Kelly Monaco’s departure from ‘General Hospital’ sparks anger among fans

“General Hospital” will part ways this fall with longtime star Kelly Monaco after more than 20 years, in a move some fans online are calling “disrespectful.”

The Times confirmed Tuesday that Monaco, who has played Sam McCall since 2003, would be leaving the series after his character was dropped. Soap Opera Network broke the news of Monaco’s departure Monday, reporting that the actor was “blindsided” by the decision.

Monaco’s run on “General Hospital” spans more than two decades and more than 2,200 episodes, with plenty of soap opera-style twists and turns. She has received two Daytime Emmy nominations for her time on the “General Hospital” franchise, including a nomination for her work as another character on the spinoff series “Port Charles.”

As news of Monaco’s departure spread online, fans shared memorable moments from the actor’s “General Hospital” career, including an on-screen romance with Steve Burton’s character Jason Morgan and an emotional moment with his late co-star Sonya Eddy. Fan tributes were also accompanied by hashtags like “#NoKellyNoGH” and “#IStandWithKelly,” and calls for “General Hospital” to keep Monaco on the show.

“The disrespect that Kelly Monaco and many of the women cast in Port Charles are getting is ridiculous. It’s awful,” one fan tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. “Sam is one of the best characters and the disservice the writers have done him is why this ship is sailing. Let’s make this fair!”

“I am extremely confident that #gh is officially on his way out and has now dug the last foot of his grave,” another fan wrote. “Giving Kelly Monaco the out after 21 years and several recent years of completely sidelining her character and talent beyond her capabilities is absolutely disgusting behavior.”

Many fans have expressed their support for Monaco through a Change.org petition to keep her on “GH” that has garnered more than 1,400 signatures since its creation Monday.

“By signing this petition, you are joining thousands of General Hospital fans in preserving a precious part of the show’s history,” the petition reads. “It’s time to respect the dedication and emotional investment of the viewers who have poured their time and hearts into the character and actress.”

As the online demands seem endless for “General Hospital” to reconsider its decision, one X user urged viewers to think about the bigger picture.

“Fans wanting #GH canceled because GH fired Kelly Monaco is insane. Wishing thousands of people would lose their jobs because one of their favorite actors was fired makes no sense and that’s why (the powers that be) on these shows don’t take the fans seriously.”

ABC, which airs “General Hospital,” did not respond to a request for comment from The Times. A representative for Monaco could not be reached.

Monaco, who hosted a “General Hospital” fan club event in Glendale earlier this month, has yet to address his departure and the backlash that has surrounded him on social media. Monaco, who was celebrating his 20th anniversary on the show, told Soap Opera Digest in 2023, “GH is such a legendary show and I consider it my second home.”

She added: “Every day when I go out on the field, I am so honored to be a part of it.”