General Hospital recently shocked fans by announcing that Kelly Monaco would be exiting Port Charles this fall. Viewers were outraged at the news that they would be losing one of their favorite characters, especially during a summer that brought back prominent characters from the past.
Fan outrage intensified when it was revealed that Monaco’s character, Sam McCall, would be killed. Worse, Monaco seemed just as shocked to learn of her departure as viewers were. According to Soap Opera Network, Monaco was “blindsided” by the decision.
Sam is a member of both the Cassadine and Jerome families, and Yardbarker predicts Sam’s death will have a ripple effect throughout General Hospital. Since Jason’s return to Port Charles, some fans hoped he would reunite with his former love Sam. Their son, Danny, will surely be affected by the loss of his mother, and many other characters' lives and storylines will also be overturned.
Because Sam’s portrayer had no idea she was being released from General Hospital, speculation is that the decision is storyline dictated.
Sam is currently in a relationship with Dante Falconeri. Recent rumors indicate that Dante’s ex-wife, Lulu, could soon awaken from her coma, which could open the door for Lulu and Dante to reunite, but the show wouldn’t have to kill off Sam to accomplish that.
Killing off a character can be as simple as a car accident or putting the character in the right place at the wrong time. Having someone else cause an accident can have a long-term effect on their storyline, personality, and other relationships; guilt can plague them, and the victim's loved ones might seek revenge.
Another possibility is that there could be an upcoming serial killer or potential murder mystery ahead on General Hospital, with Sam being one of the victims. Given the number of past favorites that have returned to Port Charles lately, it could hint at a past villain with a grudge also making a return.
An exact date for Sam's demise has not been given, and General Hospital viewers might have to wait to see what happens to Sam. Meanwhile, some fans are campaigning against her death and the dismissal of Kelly Monaco.
On X, the account @HaydenBarnesGH wrote reasons she loved the Sam McCall character. In a multi-thread tweet, she asked followers to sign the Change.org petition to “Retain Kelly Monaco in the Cast of General Hospital.” As of this writing, over 5,000 fans had signed in the first two days since its creation.
The petition comments state that the purpose is to appeal to the producers and the network to keep Monaco on the show. The petition was started by Holly V, who called it a “critical rallying cry” to other fans and stated in the petition description, “It's time to respect the dedication and emotional investment of the viewers who have dedicated their time and heart into the character and the actress.”
Sam McCall is more than just a character to us, she represents a part of our own lives - triumphs, hardships, love, and loss. Without Kelly Monaco, this character’s journey abruptly ends, leaving her viewers with an incomplete story and void that can't be filled. - Holly V on Change.org
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC.
To sign the petition, follow this link or visit Change.org.
