Kelly Monaco Blasts Her Exit fromGeneral HospitalAfter 21 Years as 'Retaliation,' Then Deletes Her Comment

Mar. 15, 2025

Kelly Monaco on General Hospital.Photo:Christopher Willard/Disney/Getty

Christopher Willard/Disney/Getty

Kelly Monacois speaking out about herdeparturefromGeneral Hospital.

In August, PEOPLE confirmed that Monaco, 48, would not be returning to the famous soap after 21 years of playing Sam McCall. In a since-deleted response to a comment onSoap Hub’s Instagramthat read, “What do you got concrete in your head she wasn’t fired she didn’t take the pay cut so she had to leave,” the actress offered up her own reaction.

“‘No primary role’.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had,” she wrote. “Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”

ABC declined PEOPLE’s request for comment.

(L-R) Kelly Monaco and Cameron Mathison on General Hospital.Christine Bartolucci/ABC/Getty

Christine Bartolucci/ABC/Getty

On Sept. 28, Monaco’smom Carminaalsotook to her Instagramto speak out on her daughter being let go from the fan-favorite show.

“I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you’ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital,” Carmina posted. “On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time.”

She concluded: “Thank you for being there, for believing in her, and for reminding her of the impact she’s made. We will always be grateful for you standing with her through it all.”

Kelly Monaco on General Hospital on September 27, 2010.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

“But the question is ….. why,” one user wrote.

“I have watchedGHfor over 46 years and no character have I ever gravitated to like Sam,” commented another. “She had me girl fanning her from day 1. My loyalty and viewing ends with [Monaco’s] last scene.”

Kelly Monaco on General Hospital.Christine Bartolucci/ABC/Getty

Monaco first joinedGeneral Hospitalin 2003 and has since appeared in over 2,000 episodes of the ABC soap. In 2006, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Sam.

Before the two-decade role, Monaco played Livvie Locke on theGHspinoffPort Charlesfrom 2000-2003. She also gained recognition for becoming the first star to take home the mirrorball trophy with pro Alec Mazo in season 1 ofDancing with the Stars.

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General Hospitalairs weekdays on ABC (check local listings).

source: people.com