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’s’ Josh Swickard Recalls Emotional Moment After His Final Scenes with Michael Easton, and Favorite ‘Chase’ Storyline

Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase, General Hospital) is the special guest on this week’s all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. The GH fan favorite and leading men opened up about his life pre and post GH, his marriage to actress and producer, Lauren Swickard, and some of his toughest and most memorable moments during his eight-plus years as officer Chase of the PCPD.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came when Josh had to say farewell to his on-screen brother Finn played by soap veteran, Michael Easton. It was back on the Thursday, June 27, 2024 episode of General Hospital.
In it, Chase drives Finn to a rehab facility and the two brothers share a heartfelt talk in the car. Finn thanks Chase for allowing him to say goodbye to his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love). Chase promises to take good care of her. However, Chase warns Finn to not to take any shortcuts on his way to sobriety and to always think of Violet’s wellbeing. It is apparent, the brothers don’t want to say goodbye, but on the count of three, Finn leaves Chase’s car and walks through the door of the rehab facility, while Chase in tears beats the steering wheel before drives away.

Photo: ABC
MISSING HIS TV BROTHER
Josh spoke to the “Soapy” podcast hosts about it and recalled, “In our last scenes together, and it was like his last day. Michael was like, ‘It’s okay.’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s not.’ I was supposed to be crying in the scene, I think. I was like a little glassy-eyed, a little glazed over. And then they were like, “And cut.” I was like, “Great.” I just like went behind the car and wept.”
Speaking of his professional and personal relationship with Easton, Josh expressed, “Michael is an awesome guy. He’s such a sweetheart. We’ve done fan events together in New York and he would show me things, like, ‘This where I used to live …’ He’s like an older brother to me.”
Not only did Josh lose his on-screen brother, but he also lost his on-screen father, Gregory, played by Gregory Harrison, when he was killed-off the show after the character battled ALS. “I think I was more just mourning friends that play family on a show, but a show that goes year after year, year round, and so they become family,” explained Swickard. “So, that part’s been hard for me of just losing friends that while, yes, you get to see each other, you get to call each other, it’s different (when they leave).”

Photo: JPI
CHASE IN A COMA IS FAVORITE OF JOSH’S
When asked, what has been his favorite storyline during his run on GH thus far, Josh took it back to when Chase became became critically ill after being poisoned by a toxic from Peter August (Wes Ramsey) meant for Finn. Eventually, Finn had to rescue his brother with the antidote for the toxin. That story played out from April to June 2021.
Josh explained, “Where I was in a coma and I was seizing and coughing and I had no blocking for like four months! It was great! It was a storyline where I was about to die and I had to say goodbye to a lot of lovely people and it was so exhausting. You get in the car and you feel like you got hit by a train every day because your body doesn’t fully know what acting is, apparently. I remember multiple days being like, ‘Oh, this is why I signed up for this.'”
Swickard also answered if there were moments in the storyline if he felt Chase was not going to survive. The GH star answered, “There were moments that I wondered. However, I think they were pretty upfront with me. They were like, ‘This isn’t what’s going to happen.'”
Check out the full conversation with Josh on the ‘Soapy’ podcast via the comment section below.
Now let us know, what has been your favorite scenes of Josh as Chase on General Hospital during his run? Do you miss the relationship between Chase and his brother, Finn? Let us know via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Is This the End for Brennan?

This week, all-new episodes of General Hospital tease a long-held secret revealed, a surprise cellmate and a life on the line. On Monday August 24, ABC released their weekly promo entitled “Keep Brennan Busy,” raising eyebrows that this could the beginning of the exit of the character, after it was reported that Chris McKenna (Brennan) is leaving the soap come this fall.
In the spoilers video: First, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is telling Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) that she has known the truth all along that she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison), even though she was her legal counsel and defender her during Willow’s trial of shooting the former congressman.
Willow is shocked, and her face shrinks up. What will she say in return? Will she just say, “yes” I did it and then blackmail Alexis to also keep her quiet, like she has been able to do to so many others?

