‘General Hospital’ Veteran Exits After Decades, Leaving Fans Furious

General Hospital fans are grappling with the recent news that long-time cast member Kelly Monaco is set to leave the show after an impressive 21-year run.

The announcement was confirmed by Variety, revealing that Monaco’s final appearance will air this fall. Monaco joined General Hospital back in 2003 as Sam McCall, a character she initially played on the spinoff series Port Charles under the name Livvie Locke.

Monaco’s character, McCall, was introduced as a con artist and was later revealed to be the biological daughter of mob boss Julian Jerome, played by William deVry, and Alexis Davis, portrayed by Nancy Lee Grahn.

The news of Monaco’s departure has left many General Hospital fans in shock. Rumors have surfaced that the show plans to kill off her character, a claim reported by Soap Opera Network. The publication also suggested that Monaco was “blindsided” by the decision.

Fans took to social media to express their discontent. “Kelly Monaco did NOTHING to deserve this and that’s all I’m gonna say about it,” read one intense reaction. Another comment stated, “I am beyond pissed. I have been a Kelly fan since Port Charles. This is just awful.”

Some fans are so upset that they are considering no longer watching the show. Comments included, “Genuinely might be done this time, Sam is my ride or die,” “I’m not even a Sam/Kelly fan and I’m pissed,” and “I’m in disbelief.”

Another viewer questioned, “Kelly Monaco has been disrespected by Frank, Varni, & their writers for YEARS. Constantly sidelined & why?”

“They’re not even recasting. They are just tossing the character. Wow,” someone reacted, while another fan lamented, “Over 20 years down the drain.”

Even as Monaco prepares for her exit, General Hospital is set to welcome back a few major stars, including Jonathan Jackson as Lucky Spencer and Rick Hearst as Ric Lansing.

As of now, Kelly Monaco has yet to make any public statements regarding her departure.

Next: A Veteran General Hospital Star Returns to Port Charles

Source: Variety, Soap Opera Network