Things are heating up behind the scenes at General Hospital, and it’s not just the drama on-screen that's making waves. The soap opera is grappling with a perfect storm of plummeting ratings, questionable plotlines, and a string of firings and personal tragedies. Cast members are walking on eggshells, unsure of what's coming next. It’s like a high-stakes game of musical chairs where no one knows when the music will stop—or who will be left standing.
Kelly Monaco’s Exit: The Tip of the Iceberg
Kelly Monaco, the beloved actress behind Sam McCall, was unexpectedly let go—a move that shocked not only her fans but also her fellow cast members. An insider exclusively spilled the tea to Closer, saying, “Kelly’s firing was just the beginning of what could be a major shake-up.”
When Kelly’s mom, Carmina, spoke out in September, she opened up about the heartbreak her family faced. “This moment is tough, but knowing Kelly has such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength,” she posted on Instagram. As for Kelly’s character, Sam McCall, her death was aired on the October 30 episode, but fans will catch her final appearance this week on the show.
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A Show in Crisis: Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Amid the chaos, insiders reveal that General Hospital has been struggling for a long time. The soap's bosses are scrambling to boost ratings while trimming budgets, especially for cast members they believe are expendable. “If some stars haven’t had much to do story-wise recently, that’s a sign they could be next on the chopping block,” the source explains. The creative team is brainstorming ways to spice things up, including bringing in more “celebrity” guest stars like Saturday Night Live’s Sarah Sherman. But this move comes with its own set of challenges. “There’s a lot of griping behind the scenes that this isn’t fair, especially when most of the stars are paid so little anyway,” the insider adds.
The loss of so many General Hospital stars—both past and present—has had a ripple effect. Even the longest-serving cast member, Leslie Charleson, is no longer part of the picture. Her character, Monica Quartermaine, became a fan favorite over the years, earning Leslie multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. However, health issues forced her to step back from the show in December 2023.
Leslie Charleson: A Beloved Legacy
“They were hoping to get Leslie back, but that’s looking more and more unlikely,” the source says. Leslie, now 79, has faced several health setbacks in recent years, including a fall in April 2018 where her dog, Riley Rose, tripped her during a walk, injuring her leg. Despite these challenges, Leslie remains in good spirits. A source revealed she’s “doing OK under the circumstances and in no rush to push herself.”
While Leslie hasn’t appeared on General Hospital in several months, she was spotted out and about in Los Angeles in October 2024. She enjoyed lunch and a glass of wine with friends, using a walker and accompanied by a caregiver. “She’s seeing friends and staying social,” the insider notes. But when asked if Leslie might return to the show, the source adds, “Although she’d be welcome back to the show with open arms, it’s unlikely she’ll ever return.”
As for the future of General Hospital, the soap is ABC’s only remaining daytime drama, but it’s stuck in a rut and facing the very real possibility of extinction. With the show’s loyal fanbase holding their breath, one thing is certain: the next few months will be crucial in determining whether General Hospital can pull itself out of this downward spiral—or if it’s destined to fade into television history.
