Breaking News
Kelly Monaco OUT as General Hospital’s Sam McCall
Kelly Monaco, who has played General Hospital favorite Sam McCall since 2003, is exiting the daytime drama series. The news of this major casting bombshell was first reported by Soap Opera Network.
The outlet shared that their source revealed, “the character of Sam will last appear in Port Charles this fall and that Monaco was ‘blindsided’ upon learning of the decision.” In addition, the character of Sam will be killed-off. A source also confirmed to Michael Fairman TV that Monaco will make her last GH appearance this fall, while no final airdate had been given at this time.
In other parts of this casting decision, Lindsay Hartley, who had filled-in for Monaco as a temporary replacement for the last few years, was not going to be made permanent since the show had decided to write-off the character altogether. Soap Opera Digest learned that Monaco’s exit was storyline-dictated.
Photo: ABC
Prior to joining General Hospital, Monaco was best known for her role on Port Charles as Livvie Locke from 2000-2003, when the GH spinoff was cancelled, the mothership brought her over to take on the role of Sam. When the character initially came on to the scene she was as a con artist, and eventually viewers learned Sam was the long-lost daughter of attorney Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and the late mob boss Julian Jerome (William deVry).
Kelly was nominated twice in her daytime career for a Daytime Emmy; first in 2003 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on Port Charles, and in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work as Sam on General Hospital.
Monaco celebrated her 20th anniversary as GH’s Sam back in 2023, and told Soap Opera Digest, “GH is such a legendary show and I consider it my second home. Every day when I drive to the lot, I am just so honored to be a part of it.”
Photo: ABC
In story, it seems clear now that Lulu Spencer is going to be waking up out of her coma soon, and given this creative move to kill Sam off the show, it would pave the way for Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu to reunite … or will it?
Monaco spoke about her enduring relationship with her GH fans with the Michael Fairman Channel on the red carpet at the 2022 Daytime Emmys, where she shared, “My fans are amazing. I know I don’t post often on social media, but I look at it. I am a stalker all the time. So, I could quote back to them probably any post that they put, the collages that they make, everything that they tweet, it is amazing. They support me through thick and thin. They know when I’m quiet, something’s like going on. I feel like it’s really an awesome understanding of your fans. I don’t even like using that word, because I feel like my fans, well a lot of them, became friends and they’re just cool. I think it’s really great when you can sort of influence each other to rally behind each other and stick up for each other, and they stick up for me.” Will Kelly’s fans petition for her to be back on GH?
Now let us know, what is your reaction to the news that Kelly is out at General Hospital and their plans to kill-off the character of Sam? Share your thoughts in the comment section, and check out our conversation with Kelly from the red carpet below.
Michael Fairman TV will continue to update this item as developments warrant.
WHAT!
I don’t think they should kill Sam off I will miss Kelly Monaco
I know, I can’t believe they are going to do this!!
I agree! Don’t do it!
I totally agree! It’s a big mistake. They could always create a story line with Drew because of Scout, and that would get him away from Willow! Or put her back with Jason.
Never liked her. Always whispering.
I am stunned! Assuming this news is true… I don’t think I’ll believe this until Kelly Monaco or Frank Valentini confirms this news. But if it is true, GH could stand to lose a lot of its audience. Kelly has a large fan base and this won’t sit well with them.
I’m in utter shock right now!!!
This is insane. I never saw the connection between Dante and Lulu. Why do they keep getting rid of fan favorites.
Thank you Joyce; indeed, that is the $64,000 question isn’t it?
That’s a shock after 20 years! I’ve never been a fan of “Sam” and Kelly’s voice always bugged me, but I’m sure this came a a huge surprise to her. Always hate to see someone lose their job, but that’s life. Hope she finds another role out there somewhere.
What???
This is a horrific decision! Is it Chris Van Etten’s idea? Doesn’t Frank have a say in these things or does he too think it’s a wise move? Makes no sense. To make matters worse they want to close the door completely and kill Sam off!!!?? What!? Just as many of us were excited to see vets come back…Lucky, Ric, Lulu, they get rid of a vet who still has so much story and so many fans? UGH!
It’s Frank. Fire Frank.
Bad decision
Are we sure? I’m not a Van Etten fan. His endless tragic stories, one fatal illness after another, killing off babies, the endless Nina-as-punching-bag, and now he’s back and the upcoming story is the end of Sam?
agree. His story lines are so dark and depressing.
Harry
If Frank goes, the show goes. Love him (or hate him) the moves he made starting in 2012 saved GH from cancellation.
