Kelly Monaco is a name that’s been on the lips of soap opera fans for years. For over two decades, she brought the character of Sam McCall to life on General Hospital, making a huge impact with her dramatic flair and strong screen presence. But in 2024, the news came that she was stepping away from the role after 21 years, leaving fans wondering: What’s next for Kelly Monaco? Well, it turns out she’s not done surprising us just yet.

Just months after her departure from the ABC soap, Kelly made a major announcement that’s got everyone talking. She’s officially returning to General Hospital in 2025, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. Whether you've been watching her since the beginning or are just now getting into daytime TV, there’s a lot to know about where she’s been and what’s coming up next. So if you're curious about the next chapter in her career, this is definitely the place to be.

From her early days on Baywatch to her recent emotional exit from Port Charles, Kelly Monaco’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s not just a soap icon—she’s a real person with a passion for sports, acting, and connecting with her fans. And now, with a major comeback on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to catch up on her story and see what all the fuss is about.

• Edgardo Canales

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Personal Details
• Career Highlights
• General Hospital Legacy
• What’s Next in 2025?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography

Kelly Marie Monaco was born on May 23, 1976, on the East Coast of the United States. Growing up, she was always active and into sports—soccer, swimming, track, and softball were a big part of her early life. She was the youngest of five girls, so you can imagine the energy level in that household!

Her passion for acting began early, and by 1997, she landed her first TV role on the long-running show Baywatch. That’s where she first got a taste of what it meant to be in the spotlight. But of course, it was her role as Sam McCall on General Hospital that really made her a household name. She played the character from 2003 all the way until her emotional exit in 2024.

Now, with her return confirmed for 2025, Kelly is set to step back into the world of Port Charles. That’s the kind of news that makes longtime fans jump for joy, and it’s clear that her bond with the show—and with Sam McCall—is far from over.

• Jillian Grace

Personal Details

Here’s a quick look at some key facts about Kelly Monaco:

Career Highlights

Kelly Monaco’s career has had a number of standout moments. Let’s take a quick look at some of the biggest:

• Baywatch (1997) – Her first TV role came on this iconic series. It was just a small part, but it gave her a foot in the door of the entertainment world.
• Idle Hands (1999) – This horror-comedy gave her a chance to show off her acting chops in a feature film. It’s a cult classic now, and she’s part of what made it memorable.
• Mumford (1999) – Starring alongside big names like Loren Dean and Hope Davis, Kelly got to be part of a more serious film that highlighted her versatility as an actress.
• General Hospital (2003–2024, returning in 2025) – This is where she made her mark. Playing Sam McCall, she became a fan favorite and helped shape the character into one of the most beloved in daytime TV history.

She’s also been part of reality TV, though she’s always been more known for her acting roles. Still, that experience gave her a different kind of visibility and connected her with a whole new audience.

General Hospital Legacy

For over two decades, Kelly Monaco was a constant presence on General Hospital. She was Sam McCall, through every twist and turn the writers could throw her way. From dramatic love stories to intense action scenes, she brought depth and emotion to the role in a way that few others could match.

When news broke in 2024 that she was leaving, fans were heartbroken. She made her last appearance on the show with an emotional send-off, and even though her character’s on-screen death was supposed to be the end of the story, it turns out that wasn’t the final word.

Her exit was sudden, and she’s since opened up about her feelings on leaving. She made it clear that it wasn’t her choice to go, and she had a lot to say about her time on the show. But now, with confirmation that she’ll be back in 2025, it looks like Port Charles isn’t done with Sam McCall after all.

So what does this mean for the future of the show? Well, that’s still up in the air, but one thing’s for sure: fans are thrilled to have her back. You can read more about the return of Sam McCall and what it means for the storylines here.

What’s Next in 2025?

So what’s the big deal about Kelly Monaco coming back to General Hospital? Well, for starters, she’s been gone for almost a year. That’s a long time when you’ve been on a show for over two decades. But now, she’s set to return in 2025, and fans are already speculating about what that means for the show’s future.

Will Sam McCall come back to life in a dramatic twist? Will there be flashbacks or dream sequences? Or maybe there’s a whole new direction planned for her character? Nobody knows for sure yet, but one thing’s clear: her return is going to be a major event.

As of now, the show hasn’t given away too many details, but that’s probably part of the plan. They want to keep fans guessing and coming back for more. And honestly, that’s part of what makes General Hospital so fun to watch. So if you’re a fan, it’s definitely worth staying tuned.

Kelly herself seems excited about the comeback. She’s always been passionate about her work, and she’s made it clear that she loves the character of Sam McCall. So it’s not just about coming back for the fans—it’s about finishing the story the way she always wanted to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Kelly Monaco leave General Hospital?

Kelly Monaco left General Hospital in 2024 after 21 years of playing Sam McCall. While the exact reasons for her departure haven’t been fully disclosed, she has hinted that it wasn’t her decision. She expressed her feelings about the exit in interviews, saying it was bittersweet and that she had hoped for a different send-off.

Is Kelly Monaco coming back to General Hospital?

Yes, Kelly Monaco is officially returning to General Hospital in 2025. This was confirmed by multiple sources, and fans are already excited about her comeback. While details about how her character will return are still under wraps, it’s clear that her time in Port Charles isn’t over just yet.

What else has Kelly Monaco been in besides General Hospital?

Besides her iconic role on General Hospital, Kelly Monaco has appeared in films like Idle Hands and Mumford. She also had a recurring role on Baywatch early in her career. She’s also been involved in reality television, though her work in daytime drama is what she’s best known for.