For the third time in three weeks, and the first of 2024, “General Hospital” has temporarily recast a key role, this time with “Passions” alum Lindsay Hartley stepping in as Sam McCall, replacing Kelly Monaco, on the Tuesday, January 2 episode of the daytime drama series.
PHOTO: CRAIG SJODIN/ABC
In the episode, Hartley, who has previously filled in for Monaco in episodes aired in 2020 and 2022, shared some hot and heavy scenes with Dominic Zamprogna, who plays Dante Falconeri on the daytime drama series. Dante and Sam have been romantically involved storyline-wise since 2021.
Hartley’s sudden appearance as Sam follows last week’s temporary recast with Nicole Paggi (“Hope & Faith”) appearing as Maxie Jones, replacing Kirsten Storms, and Courtney Fulk temporarily replacing Eden McCoy as Josslyn Jacks. McCoy had taken a leave of absence from the series shortly after losing her mother to cancer in November. McCoy returns to the set this month and is expected to appear on-screen again sometime next month.
For those wondering what happened to Monaco, details on what caused her absence were not known at press time, but don’t fret: the actress is already back taping at the show and will be a part of next week’s emotionally filled memorial episodes dedicated to the late Jacklyn Zeman and her character Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Spencer who the people of Port Charles will learn has passed away. Zeman herself passed away in May after a short battle with cancer.
The two tribute episodes are set to air on Wednesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 11. Monaco can be seen in the cast photo sitting next to on-screen sister Kate Mansi (Kristina) and on-screen mother Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis). Standing behind Monaco is the aforementioned Zamprogna as Dante, who is there to support his girlfriend.
In addition to appearing on “General Hospital” as Sam McCall occasionally, Hartley is probably best known to soap fans for her iconic portrayal of Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald Crane on “Passions.” She also starred in the soaps “All My Children” and “Days of our Lives.”
Outside of acting, Hartley has directed a number of made-for-TV movies for Lifetime and Tubi, among other providers.