In a candid interview, General Hospital star Kelly Monaco, best known for her portrayal of Sam McCall, opened up about her experiences on the show, sharing her true feelings about working on the ABC soap opera.
The actress, who has been a staple of the General Hospital cast for nearly two decades, delved into her personal journey and the challenges and rewards that come with being a part of such an iconic show.
In this exclusive conversation, Monaco gave fans a rare glimpse into what it’s really like behind the scenes of one of the longest-running soap operas in television history.
Monaco began by expressing her deep appreciation for the opportunity to be part of General Hospital for so many years, emphasizing the strong bond she has with the cast and crew. “It’s been such an incredible experience,” Monaco shared. “I feel very lucky to have been on the show for as long as I have. The people here are like family to me. It’s been a wonderful journey filled with ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” Monaco has played Sam McCall since 2003, and during that time, the character has gone through numerous dramatic storylines, including romantic entanglements, shocking revelations, and personal losses. Through it all, Monaco’s portrayal of Sam has earned her praise for her versatility and emotional depth.
However, despite her fondness for the show and its cast, Monaco was quick to acknowledge the demanding nature of working in daytime television. General Hospital films on a tight schedule, with actors often working long hours and memorizing multiple scripts each week. Monaco admitted that the fast-paced environment can be exhausting at times, but she expressed immense respect for the hard work of the entire team. “Daytime is a different beast,” she said. “The pace is unlike anything else, and it can be incredibly challenging. But it’s also so rewarding. You get to see the immediate reaction of the audience, and that’s something really special. We don’t take that for granted.”
When asked about her thoughts on the direction the show has taken over the years, Monaco reflected on the evolution of her character, Sam McCall, and how she’s seen the soap opera landscape change in general. Sam, who started as a troubled woman with a mysterious past, has gone through a massive transformation over the years, becoming a more grounded and multi-dimensional character. Monaco shared that she enjoys how Sam’s storyline has evolved, noting that it’s been both a personal and professional challenge to portray such a complex character. “It’s been amazing to see Sam grow,” Monaco said. “She’s been through so much, and every twist and turn is a chance to dig deeper and really explore her layers. I love that she’s not one-dimensional. She’s constantly evolving, and that’s been really fulfilling for me as an actress.”
However, Monaco didn’t shy away from discussing the more difficult aspects of working on a long-running show like General Hospital. She was open about the challenges that come with the ebb and flow of storylines, especially when it comes to fan expectations and character arcs that may not always align with her vision for the role. “There are definitely times when I’ve felt frustrated, when I wish certain storylines could go a different way,” she admitted. “But that’s the nature of the business. You can’t control everything, and you have to trust the writers and the producers to steer the ship. Ultimately, though, we’re all working together to tell the best story we can.”
One of the major topics Monaco touched on was the strong bond she shares with her fellow General Hospital cast members. She spoke highly of her longtime co-stars, particularly those who have been with the show for just as long as she has. Monaco singled out her friendship with co-stars like Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos), noting that their camaraderie both on and off-screen has made her time on the show even more rewarding. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly incredible people,” Monaco said. “Steve, Maurice, and so many others have been such great mentors and friends to me over the years. We’re like family, and it makes the hard days easier when you’re surrounded by people who care about you.”
As for the future of General Hospital, Monaco expressed excitement about what’s to come, both for her character and the show as a whole. While she couldn’t give away any spoilers, she teased that there are plenty of dramatic moments ahead for Sam McCall. “I’m really excited for what’s next,” she said. “There are a lot of interesting twists coming up for Sam, and I can’t wait for the fans to see how it all unfolds.”
In the interview, Monaco also took a moment to reflect on the loyal fanbase that has supported her and the show throughout the years. She expressed her gratitude for the unwavering dedication of General Hospital fans, many of whom have watched the show for decades. “Our fans are amazing,” Monaco said with a smile. “They’ve been with us through thick and thin, and their support means the world to me. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
Overall, Kelly Monaco’s interview offered fans a heartfelt and honest look at her life as a General Hospital star. From the challenges of working on a soap opera to the joys of portraying a character like Sam McCall, Monaco’s deep love for her craft and her appreciation for the people she works with were evident throughout the conversation. As she continues her journey on General Hospital, viewers can look forward to even more exciting developments for Sam, as Monaco remains one of the shining stars of the soap opera world.
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