General Hospital
Kelly Monaco Fans Mobilize Their Support; Demand ‘General Hospital’ Change Course for Plans to ‘Kill-Off’ Sam McCall
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.
2 WEEKS after Kelly Monaco was BLINDSIDED by her abrupt firing from #GH the fans #UnitedforKelly with over 12K signatures on a Petition and a PHOENIX on wheels in front of Prospect Studios!
Rehire Kelly Monaco on @GeneralHospital and save Sam McCall! 🔥 #IStandwithKelly… pic.twitter.com/Ri7kWQfEUl
— I STAND WITH KELLY (@IStandWithKelly) September 9, 2024
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
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)
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’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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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