Why Fans Are Heartbroken Over Kelly Monaco's Exit from General Hospital
There’s no denying that Kelly Monaco’s decision to leave General Hospital has left fans feeling a little lost. For over two decades, Kelly’s character, Sam McCall, has been a staple of the show, and now her absence is being felt in a big way. But it's not just the fans who are reeling from the news—her fellow cast members are also expressing their sorrow. One of the most heartfelt responses came from Wally Kurth, who has been a part of General Hospital since 1991.
At the “Day of Days” event in Los Angeles on November 2, Wally opened up about Kelly’s departure. “She was there for 20-something years,” he told Us Weekly. “I work at GH sometimes too, and I drove into the studio, and there was this sign with LCD lights that said, ‘Kelly Monaco, bring her back.’ It was outside our studio, just flashing for like a week, and that was all from the fans.”
Wally Kurth Reflects on His Time with Kelly and the Nature of Acting
Wally Kurth, now 66, has been a part of General Hospital for over three decades, playing the beloved character Ned Quartermaine in more than 700 episodes. When asked about Kelly’s departure, Wally didn’t shy away from the reality of the soap opera world. “It happens to all of us,” he admitted. “I’ve been fired a few times myself. You can’t take it personally. We’re actors, and this is the business we’re in. Sometimes, it’s just the way things go.”
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Despite the tough realities of the industry, Wally’s words reflect a deep understanding of the challenges actors face. His perspective reminds us that while the soap opera world can be unpredictable, the relationships formed on set often last a lifetime.
Kelly Monaco’s Journey with General Hospital
Kelly Monaco, now 48, began her journey with General Hospital back in 2003 when she took on the role of Sam McCall. Over the years, Sam became one of the most iconic characters in soap opera history, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. However, in August 2024, news broke that Kelly would be leaving the show after an incredible 21-year run. Fans were understandably stunned, and many couldn’t help but wonder why such a beloved character was being written out.
Kelly finally addressed her departure in October 2024, sharing a heartfelt message with her followers. “Last scene with the Davis girls,” she captioned a behind-the-scenes photo. “Still doesn’t make any sense to me.” Her words resonated deeply with fans who had grown to love Sam over the years.
In the comments section of the post, Kelly responded to a fan who criticized her character, saying she was “monotone, had no primary roles, and just boring.” Kelly didn’t hold back, firing back with, “‘No primary role’.. do your homework.” She went on to explain that when Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline came to a halt. “They stripped Sam of every characteristic she had—something I worked for decades to build,” she wrote. “Slowly dismantling her into a character that I didn’t even recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at its finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”
The Emotional Goodbye: Kelly’s Final Moments on the Show
As fans tuned in on October 30, they witnessed a bittersweet moment as Kelly’s character, Sam McCall, made her final appearance on the show. In a dramatic turn of events, Sam donated her liver to Lulu Spencer, ultimately leading to her demise. The scene was emotional, to say the least, leaving viewers in tears and sparking conversations across social media.
On October 31, Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Sam’s TV mom, took to X to share her thoughts on Kelly’s departure. “As hard as it may be for #gh viewers to watch today’s episodes and the ones to follow, it was equally as hard for me and my castmates to play,” she wrote. “Playing Kelly Monaco’s mom has been effortless, and the love is real. I love you. All will be well. There are some things a TV mother just knows.”
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Could Kelly Monaco Return to General Hospital or Another Soap Opera?
While Kelly’s exit may seem final, not everyone is ruling out the possibility of her return. Days of Our Lives star Brandon Beemer, 44, shared his thoughts with Us Weekly, expressing optimism about Kelly’s future in the soap opera world. “I don’t think she’s really fully leaving,” Brandon said. “I mean, who knows? I didn’t think that Steve Burton was going to come back, and Steve Burton went to Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives and then back to General Hospital.”
Brandon went on to explain that in the world of soaps, nothing is ever truly set in stone. “At some point, when somebody leaves, [you say] ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry. You’re gonna be unemployed for maybe a year,’” he joked. “But the reality is, you’ll end up coming back. Or, if not, another soap is gonna pick Kelly up. It’s just the way things go in this industry.”