Courtesy/ABC
DREW’S BACK TO HIS OLD SELF WITH A VENGEANCE
Next, Drew is suddenly on this renewed warpath to take down Sonny (Maurice Benard), but before he deals with that, he want to get the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief out of the way. He informs his partner in crime Ava Jerome (Maura West) over drinks at the Metro Court his plan for Brennan. While Drew tells Ava his agenda, we cut to: a woman’s hands pouring a packet full of powder into a drink at the Metro Court pool area.
Drew gives Ava her assignment, “I need you to keep Brennan busy while I search his hotel room.” The question becomes, who is the woman who is drugging Brennan? Is this the first attempt at taking out the guy foreshadowing the future, or could this be the demise of Brennan?
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MIGHT SEE IN THE SLAMMER
At the end of the video, Curtis (Donnell Turner) is seen in his cell at Pentonville. He gets what appears to be his new cellmate, and utters, “You?” Is this when Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) has manipulated someone from the inside to visit Curtis and begin a plan to get what he wants from Jordan (Tanisha Harper) and use her lover to do his dirty work? Stay tuned.
Take a look at the rest of the official spoilers for the week of August 24-28 below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Valentin makes a pitch to Jason. Brennan confronts Willow. Josslyn has news for Hudson. Laura briefs Anna. Tracy issues a warning.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Jason encourages Carly. Obrecht wants answers. Anna is tempted. Ric jumps to conclusions. Lulu offers relationship advice.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Nina is enraged. Jordan makes her loyalties clear. Michael seeks Sonny’s advice. Tristan opens up about his past. Felicia stonewalls Brennan.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Gio and Emma overhear an argument. Drew vows revenge. Ava feels slighted. Justine gets a shock. Alexis makes threat.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Sonny makes a promise to Laura. Carly and Valentin make a decision. Anna offers support. Ava sets a trap. Drew is waylaid.
Check out the the latest GH promo, “Keep Brennan Busy” below.
Now let us know, do you think Drew’ plot against Brennan will be the untimely end of the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief? How will Willow keep Alexis from opening her mouth about the fact that she shot Drew? Share your predictions and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric

General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) opened up about the burgeoning love triangle forming between his Port Charles alter-go, Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) after recently aired scenes, plus his hopes for the future of a Dante and Liz pairing, during his appearance on the Sunday, April 23 edition of the That’s Awesome podcast with Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli).
On last week’s episodes of GH, Ric has made the decision that he wanted to propose to his ex-wife, only when he showed up at Elizabeth’s front door, he misread the scenario he walked in with Liz tending to Dante’s injured leg from the softball game. From there, the legal eagle’s jealous streak is reemerging which may cause him to act out and do something unforgivable, or will he take the high road? Stay tuned.
Speaking with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson about where Elizabeth stands in the annals of the long-running soap, Zamprogna said, “She’s up there with Steve and Maurice (Maurice Benard) as one of the most legacy-filled people on the show.”

Courtesy/ABC
HOW DANTE AND ELIZABETH CAME ABOUT
Dominic jokes it’s a far cry for where Dante and Elizabeth previously, recalling, “We had some scenes together years ago and we were both laughing. Becky’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re not going be paired up anytime soon.’ I remember we laughed immediately after they yelled ‘cut,”‘and said to each other, ‘Well, so much for that!'”
Fast-forward to early 2025 and as Zamprogna remembered it, “Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) came up to me at the General Hospital Christmas party, and I think it was a year and a half ago and she said, ‘We’re going to have you in scenes with Elizabeth,’ My internal monologue is going, ‘I’m not with Lulu (Alexa Havins) anymore and Sam’s (Kelly Monaco) gone, so maybe they want to see if this works.’ I didn’t want to get scenes with Becky and try to find the chemistry. I just wanted to play whatever honestly was written and came across for both of us and hope it was what people liked, and I don’t know if it is … or not.”
Knowing how beloved Elizabeth is to the GH faithfuls, Zamprogna added, “She got a big fan base with Ric … and a big fan base with with Jason … and you know, you’re going to piss somebody off. But, didn’t Ric drug Elizabeth and put Carly in a panic room?”

Photo: ABC
DANTE AND ELIZABETH PAIRING COULD STIR UP STORY FOR OTHERS IN PORT CHARLES
In closing, Dominic felt that the wide-reaching tentacles of a Dante and Elizabeth relationship is something he is 100% down for. “The triangle thing; I was happy to hear it was with Ric and her, because I felt it’s important to have her the top of it as opposed to Dante, Lulu and Elizabeth.”
Zamprogna added, “When you get into relationships on a soap, things seem to fizzle out a little bit, The buildup is what’s the fun part, and the getting to know each other, and the people who are affected by this coming together. When with this case it’s going to affect: Ric, Sonny, Lulu. There’s so much more story here. To me, it’s going to be a fun story to play.”
You can check out Dominic’s visit to That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford below.
Now weigh-in: Are you rooting for Dante and Liz, or Dante and Ric at this juncture of the story, or neither guy for Elizabeth? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section.
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