Breaking News
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.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).
Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.
Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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