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Kelly Monaco Tapes Final Episode and Wraps Her Run as General Hospital’s Sam McCall
Friday, September 27th marked the last tape day for GH veteran, Kelly Monaco in the role of Sam McCall, a part she has played for 21 years on the ABC daytime drama series.
The word of Monaco’s final day on set, came from her mother, Carmina Monaco, who shared an emotional and heartfelt post about her daughter’s exit. Kelly started on GH back on October 1, 2003.
Carmina began her post on X, “I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you’ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital. On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time.”
Photo: ABC
Kelly mom’s went on to say, “This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength. You’ve stood by her through every twist and turn, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort in the hard times. Your love and dedication have meant more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care so deeply for her. Thank you for being there, for believing in her, and for reminding her of the impact she’s made. We will always be grateful for you standing with her through it all.”
Photo: ABC
The news of Kelly’s impending departure, did not go quietly with GH fans, in fact they launched an incredible campaign, #IStandWithKelly, to save Monaco from being written-off the show, in what has been shared as a storyline-dictated move, since sources also revealed the character of Sam was going to be killed-off.
The fan campaign as of tonight (on September 27th_ had over 16,000 signatures on petition, plus the group took out a billboard in Times Square and a truck with a billboard to drive around ABC Prospect Studios to call attention to the dismissal of their favorite actress and hopes she would be reinstated to the show.
While GH has never given any official statement on Kelly’s exit, nor has Monaco herself spoken on her social media about the departure as of yet, soap fans are gearing up for the end of the run for this major star.
So, sad to hear that today marked Kelly Monaco’s final tape date at GH? Comment below.
I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you’ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital. On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first…
— Carmina Monaco (@kellysmom1) September 27, 2024
I’m really disappointed in GH decision, this is such a great mistake, the only thing I can hope is that we don’t see the character die on screen so that she can show up later being much alive once GH keeps getting bonbarded for making such a bad decision.
Yes I hope so
The day Kelly Monaco leaves GH is the day several people I know stop watching permanently. They do not care about the return of Lucky or Holly.
I will be one of those people who stops watching GH permanently. Kelly was my girl. All you GH fans who dedicate your time watching your favorite on the show remember they didn’t care about Kelly or her fans and they not only fired her they killed her character. Your fav could be next. No one is safe as long as FV, and all the other goons are gone for good!!
I don’t think that’s actually her mom, I think that’s an account that’s been trolling the fans for a while. Why would you call yourself Kelly’s Mom when you’ve got 6 other kids? And isn’t KM almost 50? Either way, I wish her well and can’t wait to see how this plays out!
It’s her mom. And why would she call herself Kelly’s mom? Because her other kids aren’t actors with followers on social media. She addresses comments that concern Kelly on GH, Kelly and Billy, Kelly’s reaction to Billy’s passing, etc.
Yes, I know what the account does…and it’s a little odd when KM is almost 50 and can speak for herself or through professional representation. Just saying, if I was publicly fired, I wouldn’t want my mom guilt-tripping people online over it! That might resonate with the fans, but I don’t see it going over well anywhere else lol.
Sad that abc Disney allows those in charge to repeatedly do this… Finn was written into a dull corner, then written out, same w roger howarth…so when they stopped using kelly we all knew the writing was on the wall… sadly the 5-6 sets of writers in the last year or two are not always up on show history or fan favorites… and ewww w Drew the stalker…
I blame Disney too…they are squeezing ABC. Leave the soaps alone!
I miss RoHo as Franco and will miss KM’s Sam, but I don’t miss Finn. They wrote some many characters for him and none really worked on the show, IMO. I like that they’re bringing back some legacy characters and rebuilding the Laura’s family. I wish they’d also bring back Nicholas, Cameron and Jake.
I’m sorry that Kelly/Sam will no longer be on GH. I know Sam will be killed off, but this show has repeatedly brough back multiple characters from beyond the grave in the past, whose to say it won’t happen with Sam.
I wish Kelly all the best in her future endeavors. I hope Kelly gets the attention of Ryan Murphy or Tayler Sheridan, so she will find much success in primetime or films.
I for one will continue watching GH because the show is bigger than one character. I will continue to support the ensamble cast and crew because they deserve the fans loyalty for all the work they put in to the show.
