What does the future hold for daytime television's beloved star, Kelly Monaco? The actress, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Sam McCall on "General Hospital," is embarking on a new chapter, leaving fans both nostalgic and eager to see what's next.
In a March 2025 Instagram post that sent ripples through the entertainment world, Kelly Monaco announced a fresh project, a move that signals a shift away from the familiar and into uncharted territory. Partnering with Shanna Moakler, Monaco is diving into the world of podcasting, promising fans a glimpse into her life, untold stories, and perspectives on pop culture.
Born Kelly Marie Monaco on May 23, 1976, this American actress, model, and reality television personality has become a household name, primarily through her long-standing role on "General Hospital." Beyond the soap opera, Monaco captured hearts as the inaugural winner of "Dancing with the Stars," showcasing her versatility and appeal.
Before the announcement of her new podcast, fans were already reeling from the news of her departure from "General Hospital." As revealed by her mother, Carmina Monaco, the daytime Emmy nominee filmed her final scenes on September 27, just days shy of her 21st anniversary on the show. The initial Instagram post, a testament to her enduring popularity, garnered over 35,000 likes and 1,700 replies, a clear indication of the industry and fan love for Monaco.
The character of Sam McCall has been a cornerstone of "General Hospital" for decades. Monaco's portrayal has been so integral to the role that, after she was let go from the show, many fans believed that Sam's exit would be linked to a significant storyline, such as becoming a liver donor for another character, Lulu.
Monaco's exit from "General Hospital" marks a significant transition for the show and its audience. As the series evolves, the departure of a figure as prominent as Monaco signals the close of an era. In August, the news broke that Monaco would be leaving the show after more than two decades in the role. Some fans speculated that her departure was due to pay cuts or the reduced number of episodes, issues that were being implemented across the board by the show's parent company, Disney.
In August 2024, the news of Kelly Monaco's departure from "General Hospital" was confirmed, ending her more than two decades on the show. In March 2025, the announcement of her new project created a buzz, which was anticipated by fans. The soap opera star has officially started a podcast with Shanna Moakler. The podcast promises to spill all the secrets, share wild stories, and provide their input on pop culture news.
Throughout her time on "General Hospital," Monaco's portrayal of Sam McCall captivated viewers. Monaco's Sam was a loving mom to Danny. Sam was a role created for her after the cancelation of the GH spinoff series, Port Charles, in which she played Livvie Locke.
The departure of Monaco also triggered conversations about the character's future. The actress shared a photo from her last scene on the show, saying that her sudden exit still doesn't make sense for fans. After the last scene aired with Sam's loved ones gathered around on October 24, fans took to social media to show their love for Monaco and Sam.
Monaco's journey began with a role in the "GH" spin-off, "Port Charles," where she played Livvie Locke. From there, she transitioned to "General Hospital," where the character of Sam McCall was created specifically for her. Her presence on the show was marked by numerous storylines, high-profile relationships, and the evolution of her character from a troubled woman to a devoted mother. As viewers learned on Tuesday, Lindsay Hartley has been tapped to once again temporarily replace Kelly Monaco in the role of Sam McCall.
Before her time on "General Hospital," Kelly was also an active athlete, growing up on the East Coast, where she participated in soccer, swimming, track and softball, among other sports. After the last of five girls was born, her family decided to move from the bustling city of Philadelphia to the more peaceful environment of the Poconos.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Marie Monaco |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Reality Television Personality |
| Known For | Portrayal of Sam McCall on "General Hospital" and as the first season winner of "Dancing with the Stars" |
| Education | Graduated from Stroudsburg High School |
| Awards/Nominations | Daytime Emmy Award Nominee |
| Notable Roles | Sam McCall ("General Hospital"), Livvie Locke ("Port Charles") |
| Other Ventures | Winner of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 1, Currently hosting the "Bad Bunnies" podcast with Shanna Moakler |
| Social Media |
The news of her departure sparked both sadness and anticipation. The actress, now 48, is starting a new chapter, and many fans are excited. There is also the question of whether she will join other series. Rumors have been swirling that Kelly was joining another soap and Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos, GH) hinted that Kelly had a lot on her plate.
This decision not to return to daytime television has left many fans feeling nostalgic, but it also creates anticipation for new strides in her career. With her talent and vast experience, Kelly has the potential to shine in new roles in primetime television, where she can explore different sides of her talent with more challenging roles.
As many fans know, Kelly Monaco's decision not to return to daytime television has left many fans feeling nostalgic, but it also creates anticipation for new strides in her career. General Hospital star Kelly Monaco is starting over. The actress, who was once known as her character Sam McCall on the hit ABC soap, is looking for a clean slate.
The upcoming podcast, "Bad Bunnies," promises to offer fans insights into Monaco's life, her opinions on pop culture, and, of course, the untold stories from her years in the industry. This project, along with speculation about future acting roles, suggests that Kelly Monaco's career will evolve, presenting fans with fresh perspectives on her persona.
The exit from "General Hospital" was not just a change for the show, but it sparked questions from Monaco's followers. They were wondering why the show unexpectedly let her go. Kelly Monaco is weighing in on her exit from General Hospital after 21 years of starring on the daytime soap opera. In August, fans of the ABC series were shocked to see the reports that the, now, monaco has confirmed what fans suspected all along.
As "General Hospital" moves forward, the legacy of Sam McCall and the impact of Kelly Monaco's portrayal will remain. The character's journey, intertwined with Monaco's talent, created a lasting impression. Monaco has also been confirmed to return to General Hospital in 2025, bringing with her the excitement and anticipation of fans for the character of Sam. This is not just the return of one of the most beloved actresses on the show, but also a promise of a dramatic and surprising storyline set against the backdrop of port charles.
Beyond the gates, CBS new soap which debuts monday, february 24, could be the new home for former general hospital star, kelly monaco (ex sam mccall, gh).
