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.

Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.

On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.

Jonathan Bennett

Photo: ABC

A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES

As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.

Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’  I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”

The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.

Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”

Photo: ABC

HUDSON AND JOSSLYN

Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”

Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”

The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”

Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.

Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

 

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event

Published

on

By

Greg Vaughan and Kelly Monaco

General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.

The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.

As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.

Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan

Photo: UncleVinnie’s

Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.

SAM AND LUCKY

It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.

Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”

In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.

Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.

So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

Published

on

By

Brook Lynn and Chase

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?

Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.

Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Elizabeth

Courtesy/ABC

After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!

WILLOW VS. LULU

At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.

Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.

DIVORCE BLUES?

Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.

Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.

This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.

So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

21
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x