Actor Kelly Monaco will depart from “General Hospital” this fall after more than two decades on the ABC daytime series. The news has sparked outrage among fans online, who are labeling the decision as “disrespectful.”
According to reports, Monaco, who has played the character Sam McCall since 2003, was “blindsided” by the announcement that she will be written off the show. Over her long career with “General Hospital,” Monaco has been featured in more than 2,200 episodes and has received two Daytime Emmy nominations, including one for her role in the spinoff “Port Charles.”
As fans learned of her exit, many reminisced about cherished moments from Monaco’s time on the show, including her on-screen relationship with Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton, and touching scenes with the late Sonya Eddy. Many fans expressed their discontent with the hashtags “#NoKellyNoGH” and “#IStandWithKelly,” urging the show to retain Monaco.
One fan criticized the treatment of Monaco and other actresses on the show, stating, “The amount of disrespect Kelly Monaco and many women cast [on] Port Charles gets is ridiculous.” Another fan expressed frustration over Monaco’s exit after so many years, declaring the behavior of the show’s producers as “disgusting.”
Supporters of Monaco have launched a Change.org petition, which has gained over 1,400 signatures since its inception, aimed at preserving her role on the show. The petition highlights the need to honor the loyalty and emotional investment of fans over the years.
While many fans have been calling for “General Hospital” to reverse its decision, one user on X encouraged a broader perspective, suggesting that it is unreasonable to wish job losses on many individuals due to the exit of a single actor.
ABC, the network airing “General Hospital,” has yet to comment on the situation, and Monaco’s representative has not responded to inquiries. Recently, Monaco celebrated her 20th anniversary on the show and reflected on her deep connection to it, calling “GH” her “second home” and expressing gratitude for being part of such a legendary program.