Huge Sad News !! General Hospital Steve Burton !! Very Heartbreaking 😭 News !! It Will Shock You.

In a stunning turn of events, long-time General Hospital fans were blindsided by the news that Kelly Monaco, who has played the beloved character Sam McCall for 21 years, has been fired from the show. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the soap opera community, particularly as Sam’s character will reportedly be killed off in an upcoming storyline-driven decision. The news comes amid a series of major shifts at General Hospital this year, affecting both on-screen dynamics and behind-the-scenes operations.

Kelly Monaco’s Departure: A 21-Year Legacy Comes to an End

Kelly Monaco’s portrayal of Sam McCall has been a staple of General Hospital for over two decades. Since her arrival in Port Charles, Sam has become an integral part of the show’s fabric, involved in many of the most dramatic storylines and relationships, particularly with Jason Morgan, played by Steve Burton. Fans have followed the highs and lows of Sam and Jason’s romance, and Monaco’s departure signals the end of an era. According to General Hospital spoilers, Sam will be written off in a storyline that involves her character being killed, leaving fans heartbroken and uncertain about the future of other storylines tied to her.

Steve Burton, who recently returned to the show after a three-year absence, expressed his sorrow over the firing of his long-time co-star. Burton and Monaco had worked together closely over the years, and his reaction mirrored the emotions of many fans. He shared his thoughts on their podcast, co-hosted with Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), where they addressed the overwhelming amount of questions from fans regarding Monaco’s exit. Both actors admitted they were just as surprised as the audience, having learned the news at the same time as the public.

A Year of Change for General Hospital: Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil

The firing of Kelly Monaco is only one of many changes happening at General Hospital in 2024. This year has seen a flurry of transformations, both in terms of casting and the production team. The behind-the-scenes shakeups began with the dismissal of long-time head writers Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor. They were replaced by Elizabeth Korte and Patrick Mulcahey, who were tasked with revitalizing the show’s storylines. However, Mulcahey’s tenure was short-lived, and by August, Van Etten had been rehired to work alongside Korte as head writer once again.

These changes in leadership have had a ripple effect, leading to significant shifts in the narrative direction of the show. Fans have noticed a shift in tone and storytelling, which some welcomed, while others were critical. The writing changes also coincided with a slew of casting adjustments, leading to the departure of beloved characters and actors, including Monaco.

Steve Burton’s Return and Other Notable Casting Moves

One of the most high-profile casting developments of the year was the return of Steve Burton as Jason Morgan. Burton’s reappearance followed his controversial firing in 2021 due to the show’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. After his exemption requests were denied, Burton was let go, a move that left fans devastated. However, after a three-year absence, Burton’s return brought excitement and renewed hope for fans, especially those who were eager to see Jason reunited with Sam. Unfortunately, with Monaco’s departure, any possibility of rekindling the “JaSam” romance has been dashed.

Alongside Burton’s return, fans were thrilled to see Jonathan Jackson reprise his role as Lucky Spencer. Lucky has long been a “fly-by-night” character, making sporadic appearances in Port Charles. His last significant appearance was in 2015, and his return in 2024 was tied to a redemption storyline in which he rescued his son, Jake Spencer, from Cassadine Island. This marked a pivotal moment for the character, and fans were hopeful to see more of Lucky’s journey.

However, the excitement surrounding these returns has been tempered by the exits of other fan-favorite actors. Roger Howarth, who played Austin Holt, left the show early in 2024 after his character was killed off. Michael Easton, who portrayed Hamilton Finn, also departed when his character was sent to rehab following the death of his father, and Michael E. Knight’s character, Martin Gray, has been largely absent from the show this year. These departures have left a noticeable void, and while the arrival of returning stars like Burton and Jackson provided some relief, the news of Monaco’s firing overshadowed these developments.

Fans Reeling from Kelly Monaco’s Firing

The firing of Kelly Monaco has been met with an outpouring of disbelief and sadness from fans. After two decades on the show, many were unprepared for such a sudden and dramatic departure. Monaco’s Sam McCall has been a fixture on General Hospital, and her romantic entanglements with Jason Morgan have become one of the most iconic relationships in the show’s history. Fans fondly remember the many times Sam and Jason crossed paths at the PCPD, with their first meeting now replaying in their minds in the wake of her exit.

In addition to her on-screen impact, Monaco played a significant role during the 60th-anniversary celebrations of General Hospital. She appeared alongside Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos) during the announcement of Steve Burton’s return to the show. At the time, fans hoped this might lead to a full-fledged reunion between Sam and Jason. However, with Monaco’s firing, those hopes have been dashed.

Monaco’s departure has left many fans wondering if their beloved character will ever return. Despite the emotional toll, fans have started rallying in an attempt to bring Monaco back to General Hospital. Petitions, social media campaigns, and messages to the show’s producers have been flooding in as part of a grassroots movement to save Sam McCall. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will have any impact on the show’s decision.

What’s Next for Kelly Monaco and Steve Burton?

As for what comes next, both Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson were careful not to provide too many details in their recent podcast episode. Burton, while deeply saddened by Monaco’s departure, acknowledged that more information would likely emerge in the coming days. He didn’t confirm the exact storyline surrounding Sam’s exit but indicated that whatever happens, “it sucks.” Fans are holding onto the possibility that Kelly Monaco may shed more light on the situation in the near future, potentially through an appearance on Maurice Benard’s State of Mind podcast.

There’s also speculation about whether Monaco’s character, Sam, will be killed off permanently or if there may be a way for her to return in the future. Soap operas are known for their dramatic twists and character resurrections, so while the situation seems bleak for now, there may still be hope for Sam fans.

In the meantime, General Hospital continues to move forward with its current cast and storylines. Fans are left wondering how the show will fill the void left by Monaco’s departure and whether the series will regain its footing after a year filled with significant changes.