Two weeks to the day since Soap Opera Network exclusively broke the news that Kelly Monaco had been let go from her role as Sam McCall on ABC’s “General Hospital,” and that the character would be killed off this fall, fans have been rallying in support of the actress, who was “blindsided” by her abrupt firing, in the hopes of her getting her job back.
Receiving more than 12,000 signatures thus far, a fan campaign to save Monaco’s job was launched immediately after the news broke, with the actress trending across X (formerly Twitter) every day since.
Multiple media outlets picked up our story, including “Entertainment Tonight,” E! News, Deadline, PEOPLE, NY Post, Daily Mail, Variety, TV Line, Entertainment Weekly, Us Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Parade, The Independent, TV Insider and Toronto Sun, along with a host of other national and international news stations and print outlets.
Since breaking the news, ABC has only confirmed Monaco will be exiting the series, noting the reason as “storyline dictated.”
Meanwhile, on Monday, September 9, as “General Hospital” returned from a two-week production hiatus, a bright and blazing phoenix-colored billboard was driven around the Prospect Studios in Hollywood where the daytime drama tapes to make the message clear: “Rehire Kelly Monaco on ‘General Hospital’ and save Sam McCall!”
#IStandWithKelly (L.A.’s Version)
— I STAND WITH KELLY (@IStandWithKelly) September 9, 2024
Turns out you don’t have to be at the GH studios to see the video we’ve got playing on an 8-hour loop for them!
Bonus: we added the music just for you.
Thank you again for all of your generous GoFundMe donations that helped us put this… pic.twitter.com/YZUmRABtvs
The billboard included information on how anyone is welcome to join the cause across social media by connecting with the handle @IStandWithKelly and interacting with fans via the hashtag “IStandWithKelly.” Three memorable photos of Monaco were featured on the billboard, including her headshot from the show’s latest promotional campaign launched in the spring, along with clips featuring Monaco as she portrayed her character in scenes from the show.
To sign the petition or to learn the latest developments, click here or visit Change.org/kellymonaco.
Check out photos from the billboard below.