Kelly Monaco Is LeavingGeneral HospitalAfter 21 Years on the Soap Opera

Mar. 15, 2025

Kelly Monaco in 2022.Photo:Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

PEOPLE has learned that Monaco, 48, is leavingGeneral Hospitallater this fall. The exact details surrounding her character Sam McCall’s exit are being kept under wraps, butSoap Opera Network, who first reported the news, claims the character will be killed off.

Monaco originated the role of Sam in 2003. Since then, she’s appeared in over 2,000 episodes of the hit ABC soap opera. In 2006, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of the character.

Prior to playing the reformed bad girl Sam onGeneral Hospital, Monaco played Livvie Locke on the soap’s spinoffPort Charlesfrom 2000-2003. She’s also known for becoming the first star to take home the Mirrorball with pro Alec Mazo in season 1 ofDancing with the Stars.

PEOPLE has reached out to ABC for comment regarding Monaco’s exit.

Kelly Monaco onGeneral Hospital.Christine Bartolucci/ABC/Getty

Christine Bartolucci/ABC/Getty

The longtime soap star’s exit fromGeneral Hospitalafter 21 years comes at a transitional time for the series.

Jackson shared the news of his return in a JuneInstagram post. “I’m super excited and can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles,” he said at the time. “Excited to see Genie Francis and so many others. Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years — your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all this. Thank you also to Frank Valentini and everybody at ABC also for welcoming me back.”

Kelly Monaco on ‘General Hospital’.Christopher Willard/Disney/Getty

Christopher Willard/Disney/Getty

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Meanwhile,Michael Easton, who played Hamilton Finn for 10 years onGeneral Hospital, exited the series in June.

At the time, he said in a video onInstagram, “I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here.”

“I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you’ve shown me and my family. I won’t ever forget you,” he continued. “And as I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the greatLou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

General Hospitalairs weekdays on ABC (check local listings).

source: people.com