How many times has Lindsay Hartley replaced Kelly Monaco on General Hospital? Explained

General Hospital, which debuted on April 1, 1963, has been a part of fans' day time routine. It's renowned mostly due to dramatic storylines, multi-dimensional characters and emotional moments.

The fictional town Port Charles is the setting of the soap, with the lives of its residents acting as the core part of the show, as the hospital is the locale of most of the many medical emergencies, romance entanglements and dramatic revelations.

Lindsay Hartley has temporarily served as the role of Sam McCall on General Hospital four times: August 2020, February 2022, January 2024 and most recently September 2024.

It was when Hartley again filled in as Sam to continue the character's storyline, namely the past dramatic arc regarding Kristina's surrogacy. Hartley's solid characterization helped the series to flourish even when Monaco was out.

---

Why did Lindsay Hartley replace Kelly Monaco multiple times on General Hospital?

Lindsay Hartley’s multiple stints as Sam McCall are primarily the result of Kelly Monaco’s personal health concerns and scheduling conflicts.

In August 2020, Monaco experienced an adverse reaction to the protective masks required on set due to COVID-19 protocols. The situation led her to take a brief medical leave, during which Hartley was called to step in. The decision allowed General Hospital to continue airing new episodes without pausing Sam’s storyline.

The necessity for Hartley to replace Monaco for the second time in February 2022 came about because Monaco was again unable to film. While details surrounding Monaco’s absences were kept private, the General Hospital management saw Hartley as an ideal fit to temporarily reprise the role.

Hartley’s acting credentials, which include roles in other popular soap operas like Passions and Days of Our Lives, made her a suitable candidate to take over the character of Sam McCall whenever needed.

In 2024, Monaco’s continued absences opened the door for Hartley to return yet again. The show has effectively utilized Hartley’s talents to keep the narrative moving forward, providing fans with continuity despite unexpected actor absences.

As the storyline unfolded in September 2024, Hartley again portrayed Sam during a critical emotional arc, proving that her ability to step into the role has been vital for General Hospital.

---

Will Sam McCall be written off on General Hospital?

Fans were left stunned in September 2024 when it was announced that Monaco's Sam might be leaving the show in a "storyline-dictated" move.

It seems that several viewers are asking whether Hartley will reprise the role or whether Sam McCall will have an end to the story in the overall narrative of the show.

Although Lindsay Hartley has stepped into the role four times, there's no indication that she would be asked to replace Monaco permanently. According to the latest buzz, reports show the show is planning to kill Sam's character instead of bringing another actor in to fill the role.

That has left viewers with mixed emotions ahead of a bittersweet goodbye to one of their favorite characters on the show who had been an integral part of Port Charles for over two decades.

No comment yet has been received from Monaco regarding what the future might hold regarding her association with the show, but she indicated that there's more to be said on the subject.

Her latest tribute to her late co-star Billy Miller who played Jason/Drew on General Hospital was an emotional moment for fans as it continues the rumblings that perhaps she's leaving.

---

Interested viewers can watch General Hospital on ABC every weekday.