Fans were devastated when Kelly Monaco’s Sam died suddenly, and their love for the actress and character was felt across social media.
Sam McCall’s death on General Hospital has Port Charles residents and fans alike reeling. While Lulu’s survival prospects were the main focus, things took a turn. A healthy Sam donated part of her liver to Lulu. After the transplant, she appeared to be on the road to full recovery…but then she suddenly died. Ever since it was announced that Kelly Monaco was let go from the show, fan reaction has been visceral, and now comes the outpouring of grief in the wake of Sam’s passing.
The Emotion Was Palpable
On Instagram, photographer Lisa M. Pollack replied to a Daily Drama post about Sam’s death with profound words: “Thank you, Kelly Monaco, for giving us Sam McCall — who will be greatly missed. Kelly is an incredible actress, who deserves an award and recognition for all her years at GH. It’s a shame GH couldn’t do right by Kelly. Today’s episode was emotional. Sam’s death was devastating.”
On X, formerly Twitter, fans were devastated even though most knew the end was coming. One follower quoted Sam’s time of death and cited Sam as the reason why they watched GH.
At 5:48 We lost my favorite Character/actress Sam McCall/Kelly Monaco. The only reason I continued watching GH was for her. I have never been so connected and drawn to a soap actor before. 🤟 #FireFrank #IStandWithKelly #WeLoveYouKelly @kellymonaco1 pic.twitter.com/pTZZ48OLuE
— Kellie (@Kellie1391785) October 31, 2024
The fans had trouble wrapping their brain around Sam’s death with one posting:
Killing off Sam McCall is a huge mistake and I don’t understand why the character had to be killed off. Kelly Monaco is one hell of an actress. #GH.
— Clay2002 (@Clay20021) October 31, 2024
Others were just beside themselves as another wrote:
Don’t mind me, I’m just emotionally wrecked!#JaSam F O R E V E R !#gh#IStandWithKelly pic.twitter.com/3I8WQ3nbS5
— Nicole #NoKellyNoGH #IStandWithKelly (@Sam_fan_forever) October 31, 2024
Soap actors are known for their nuanced performances, and one fan replied to the previous post. They took note of how Steve Burton (Jason) doesn’t have to say any words to illustrate how he’s feeling, writing:
Don’t mind me, I’m just emotionally wrecked!#JaSam F O R E V E R !#gh#IStandWithKelly pic.twitter.com/3I8WQ3nbS5
— Nicole #NoKellyNoGH #IStandWithKelly (@Sam_fan_forever) October 31, 2024
Another viewer felt bad for some of the other characters who Sam leaves behind, such as her brother Lucas (Van Hansis) and Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst):
Still reeling from Sam’s tragic death on #GeneralHospital! One of the saddest moments I’ve ever seen on GH. My heart breaks for Liz and Lucas #GH #SamMcCall #LizWebber #LucasJones #KellyMonaco pic.twitter.com/oVQBoODYWB
— jesscapshaw1fan (@JessCapshaw1fan) October 31, 2024
Fans were not willing to let her go just yet, as one outlined the fact that GH had built up Sam and Dante’s (Dominic Zamprogna) relationship for a few years only to have it swiftly torn apart:
What an emotional episode the true beginning of the end for Sam/Kelly and the relationships, connections she has created especially #Sante the last almost 4 yrs and the beautiful blended family that came from it. I’m not ready to say goodbye. #GH pic.twitter.com/Ld6NPXz9pp
— Steph✨ (@sjcalways) October 24, 2024
The ardent fans of the Jason and Sam pairing, AKA Jasam, were absolutely heartbroken that there will never be a time when the two will reunite. One viewer reflected on their relationship:
Just remember Sam divorced Jason and ended their marriage if Jason has his way, they would still be married so I’m not surprised Jason is devastated by her death because he’s always going to love her #GH #JaSam https://t.co/GdKUjfNRTU
— GH Fan (@GHFan10130) October 31, 2024
Another fan praised Monaco’s two-decade performance, bringing life to Sam, and wished her well in the future with:
Oh @kellymonaco1 , you deserve nothing but the best! You’ve given us 21 years of Sam McCall. You’ve made us fall in love with this vibrant woman who grew up and flourished right before our eyes.
Through it all we rooted for Sam bc we root for you. Always. Flourish beyond #gh. pic.twitter.com/gO3jQ4greC
— Sudz 🇭🇹 (@Sudsssy) October 30, 2024
While many have criticized the show’s writing, they still have the memories and Sam’s legacy. And let’s not forget that she’s a Cassadine. Perhaps Helena (Constance Towers) set things up so that Sam would be put in suspended animation and revived in a few years. One can only hope.