In a stunning development that has taken the entertainment world by surprise, Kelly Monaco, best known for her iconic role in ‘Baywatch,’ is set to exit the long-running television series ‘General Hospital’ after more than two decades of unparalleled performance. The news, initially reported by Variety, marks the end of a significant era for both the actress and the series.
Kelly Monaco has been a central figure in ‘General Hospital,’ playing the role of Sam McCall, a complex character well-loved by fans. ‘General Hospital,’ which holds the record for being the longest-running American soap opera in production, was the brainchild of the husband-and-wife writing team, Frank and Doris Hursley. The show was originally set in an unnamed fictional city but was later identified as Port Charles, New York, in the 1970s. Distinguished figures such as John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin were among the original cast members and contributed to the show’s enduring success until their respective deaths in the 1990s.
Kelly Monaco’s journey began when she joined ‘General Hospital’ in 2003, after wrapping up her role as Livvie Locke on the spin-off series ‘Port Charles,’ where she worked from 2000. Her transition to ‘General Hospital’ allowed her to explore new facets of her acting, bringing the character Sam McCall to life. Sam McCall was portrayed as a con artist with a tragic family history, making her both a vulnerable and resilient character. As the biological daughter of mob leader Julian Jerome (played by William deVry) and attorney Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and the adopted daughter of Cody McCall (Stanley Kamel) and Evelyn Bass, Sam’s character always had an intriguing backstory to captivate the viewers.
Monaco’s portrayal of Sam earned her critical acclaim, culminating in a Daytime Emmy Award in 2006. Over the span of her career on ‘General Hospital,’ Monaco appeared in more than 2,200 episodes. This prolific contribution not only highlighted her dedication but also underscored her ability to resonate with audiences over the years. Her departure marks a significant turning point for the series, as her character has become a staple of the ‘General Hospital’ universe.
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In August 2020, a series of unforeseen events led to Monaco being temporarily replaced by Lindsay Hartley, who took on the role for a brief period. Hartley’s performance was well-received, and she returned to the role temporarily in February 2020 and again in several episodes later. Despite these interruptions, fans were always eager for Monaco’s recurring presence, signifying her solidified status in the show.
Kelly Monaco’s departure is set against the backdrop of the return of several ‘General Hospital’ stalwarts, including Jonathan Jackson reprising his role as Lucky Spencer. Additionally, Emma Samms is set to return as Holly Sutton in early September, a move that has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the long-running series.
Outside ‘General Hospital,’ Kelly Monaco’s illustrious career began on the beaches of California with ‘Baywatch’ from 1997 to 1998. In the iconic series, she portrayed Susan, and occasionally stepped in as a body double for Carmen Electra, who reportedly could not swim. Monaco’s early career also saw her take on minor roles in late 1990s films such as ‘Idle Hands’ and ‘Mumford,’ showcasing her versatility and broad acting range.
Her stint on ‘Port Charles’ didn’t go unnoticed either, as she garnered a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2003, further solidifying her credentials as a talented actress. Monaco’s exit from ‘General Hospital’ is a poignant moment for her fans, who have followed her diverse career for years.
As Kelly Monaco prepares to bid adieu to ‘General Hospital,’ it remains to be seen where her career will take her next. Her departure leaves a substantial legacy for the series and its viewers, who have come to regard Sam McCall as an integral part of their daily viewing. Fans and colleagues alike are sure to miss her, but they will undoubtedly continue to support her in her future endeavors, whatever they may be.
