For the first time since revealing that she “took the cut,” following unsubstantiated rumors that she was let go from “General Hospital” due to not complying with the show’s request by talent to take a cut in either salary or episode guarantee, actress Kelly Monaco is sharing more details about her ouster from the ABC daytime drama series as Sam McCall.
In a comment posted to the Soap Hub Instagram page, wherein the outlet highlighted Monaco’s former “General Hospital” co-star, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer; Eric Brady, “Days of our Lives”) showing his support of Monaco, the actress responded to disparaging comments by posters who claimed she had “no primary roles,” and that “she wasn’t fired she didn’t take the pay cut so she had to leave.”
“‘No primary role’.. do your homework,” said Monaco in response, adding, “When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience.”
“Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest,” continued Monaco, who closed out her post, saying, “I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”
“Duces [sic] ‘I’ve got your back and you always had mine,'” read the caption of a since-deleted Instagram post by Monaco published on the first anniversary of the late Billy Miller‘s death. On “General Hospital,” Miller first portrayed a recast Jason Morgan starting in 2014, but by 2017, it was revealed that the character was not Jason, but his twin brother, Drew Cain. Miller was let go from the show in July 2019.
“I will tell our story soon enough…. I love and miss you… and beyond,” stated Monaco, closing out the post.
Since Soap Opera Network first broke the news of Monaco being let go from “General Hospital” in late August, the actress’ fans have rallied to support her being rehired by the show. An online petition has since received more than 16,000 signatures, and a mobile billboard has been driven around the show’s studio at Prospect Studios in Hollywood and Disney’s headquarters in Burbank. In fact, on Friday, September 20, a billboard in New York’s Time Square could be spotted throughout the day.
While efforts to rehire Monaco continue, Monaco’s mother, Carmina, announced on Friday, September 27 that her daughter cleaned out her dressing for the last time. In her post, she said, “This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength. You’ve stood by her through every twist and turn, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort in the hard times. Your love and dedication have meant more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care so deeply for her.”
Today, October 1, marks 21 years since Monaco made her debut as Sam McCall on “General Hospital.” Before joining the flagship drama series, Monaco previously portrayed the role of Livvie Locke on “Port Charles.”
ABC has not issued a formal statement on Monaco’s exit, despite other outlets reporting “storyline dictated” as the reason. Separately, while Monaco’s final airdate has not been announced, based on the show’s current tape-to-air schedule, fans can expect to see the last of the actress as Sam McCall sometime in October when the character goes out with a bang.