General Hospital: Why Has Lindsay Hartley Replaced Kelly Monaco’s Sam McCall Again?

Fans of General Hospital, which is known as the longest-running entertainment program on ABC, are curious to wonder why Lindsay Hartley replaced Kelly Monaco’s Sam McCall character once again. They will be noticing a familiar switch as Lindsay Hartley temporarily will be replacing Kelly Monaco in the role of Sam McCall this week. While this has happened before, Monaco’s upcoming departure from the show has left fans wondering about the future of her character and Hartley’s return.

Here’s everything you need to know about the casting change for Lindsay Hartley’s Sam McCall in General Hospital.

Why is Lindsay Hartley playing Sam McCall instead of Kelly Monaco on General Hospital?

Kelly Monaco won’t be temporarily playing Sam due to her persistent health concerns.

After more than twenty years of bringing Sam McCall to life, Kelly Monaco is taking a temporary break from the role. Here Lindsay Hartley will step in to fill her shoes amid Monaco’s serious health concerns. Monaco has previously taken short breaks from the series. For that, Hartley stepped in for her in 2020, 2022, and now once more in 2024. This week, Hartley is filling in for Monaco, who has required time off for health-related matters.

Has Lindsay Hartley replaced Kelly Monaco permanently on General Hospital?

No, Kelly Monaco has not left the show yet and will appear on General Hospital once again.

Although Hartley will be stepping in for Monaco this week. But Kelly Monaco hasn’t officially departed from the show just yet. Nevertheless, recent updates suggest that her character tenure at General Hospital is coming to a close. For the time being, fans can look forward to Hartley’s ongoing role as a temporary substitute, but Monaco’s formal exit is anticipated later this year. Soap Opera Network first reported on August 26, 2024, that Kelly Monaco was “blindsided” by the news of her departure.

After hearing this news, a bunch of fans started online petitions, urging everyone to come together and tell ABC and General Hospital that they want Monaco and Sam to stick around. Social media is buzzing with hashtags like “#SaveKelly” and “SaveSam.” People are also sharing lists of phone numbers, addresses, and Twitter handles, hoping to make an impact. Up till now, General Hospital fans have signed the petition to retain Kelly Monaco with over 10,000 signatures. (via Sportskeeda)