In the months since exiting “General Hospital,” actress Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) has been relatively quiet on social media. That changed recently when she announced she would host a brand-new podcast series with long-time friend Shanna Moakler, titled “Bad Bunnies,” a reference to their time as Playboy playmates.
“Buckle up, Bunnies… Kelly Monaco & @shannamoakler are teaming up for a brand-new podcast, BAD BUNNIES!” said Monaco in a post on Instagram announcing the new project. “Unfiltered. Untamed. Unapologetic. We’re bringing you Hollywood secrets, wild stories, pop culture tea, and real talk—nothing is off-limits!
“But before we drop our first episode, we want to hear from YOU! What topics do you want us to spill on? Reality TV chaos? Dating disasters? Hollywood drama? Let us know in the comments! Tag your besties & get ready—BAD BUNNIES is coming SOON!”
Responding to Monaco’s “big announcement,” former co-star Kate Mansi (Kristina Davis) commented, “Ok sis,” and used the crossing fingers emoji as a sign of support. Similarly, former “General Hospital” cast member Michael Easton (ex-Hamilton Finn) said, “Congratulations,” emphasizing the message with a fire emoji. Meanwhile, both Brandon Barash (ex-Johnny Zacchara, “General Hospital”; ex-Stefan DiMera, “Days of our Lives”) and “Dancing with the Stars” alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy used the clapping hands emoji as a means to wish the two luck on their new endeavor.
The “Bad Bunnies” name appears to be a derivative of Monaco’s experience in being named Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month in April 1997 while Moakler held the title in December 2001.
An actress known for her starring role in the USA Network original series “Pacific Blue,” and roles on such shows as “Due South,” “Joey,” “Jake in Progress,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “NCIS,” “The Glades” and “The Goldbergs,” among others, Moakler has appeared in such memorable films as “The Wedding Singer,” “Timecop” and “Big Momma’s House 2,” among others.
In 1995, Moakler represented the state of New York as the first runner-up during the Miss USA contest. She has three children, a daughter named Atiana, from her relationship with ex-fiancé Oscar De La Hoya, a son, Landon, and a daughter, Alabama, with her ex-husband, Travis Barker.
Last August, Soap Opera Network first broke the news that Monaco had been let go from “General Hospital” after a nearly 21-year run, with the show deciding to “terminate” Monaco’s character off the show. The following month, Monaco taped her final episodes, with a video of her final day on set going viral in mid-November. In it, the actress could be seen holding back tears as she thanked the show’s cast and crew for the “experience that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.”
Monaco joined the cast of “General Hospital” in October 2001 immediately following her run as Livvie Locke on “Port Charles,” a spinoff of the iconic drama series. During the summer of 2005, she competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” becoming the first winner of the Mirror Ball trophy.
Nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards throughout her career, the first of which came in 2003 in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Livvie on “Port Charles,” and again in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Sam on “General Hospital,” Monaco also appeared in episodes of such shows as “Baby Daddy,” “Football Wives,” “Spin City” and “Baywatch,” among others.
No word yet on when the podcast is set to debut. In the meantime, check out a teaser trailer below.