Pretty sure the photo is from the last good detective-oriented storyline Sam had with Cody saving Sasha last year. I hope that GH does Sam’s character right and at least give her final scenes with each cast member on screen for one last time. That will make the death much more meaningful.
She hasn’t been interacting with many of them for months now – it will make those last scenes so much more powerful.
Also, not sure that in real life her Liver would automatically go to Lulu if she was a match. Lulu is not on the list. But if Sam is brain-dead – then a good story about her being able to donate her organs would be nice.
I have always admired the character of Sam. She was such a strong, independent woman! But, in the last several years, the writers have portrayed her as a simpering, whiny, insecure woman…….huge waste of a huge talent!
I couldn,t have said it better myself
I just don’t understand the writers and producers firing and killing off Sam’s character.This is a mistake I hope when the ratings drop( which they will)they will reverse!I just don’t get it
Why do people say such silly things the ratings will not drop because of one character never has never will. They haven’t used Sam in a storyline for I don’t know how long which probably why they feel she is expendable like they did when Lulu was put in a coma, or when they killed Alan, Emily or A.J off one character won’t effect the ratings one way or another
Their decision to kill Alan and AJ Quartermaine off was horrible! Two legacy characters from a legacy family; they decimated that family. What a stupid, stupid, decision. Stuart Damon was blindsided and devastated from what I read. I don’t blame him….
Thank you Hallie for being reasonable. I’ve been watching GH since the mid 80s when Luke and Laura made this show popular. I have seen many of my favorite characters killed off (Alan, Emily, Jake, Jason, Robin, Franco) and others come and go over the years, but I never stopped watching the show. I’m sad to see Sam go, but I will keep watching for as long as the show is on the air.
Writers don’t make the decisions on who comes and goes.
Whatever is going on, I wish nothing but the best for Kelly and I’m keeping her in my thoughts.
i will never understand why they are doing this to kelly sometimes it dosent pay to be loyal to a tv show it so incredible to beleave they can do this to kelly i will never understand why they dident reunite her with steve when he came back to general hospital they were and will alway be a magical couple.
Well it does seem there was some issues between her and Steve which could be why they didn’t reunite them but since they broke them up Kelly got less airtime and very little story. This isn’t something new for any show characters come and go some get to stay long term some don’t they have killed off many characters that were on for years look at Alan Q. There is no guarantee for any actor on any show this isn’t the first time won’t be the last but there does seem to be some backstage issue at play here
Some fans claim she wasn’t happy when SB returned as Jason in 2017 as his return pushed then Billy Miller out of the role of Jason. But I actually liked BM more as Drew Cain as opposed to Jason. I understand she and BM were close friends and she was loyal to him, but the character of Sam only became popular because of her connection to Burton’s Jason. If KM decided she no longer wanted to work with Burton, then maybe she put herself in this situation. I was surprised to see so many JaSam fans hating on her when Jason returned and she didn’t want Danny around his father. So that could have all factored into this decision.
No one missed LuLu . Everyone will miss Sam !!! Big mistake GH !!!
Don’t make this about “Sam vs Lulu”. Lulu’s comeback was long overdue. The Spencer family has been part of GH’s core since 1978.
Bottom line is if cast cuts were inevitable, they should have drawn a hard line in the brimstone and started (and ended) with characters created after February 2012.
Please don’t generalize not “everyone” will miss Sam. Most long term characters need breaks. Lulu had a good long rest and many (not saying most or everyone) of us are looking forward to the recast.
She will land on her feet more drama back stage then on the show
Soap stars have “ died” on screen and miraculously come back to life at a future date. We have hope for Kelly.
I’m sure this is an unpopular opinion… She was employed for 21 years (or 24 if you include PC). She was let go. If it was for an illegal reason, she and her lawyers will deal with that. But as for the show, Sam has been on the backburner for so long. What has she been doing other than complaining about Jason? And those fans who say “what about her kids?” What a crazy comment. First, it’s a TV show. Second, even if it were real life, parents die. Third, the Quartermaine ophanage has room for them. KM hopefully was wise with her pay over the past 24 years. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Me, I’m looking forward to the story and hope they do a good job with it. I just don’t want Alexis to turn to alcohol. That’s lazy writing.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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