Budget is everything and nobody manages a soap budget better than Frank. Keeping the largest cast in daytime and constantly updating sets to maintain production quality are his forte.
Now, it’s understandable that some are upset with Kelly’s dismissal and the killing of Sam, with the death being an extra gut punch. Fans should stick up for their favorites, but getting rid of the EP is not a solution.
Honestly I love Sam and Dante and I would rather see Sam leave the show than get back with Jason which I think would be a big step backward for her, if they put Dante back with Lulu.
It’s BECAUSE she wasn’t paired with Jason and refused to work with Steve Burton that this happened. She caused it herself. Jason is a LEAD character and is always in front burner storylines she would have been a part of instead they domesticated her to break up JaSam paired her with a fringe character Dante with nowhere to go. They were so boring it was coma inducing!
wtf is going on? I’m confuse, what is the show trying to do? I hope GH sam/kelly fan throw a crazy hizzy fit and let the network know this is not cool, this decision makes no sense. hope fans outrage changes this wrong decision.
Hey, it worked when they were going to write off Becky Herbst years ago. The fans complained and it didn’t happen.
Strange things are happening at GH.
Idiotic and cruel decision. I knew something was up when they had Willow console Kristina instead of Sam, her big sister who had also lost her baby during the final trimester. They have phased Kelly out ever since she voiced objection over the shabby treatment of her friend Billy Miller after Steve Burton came back to reclaim his role, and by extension, his crown. If they need to slash the budget to make room for Lucky, Ric and a Lulu recast, then get rid of Eva LaRue and Ally Mills, two expensive actors who are completely dispensable. They also might take a look at Kate Mansi, who I believe is failing as a Kristina recast. Following that, get rid of the fiddler, Lois and Brooklyn- all pointless characters. I’d love for them to send Carly off to run a B& B in Florida with Drew, but I guess that’s too much to ask for.
Eva LaRue, Alley Mills and Rena Sofer are all recurring. They only get paid when they appear (and have no guarantees or benefits). Brook Lynn is a Q, so she’s likely sticking around for a while.
I’m with you, Harry, on all counts. My first thought was that they let Monaco go for budgetary reasons because they had to make room for Jonathan Jackson. I’m all for getting rid of Carly (and Sonny). I believe that would free up some cash… 🙂
I think Kate’s been great in the role Harry. Can’t say I agree with you on cutting any of the vets. I want more Quartermaines; not less. And by Quartermaines I don ‘t mean Olivia, Willlow, Drew, Leo. I want more Ned and for him to have scenes with Tracy, Brook Lynn, Lois. They should bring back Dillon, find a ridiculous way to bring AJ back to life and bring back Dillon. This family needs to live again. I’d rather they cut Terry, Portia, Natalia, Gio, Heather, and nuJagger (unless they can redeem him and make him a romantic lead). But I’d rather they not touch the vets/legacy characters.
Kate’s been great in the role of Harry (?)
Sam goes I’m out
That’s BS…why write her out.. makes more sense to have a love story interrupted by Lulu and how they navigate it etc. a life long character, not a fan of this choice at all! We need to stage an up roar like we did for Jeanie Francis.
We also helped Rebecca Herbst. She was fired and then a few days later, they told her she could come back.
Making room in the budget because I guarantee you they got a “name soap actress” tapped to play LuLu and they’re about to announce her! They’re saying her exit is storyline dictated. WOW.
Roger Howarth, Michael Easton, and Kelly Monaco have all now been let go this year. I would presume all three had pretty big contracts given how long they had been on the show, and how long they worked for ABC. Just logical speculation on my part, but it would seem like ABC is making Frank tighten the budget even more than it already was, and these are tough decisions he had to make.
Unfortunately, they have to do what they have to do in order to keep GH on the air. That’s the reality of producing TV in 2024. There are cuts being made everywhere, across every network and genre of show, even on streaming services.
I don’t like to see anyone lose their job, but if I’m being totally honest, Kelly Monaco hasn’t done anything that excited or interested me in a long time. Which I put partly on the writing of Sam and partly on her. I’m sorry that she lost her job, but I’m personally not gonna shed any tears for the departure of Sam. The loss of Howarth and Easton bothered me a lot more.
Although, I will say, if these reports are true, killing off Sam instead of just sending her out of town and writing her out seems a bit extreme to me.
