Breaking News: Kelly Monaco’s Exit

In a stunning development first reported by Soap Opera Network, Kelly Monaco, who has portrayed Sam McCall on ABC’s “General Hospital” since October 2003, will be departing the long-running daytime drama series. This exclusive breaking news comes as a shock to fans and, reportedly, to Monaco herself.

According to sources close to the production, as revealed in Soap Opera Network’s exclusive report, the decision to write off Sam McCall was made by the network. The character is set to be killed off, with Monaco’s final appearance expected to air this fall. The actress was reportedly “blindsided” by the news, suggesting this was not a mutual decision or part of contract negotiations gone awry.

Monaco’s Soap Opera Career

Monaco’s journey in daytime television began well before her tenure on “General Hospital.” From 2000 to 2003, she played Livvie Locke on “Port Charles,” a half-hour spinoff of GH. When “Port Charles” was canceled, Monaco seamlessly transitioned to the parent show, where she has been a central figure for two decades. Her portrayal of Sam McCall has been a cornerstone of the show, with the character involved in numerous major storylines and romantic pairings that have kept viewers tuning in day after day.

Throughout her career, Monaco has received critical acclaim for her performances. She earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations: one in 2003 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on “Port Charles,” and another in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work on “General Hospital.” These nominations underscore the impact and quality of her work in the daytime television landscape.

Beyond Soap Operas

Beyond her soap opera success, Monaco gained wider recognition as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” She won the coveted Mirror Ball trophy during the show’s inaugural season in 2005, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She later returned for the All-Stars season in 2012, partnering with Val Chmerkovskiy and finishing in third place. In 2017, she made another appearance on the dance competition show, performing alongside Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke. These appearances helped solidify Monaco’s status as a fan favorite beyond the soap opera world.

Impact and Future of General Hospital

The news of Monaco’s departure raises many questions about the future of her character and the storylines on “General Hospital.” Sam McCall has been involved in numerous major plot arcs over the years, including her long-running romance with Jason Morgan, her complex relationship with Drew Cain, and her more recent pairing with Dante Falconeri. Her absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the show’s narrative landscape and the characters closely connected to Sam.

As of now, a specific final air date for Monaco has not been announced. Fans can expect to see Sam’s storyline conclude sometime this fall, though the exact details of her character’s exit are being kept under wraps. The decision to kill off such a long-standing character suggests that the show may be heading in a new creative direction, though no official statement has been made regarding the reasoning behind this choice.

Developing Story and Updates

This development marks the end of an era for “General Hospital” and for Monaco’s impressive run in daytime television. As viewers prepare to say goodbye to Sam McCall, many will be watching closely to see how the show handles this major character’s departure and what it might mean for the future of Port Charles. The impact of this decision is likely to reverberate through the soap opera community and may lead to shifts in viewership and fan engagement.

Neither ABC nor Monaco have released official statements regarding this news at the time of this report. It’s possible that in the coming days or weeks, more information may come to light about the circumstances surrounding this decision and what it means for both the actress and the show.

As this story continues to develop, fans and industry insiders alike will be eagerly awaiting any additional details or statements from the parties involved. The soap opera world is known for its twists and turns, both on-screen and off, and this latest development proves that the drama behind the scenes can be just as compelling as what we see on our television screens.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, including potential reactions from cast members, statements from Monaco or ABC, and any information about how “General Hospital” plans to handle this significant change in their cast and storyline.