General Hospital viewers are reacting to the news that Kelly Monaco, who plays Sam McCall in the long-running soap opera, is reportedly exiting the show. Monaco’s character is set be killed off, and Monaco herself was reportedly “blindsided” by the decision.
This development has sparked a range of responses on social media, with many fans expressing their upset over Monaco’s departure. Sam McCall has been a central character on General Hospital for over 20 years, with deep family roots in the fictional town of Port Charles. The impact of her exit is heightened by the presence of her young family, including Scout Quartermaine and Danny Morgan.
While it is common for fans to be saddened by the departure of long-standing actors or characters from daytime dramas, the reaction to Monaco’s exit appears particularly strong. Some have drawn comparisons to a similar situation involving actress Rebecca Herbst, who portrays Elizabeth Webber. In 2011, Herbst was fired from General Hospital after 14 years but was rehired following an outpouring of support from fans and co-stars. A similar contract dispute in 2016 also saw fan support influence Herbst’s re-signing.
With Monaco’s departure, there is speculation about the potential for a significant fan backlash and its possible impact on the show’s plans. Whether this will lead to any changes remains to be seen.