None of Howarth or Easton’s multiple characters were ever essential to the GH canvas. Sam is different. She’s a 20 year veteran cast member, part of the Cassadine family, her children are Quartermaines and she’s half of a legendary super couple even though the Valentini regime has pretty much screwed that up since 2012.
If there is a genuine effort here to bring back the “old” GH (pre 2012) then I am all for it, but if that’s the case then Sam shouldn’t be the one targeted for execution.
On the other horn… does Jason finally get his penthouse back now??
Was it Frank or the actors that impacted the “Jasam” pairing? Monaco & Burton looked like barely wanted to be in the same scenes after he came back from his Y&R side trip. She came alive in scenes with Miller and he and Thiebaud had a spark before they dropped it.
As for the penthouse, that set’s due for some major renovation.
From the very minute Frank & ReRon took over GH in February 2012, they targeted “Jasam” and they used their OLTL transplants to do it. Todd Manning swapped out baby Danny for his ex wife’s dead kid, and then McBain inserted himself into their relationship. And by the time this was all resolved and they got Danny back, they had literally one day together as a family before Jason was shot in the back and kicked into the water by Faison in the goofy Duke Lavery mask.
It is also a fact that they were never given a real chance as a couple after either of Jason’s returns, of course.
She hasn’t done anything because that’s what Frank has obviously wanted and has instructed writers to write as such. They’ve complete destroyed the core of her character over the past 3-5 years and continued to crap all over the legacy that was JaSam. It was and still is one of the most iconic and loved pairings in GH history. They’ll lose my viewership for sure, and from what I can tell, lots of others on social media who are lobbying for her reinstatement. She is a well loved character and her fans won’t go quietly. There are plenty of other characters who are useless to the canvas, she’s connected to a lot of people.
All of that is Monaco’s FAULT. She refused to work with Steve Burton had she not she would have remained in that super couple front and center. She made some disparaging remarks upon Miller’s exit that didn’t sit well with FV and the powers that be. So they accommodated her at the time domesticated her and eventually paired her with Dante and back burned her! It’s her own doing!
Not true!! I guess you believe everything you see or hear!!
I hate that they are killing Sam off. It is horrible they keep killing these kids parents off. I like Sam and always have. Why bring LuLu back she has been gone forever so wht kill off Sam to bring her back to Dante’ they could have her get with someone else or have Sam and Dante’ break up. I also think it is awefull how these characters get blind sided by the writers writing them off the show Billy Miller, Julian Jerome, Finn, Sam, Nicholas ( not the one they have now.
Hi, I know Finn is off to Rehab ,but have they written off Finn for good and Brooklyn and Chase are taken care of Violet for good? I have not kept up with News on who’s left or written off. I am shocked about Sam Being kicked out and not given a reason why they written her off .
Not happy!!!! What is happening at General Hospital??
Shes the only reason to watch that show unless you want to watch Big Bird as Carly. Hopefully Kelly will be brought on Young and Restless or Bold and Beautiful!
This is so dumb!!! I love Kelly. She is Sam.
Why don’t they blame the stories they give her!
She is wonderful. This can’t be true!!!
Bobby, I totally agree!! Kelly is a beautiful woman, as well as an amazing actress! I personally think she’d be better off moving to either Days on NBC or one of the CBS soaps. There, I believe she would be treated as she deserves to be treated.
This move is more surprising than shocking. Kelly’s episode count has been cut significantly over the past few years.Sam went from being seen 3x week to appearing in just one episode in the month of July.
As mentioned in a previous post, Sam has been caught in a rut for some time. 20 years is a long time to sustain a character (Lulu’s 3.5 year coma is a prime example of giving a long term character a break).
Between the baby drama and now Sam’s eventual departure, NLG should have quite an Emmy role to submit.
Big mistake! Character from a core family with so many connections. I hope it is a missing and presumed dead scenario.
The Davis family just lost a baby and now Sam? If the show has budget issues – then re-cast the character – don’t kill her off forever.
Wondering if this is just a move to get Dante and Lulu back together – which could have been done w/out killing the character off.
I think it’s a huge mistake to let Monaco go she’s as popular as Sonny Carly & Jason
I am Utterly Shocked that #GH will Kill off The Character Sam for good. WHY? Sam Could rejoin Jason or be single for awhile before being mixed up with a new Character for her. Could be a guy from her past or someone New to the city. But Why Kill her off Completely? We all will Miss her .
Another Terrible idea!!
I’m still upset about losing Michael Easton, and Roger Howarth!!
