The departure of Kelly Monaco from General Hospital after a remarkable 21-year run as Samantha McCall has left a void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. Her on-screen partner, Dominic Zamprogna, who portrays Dante Falconeri, recently shared his thoughts on Monaco’s final scenes and her enduring legacy on the iconic ABC soap opera. In an exclusive interview with Soap Opera Digest, Zamprogna offered a poignant glimpse into the emotional farewell.
Monaco’s journey as Sam began in October 2003, following her role as Livvie Locke on the GH spinoff, Port Charles. Over two decades, she became a beloved fixture in Port Charles, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in 2006. Her exit, announced in August, came as a shock to many, especially given the circumstances surrounding Sam’s tragic demise after a heroic liver donation.
Zamprogna recounted the weight of filming those final scenes: “My monologues were her last scenes, so we finished those scenes and I basically said good-bye to Kelly then and there.” Despite the unexpected and reportedly unwelcome nature of her departure, Zamprogna emphasized Monaco’s professionalism and grace under pressure: “In her final weeks of filming… Monaco “was amazing. Amazing, amazing, amazing.”
Sam’s final storyline involved a heartfelt goodbye to loved ones, including Dante, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn), and Jason (Steve Burton), before undergoing surgery. The initial success of the procedure, followed by a surprise engagement to Dante, only made the subsequent turn of events all the more heartbreaking.
Monaco’s exit undoubtedly marks a significant chapter in General Hospital history. However, in the ever-evolving world of soap operas, the door is never truly closed. Zamprogna hinted at the possibility of a future reunion, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of daytime drama: “It’s a soap,” he remarked to Soap Opera Digest. “Who the heck knows what’s gonna happen?”
For now, fans can cherish the memories of Sam McCall and the indelible mark Kelly Monaco left on General Hospital. Zamprogna shared that he continues to stay in touch with Monaco, it’s clear the pair forged a strong bond over the years both on and off-screen.
