There’s something pretty special about a small-town girl who lands on the beaches of TV stardom and stays there for more than two decades. Kelly Monaco might be a name you’ve heard before—whether it’s from her days in swimsuits on Baywatch or her iconic role as Sam McCall on General Hospital. For millions of viewers, she’s been a constant presence on their screens, bringing drama, emotion, and a whole lot of personality to daytime TV. But there’s more to her than just what you see on screen. From her early modeling days to her recent departure from one of TV’s longest-running soaps, Kelly Monaco’s journey is worth diving into.

If you’ve been curious about where she’s headed next or what she’s been up to lately, you’re not alone. Fans across the country are asking: What’s next for the beloved actress? She’s been open about her feelings on leaving General Hospital and has hinted at some exciting new directions.

So, whether you’ve been following her for years or are just getting to know her name, now’s the perfect time to catch up. There's a lot to unpack—her career, personal life, and the big changes she’s making in 2025.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Kelly Monaco
• Early Career and Breakthrough
• Kelly Monaco and General Hospital
• What Happened After General Hospital?
• Personal Life and Interests
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Kelly Monaco

Early Career and Breakthrough

Kelly Monaco first stepped into the spotlight back in 1997 with a recurring role on the hit show Baywatch. For a young model from Illinois, that was a pretty big deal. She played a lifeguard, which was a natural fit given her athletic build and photogenic presence. That role helped put her on the map, and soon, doors started opening.

After Baywatch, she didn’t just stick to TV. Instead, she jumped into the world of feature films. Some of her early roles included appearances in "Idle Hands" (1999) and "Mumford" (1999). These were fun, quirky roles, and while they didn’t make her a household name just yet, they helped her grow as an actress.

So, it’s kind of funny when you think about it—she started out on the beach and ended up in daytime drama. But that transition from action-packed TV and quirky comedies to the emotional intensity of a soap opera? That was just the beginning.

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Kelly Monaco and General Hospital

Now, when most people hear the name Kelly Monaco, they immediately think of General Hospital. That’s because she played Sam McCall—a tough, loyal, and fiercely independent woman—for more than 21 years. That’s a long time, right? She became a mainstay on the show, and fans grew to love her character’s resilience and emotional depth.

Sam McCall wasn’t just another character on a soap; she was a fan favorite. She went through so much—heartbreak, family drama, and even some wild storylines that had people talking for weeks. Kelly brought a realness to the role, and that’s probably why so many people connected with her.

She was more than just a face on the screen. She helped define what it meant to be a strong female lead on daytime TV. And honestly, when you think of General Hospital’s modern era, you can’t help but think of her.

What Happened After General Hospital?

So, after more than two decades on the show, Kelly Monaco made the big decision to leave General Hospital. That was back in 2023, and it was a pretty emotional moment for fans. She wasn’t just walking away from a job; she was saying goodbye to a role that had shaped so much of her life.

She’s been pretty honest about how she felt during that time. It wasn’t easy, and she’s talked about how mixed her emotions were—sadness, gratitude, excitement, and even a bit of uncertainty. But she also said she felt ready to explore new things, which is pretty inspiring.

Since then, she’s been dropping hints about what’s next. She mentioned working on some exciting new projects, though she hasn’t shared too many details just yet. But that’s the thing about Kelly Monaco—she’s always been about staying grounded and moving forward with purpose. So, whatever she’s planning, it’s sure to be something worth watching.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of acting, Kelly Monaco is pretty down-to-earth. She’s been pretty private about her personal life, but she’s shared a bit here and there. She’s a dog lover, for one thing, and has always been passionate about fitness and health. That makes sense, considering her background in modeling and her active lifestyle.

She’s also a fan of the outdoors. So, when she’s not in front of the camera, you might catch her hiking, doing yoga, or just enjoying some time with friends and family. She’s even hinted at wanting to do more creative writing in the future, which could be a cool new chapter for her.

And, of course, she’s been involved in a few charitable causes over the years. She’s supported organizations focused on women's health and animal welfare, which kind of fits with her personality—caring, strong, and always looking to make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Kelly Monaco leave General Hospital?

Kelly Monaco left General Hospital in 2023 after more than two decades on the show. She explained that while it was a tough decision, she felt it was time to explore new opportunities and grow as a person and an artist. She’s always been pretty open about wanting to try new things, and that’s exactly what she’s doing now.

What is Kelly Monaco doing now?

Since leaving General Hospital, Kelly has been working on new projects she hasn’t fully revealed yet. She’s hinted at creative pursuits and possibly more work in front of and behind the camera. She’s also staying active in her personal life, with a focus on wellness and writing.

Will Kelly Monaco return to General Hospital?

As of now, there’s no official word on a return. She’s said she’s grateful for her time on the show and the fans who supported her, but she seems focused on what’s next rather than going back. That said, in the world of soaps, surprises do happen, so you never know!

If you want to keep up with Kelly Monaco’s journey, you can check out her social media or follow updates on her upcoming projects. For more celebrity news and updates, Learn more about the latest in TV and entertainment on our site.