Sounds as tho they are scrambling due to low ratings bringing back a bunch of characters, and bunch of old characters, getting rid of bigger stars, replacing at least one actress – they’re only rated against two CBS shows. Days moved to the Peacock streaming channel so they aren’t rated. But ABC, if you are listening One Life to Live was my favorite! Watched it back to the half hr shows. Gutted me when you cancelled it, and only saved me when OLTL stars showed up on GH. And Roger’s Franco was great! The Austin storyline was weak, should have kept Franco. Much more diverse character. Dr. Finn needs to recover and return to Violet.
I also liked how many Star Gate stars were on GH – very much still miss Will DeVry and Joe Flanigan ….
Steve Burton came back after covid mess, so why cant Ingo come back as Josselyns dad?
I have never watched any soaps on other channels, just ABC. One Life to Live, GH, Dark Shadows and Edge of Night. Stop messing up GH!
If you want a ratings coup… Bring back One Life to Live and All My Children!!
Christy, I definitely understand how you feel. One Life to Live was my very favorite show of all time. I watched from the first day it aired (yes, I’m old) until the last and also watched the online version. I loved the characters, the marvelous cast and all the wonderful stories they told. Believe me Christy, the alphabet network and their parent, the mouse company, do not care what viewers think or want.
Feel bad for Kelly but I never cared for the character
I don’t really care for the character of Sam, but I think killing her off is rather drastic. It seems, to me, that when they have the perfect set up for a murder mystery, they blow their chance and do something stupid and I feel robbed. If killing off Sam means others get to stay, then I can accept it. Just wish there was another way to handle her exit.
Characters come and go. They come back even if they die right before our very eyes. I just roll with the punches. I am looking forward to the Spencer family reuniting. Maybe we can get Spencer and Nik back too.
Cuts needed to be made, and I am not surprised she’s the one being cut. She’s been phoning in her performances for the past several years. And vets are the most-expensive cast to keep.
I sure don’t want them to kill off the character. Loved Lyndsay in the role!
Monaco has just been reading her lines for some time now and not putting in any effort and should be let go.
That’s what happens when you BITE the hand that feeds you! She herself caused it!
No she didn’t!! Your very wrong!!
I like the actress, but not the character. Ever since they paired her with Dante there has been no storyline for Sam, they are so boring! GH obviously is firing all their highly paid actors…why? Is it true they were firing MW and changed it to Kemo?
If anyone’s interested there are numbers to call to protest the firing of Kelly; the end of “Sam.” Look for those numbers in FB GH groups. Several have posted them; perhaps they’re on X (Twitter) and IG, too.
Well I wonder if they are going to have to lock up Nancy G to keep her off social media I guarantee you she is not happy about this if it is indeed true
They haven’t had a good storyline for Sam in years and it wasn’t fair to Kelly. I’m sorry she was blindsided. She’ll definitely be an asset on another show and I wish her the best. If she had to leave, I had hoped it could have been on her own accord and then Miss Hartley could have filled the vacancy. Now none of that stands a chance.
I think it wrong of the writers to do this to her. The writers need to get their heads out of their ass. Been watching the show from the very beginning of it in 1963. I got where I don’t watch daily anymore. Also the writers need to listen to the fans. If not for the fans their would knot be a GH on the air.
Big fan of Kelly Monaco/Sam. I’m so disappointed to read this. Has to be related to the Luly storyline. Shame on you GH!
They always kill off long time characters and yet keep adding new boring characters. Makes no sense. Seems GH is not loyal to their actors.
I won’t miss the character one bit next.Please write off Carly and Sonny to their happily ever after on an island somewhere
So tell us how you want GH replaced with another dumb “news” show without actually saying I want GH replaced with another dumb “news” show.
There’s your Taylor on bold and beautiful
I don’t like how they kill you off and 3 to 5 years later you appear again after family has moved on.
If there’s a legitimate reason to make cast cuts, they should draw a hardline in the brimstone:
Post February 2012 characters go first.
Let’s start with Nina.
So, you’d really get rid of Ava? Every Black character?
Is it just new characters or do you want to drop recasted legacy characters?
Ava seems to have painted herself into a corner yet again, given what she’s done to Sonny & Kristina in recent months.
As far as the Ashfords go… I actually thought Curtis was one of the very few worthwhile characters of the last decade or so. Jordan is alright, though I still preferred the first version over the others. Portia & TJ have been ridiculous lately, but that’s more the fault of the out of character writing. Liked the original Trina more than the replacement, but she really hasn’t had much to do since Spencer’s untimely disappearance – which we all thought was going to be temporary at the time.
