Kelly Monaco’s Departure: A 21-Year Legacy Ends on General Hospital

In an astonishing turn of events that has sent ripples through the pulsating heart of Port Charles, Kelly Monaco, the beloved actress who has breathed life into the character of Sam McCall for an incredible 21 years, is bidding farewell to the famed soap opera, General Hospital. The announcement, confirmed by Deadline, reveals that Monaco’s exit is set to happen this fall, marking the end of an era.

Having graced the screen in over 2,200 episodes, Monaco’s journey on the show has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout her tenure, she has not only captured hearts but also garnered two Daytime Emmy nominations for her poignant performances, forever etching her name among the stars of daytime television. Adding to her storied career, Monaco danced her way to victory in the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars, captivating audiences with her talent and charisma.

This unexpected departure echoes a similar shockwave felt earlier this year on CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful when the decision to eliminate the character Sheila Carter left fans reeling, only for the door to be opened again two months later for her return. The world of soap operas is known for its twists and turns, and General Hospital is no exception.

As the winds of change blow through the corridors of GH, the show is also witnessing a shift in its writing room. Co-head writer Patrick Mulcahey has recently departed, making way for Chris Van Etten, who returns to helm the writers’ room alongside Elizabeth Korte. Just last week, whispers of fresh talent joining the cast surfaced with the introduction of Sawandi Wilson from Star Trek: Discovery, who is set to appear as Isaiah—a character intriguingly linked to Jonathan Jackson’s Lucky, with his debut slated for August 26.

As fans brace themselves for this monumental transition, it’s clear that General Hospital is ready to step boldly into a new chapter, filled with unprecedented opportunities and unforeseen storylines, bidding a bittersweet farewell to a cherished part of its history.