General Hospital fans were stunned to learn that Kelly Monaco, who has played Sam McCall for the past 21 years, has been fired from the show. It seems that Sam will be killed off in a storyline-driven move. Steve Burton, who has played Sam’s longtime love interest for years, has spoken out on the matter. What does he have to say about his longtime partner’s exit?
A lot of things have changed both on screen and off this year, including behind-the-scenes shakeups. It started with the writer changes when Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor were fired as head writers of the show. They were replaced by Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahey, a longtime soap writer who was fired within a few months. In August, Chris Van Etten was rehired, and he, along with Elizabeth Korte, became co-head writers once again.
A lot of casting changes have happened this year as well. Steve Burton returned after a three-year absence. Of course, fans remember Steve being fired for refusing to take a mandatory COVID-19 shot when his exemptions were turned down by executives. Jonathan Jackson is back as Lucky Spencer as well. Fans know that Lucky has been a fly-by-night character, dropping in for occasional visits for years. Lucky was last seen when Anthony Geary retired in 2015. Lucky brought Jake Spencer (Hudson West) home after finding him on Cassadine Island, which was part of Luke’s redemption story.
Fans are thrilled to have Jason and Lucky back. However, Roger Howarth (Austin Gatlin-Holt) left earlier this year when his character was killed off. Michael Easton (Hamilton Finn) also departed when his character was shipped off to rehab after he fell off the wagon when his father died. Michael E. Knight (Martin Grey) has been absent most of the year as well.
Of course, some of these stars were popular among fans, even though their characters may have been a bit shady. However, that doesn’t mean fans don’t miss them. Some fans have been wishing for their return, either as their former General Hospital characters or even as characters they played on other shows. Nicholas Chavez also exited for a movie role.
None of the changes that have happened this year could have prepared fans for the termination of a 21-year veteran of the show. Sam and Jason have been a part of each other’s lives since she arrived in Port Charles. Many times, the scene has replayed of their first meeting at the PCPD all those years ago. ABC even ran their 60th anniversary primetime special, and it was Kelly who helped Laura Wright with the announcement of Steve’s return to the show. Jason fans were thrilled, hoping that finally, Sam and Jason would be back together, after having been cheated when Steve returned before. Now, it seems that hope could be lost for any kind of reunion, now that Kelly has been fired.
Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson (Damian Spinelli) filmed their “That’s Awesome” podcast shortly after Kelly’s firing, which was announced during the week they were off work. Bradford addressed a huge amount of questions posted by fans on their podcast’s webpage, including informing fans that they found out at the same time as the general public. Bradford also addressed the fact that they don’t have any information on what happened. Steve told fans, “I wish we had information to tell you.” Steve did say that he expects more would be released in the coming days about the whole situation.
Steve couldn’t confirm how Sam is to be written off but did offer this: “Whatever happens sucks.”
Will Steve speak more on the subject? Will Kelly make an appearance on the podcast in the future? Perhaps Kelly will even open up on Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind.” Whatever the case, fans are rallying in an attempt to keep Sam and Kelly on the show. Will fans’ efforts work?