Now on the other horn… this new character who showed up with Lucky this week? He could very well be a “legacy recast”. As well as a doctor, just like his parents and grandfather… if my theory turns out to be correct. That is, if you can truly call a character a recast if he hasn’t been seen since he was a baby.
Nina? From your lips. Not that I’d really miss Sam but trading her in for silly, insipid Lulu, I just don’t get it! They’ll have to change Lulu’s whole personality for me to even give her any interest.
I’m thinking that whole conversation Tracy & Dante had in the hospital chapel yesterday was actually a thinly veiled reference to the differences between Julie Berman’s version of Lulu and Emme Rylan’s version.
Apparently Tracy also preferred the original because she seemed more like Luke & Laura’s daughter, and this is most likely the reason for the recast, rather than bringing Rylan back. Though I really wish they could have real Lulu back with real Lucky. We all know why real Nikolas can’t be there.
Would love if Isiah turns out to be Tom Hardy Jr. A pairing with Jordan would be a way to tie the past and current families together. TPTB haven’t really given Tanisha Harper (Jordan 3) much to do. Overall, I do think she fits the role better than the second, but not as good as the first Jordan. Question that’s been percolating for years – what is Jordan’s maiden name?
Yes, Portia needs a reset. She’s too good an actress to waste as just an angry mom. I’m finally coming around to Ali’s version of Trina. She’s maturing in the role, much in the same way that Haley Erin did as Kiki. Great example
Totally agree on the two Lulu comparisons. While not publicized, I’m sure Frank and team reached out multiple times to try to lure Julie Berman back.
I don’t remember if they have ever mentioned Jordan’s maiden name. Doubt she’s related to the Wards, or surely that would have been brought up by now.
If they really wanted to tie her to some old school history, they could make her the daughter of Bryan & Claudia Phillips.
Please do not get rid of Sam’s character. Kelly Monaco has been with GH for 20 years and deserves a continued storyline!
Horrible decision not fair at all
Killing Sam is criminal. Kelly Monaco has been a vital part of GH for 20 years. Suddenly kicking her to the curb makes absolutely no sense. Of course, one should expect nothing less from the psychotic powers that be at the heartless alphabet network/mouse company.
It’s a disgrace
Never been a fan of the character or the actress, but has anyone thought there could be another reason for her being written out. She has been replaced fairly often the past couple of years, that is unusual in soaps
While it seems ridiculous to kill any main, long time character, I appear to be in the minority when I say I won’t miss Kelly Monoco’s Sam.
I enjoyed her in the early years, but for the past couple of years her performance has seemed stilted & inauthentic to me. While it’s not her fault that her story lines were not too exciting, it seemed to me that she wasn’t even connecting with Alexis. Something seemed off on her end. Eventually I started fast forwarding through her scenes. And I agree with others that Sam & Dante had zero chemistry, although he projected a much more authentic performance than she did. It made me wonder if she maybe didn’t like most of her cast mates or if there was something going on that was preventing her from feeling comfortable. Anyway, that’s obviously speculation, but it I won’t miss this version of Sam. I do wish her well & I hope she finds another role where she can be more authentic.
Love Kelly Monaco, who has played General Hospital favorite Sam McCall since 2003. So this is how ABC treats longtime cast members? The writing carousel and the impending budget cuts are showing their sad results. And the ratings continue to tank with only 1.9M viewers. Like GL, your legendary status may be coming to an end. Blame the writers for not giving Kelly better material. Saying goodbye to Sam will be difficult to accept.
Gh is a disgrace save Kelly Monaco otherwise that’s the end for me I’ve v been watching since the Luke and Laura days
She probably will die a hero and her Liver will save Lulu.
Of all the boring ppl on GH!?!? Kelly Monaco, if they do this go to, Days and, I will follow you!
Shame on you writers! She should be with, Drew or Jason. 21 years!? She should’ve had a better storyline! It’s all these new writer’s. 55 years of watching this show. Sonny will leave this show before it’s said and done. He’s a old man with no butt now! Him and Carly belong together. #KEEPKELLYMONACO… #KELLYMONACOBEBACKONGH.. I’m gonna do it! I have one question GH, what about her kids? Her connections with the Cassdines? The Davis girls?? What were you thinking? Hire her back, PLEASE!
Give Ms Kelly a break she has been thru a lot she and Billy were very close I personally think he was treated disgracefully ! Maybe it’s time for her to move on wish her the best and go on! GH is circling the drain in my opinion I think she will do just fine
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7. That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.
The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.
Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.
Photo: JPI
In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”
She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”
The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.
Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.
So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.
Breaking News
Jennifer Harmon, ‘One Life to Live’s’ Cathy Craig, and ‘How to Survive a Marriage’ Star, Dead at 82
Sad news to report for the One Life to Live family. Actress Jennifer Harmon who was the last actress to play the emotionally troubled Cathy Craig has passed away. Harmon, who also starred on the defunct NBC soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage, died in New York on May 9 at the age of 82. Harmon’s family made the announcement.
Jennifer was the fifth actress to play One Life to Live’s Cathy, following Catherine Burns, Amy Levitt, Jane Alice Brandon and Dorrie Kavanaugh. During her two year tenure with the soap, from 1976 through 1978, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series at the 5th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1978. The award that year went to Another World’s Laurie Heineman (ex-Sharlene Frame).
In her soap career, not only did Harmon have major success as Cathy on One Life to Live, but she starred on NBC’s new soap opera, How to Survive a Marriage as Chris Kirby and stayed with the series through its entire run which lasted just over a year from 1974-1975.
Photo: NBC
How to Survive a Marriage told the story of divorced couple as they battle for custody of their daughter, and as the mom enters the workforce. In the span of a year, Chris got divorced, remarried and battled alcoholism. Rosemary Prinz was the featured name in the cast.
On One Life to Live, Cathy was the nemesis of Victoria Lord (Erika Slezak). Cathy blamed the wealthy Viki for the accident that killed her child Megan Craig Riley (even though the baby has a congenital heart defect and her life expectancy was short). So, she set out to make Viki’s life hell by kidnapping Viki and Joe’s child, Kevin.
Later, Jennifer would return to One Life to Live in the 90s to play Viki’s attorney in a new role, went on to play Jean Weatherill on Guiding Light in 1991 and Lucretia Jones on Loving in 1995. Her primetime TV credits included: Barnaby Jones, Dallas, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere, Homicide: Life on the Street, Oz, Rescue Me and The Good Wife.
Harmon was also known as one of the most accomplished stage actresses on Broadway having appeared over 21 times in different productions spanning nearly 50 years including in plays of the works of legendary playwrights: Noël Coward, Wendy Wasserstein, Lillian Hellman, Neil Simon, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and Jon Robin Baitz. Throughout her theatre career she was was known as a reliable actress, and at times was an understudy for the likes of: Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange.
Share your remembrances of Jennifer Harmon on One Life to Live, How to Survive a Marriage, and more, in the comment section below.
Our friends from across the pond, BBC One’s EastEnders took home Best Soap honors at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards in London, England on Sunday, May 10.
Just last year, EastEnders celebrated 40 years on television and has seen a resurgence. In attendance were cast members: Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current showrunner Ben Wadey.
EastEnders was nominated in the category along with their rivals, Casualty and Coronation Street. Accepting on stage was 20-year veteran of the series, Diane Parish, who paid tribute to all the hard working people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “It’s not easy doing a soap, but we manage to make it work,” shared Parish.
Courtesy/BBCOne
A BIG RETURN AND MEDICAL CRISIS IN STORY AHEAD
Recently, it was confirmed that in honor of her two decades with the show, Parish’s character, Denise Fox, is set for a major storyline this year, when she is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer.
And there’s more! In the winner’s press room, Ben Wadey shared there is a major return in store teasing,“I would keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks, there might be some surprises on the horizon.”
On the official EastEnders Instagram account it also shared, “EastEnders has gone and won the Soap award at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards! 🎉🥳🍾🙌What a huge honour, we truly couldn’t be prouder. Thank you BAFTA the whole cast and crew will be holding this one high when it makes it way home to Walford.”
Photo: EastEnders
BAFTA TV AWARD HISTORY IS MADE
Adolescence, the Netflix drama that took home Emmys and Golden Globes stateside, made BAFTA TV history during the ceremony winning four awards for the first time ever. Stephen Graham finally took home the coveted Leading Actor category in what was his 8th attempt to win a BAFTA in the fields of both TV and motion pictures.
The series is Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show of all time, and won BAFTA’s for Limited Drama and Supporting Actor and Actress for Owen Cooper and Christine Tremarco.
For a complete list of all the winners, click here.
So, happy to hear EastEnders won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Soap? If you catch EastEnders, who do you think might be returning on the horizon as teased by the series current EP? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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