Steve Burton Responds to Kelly Monaco’s Surprising Exit from ‘General Hospital’

Steve Burton Shares Emotional Reaction to Kelly Monaco’s Unexpected Departure from General Hospital

In a heartfelt revelation, General Hospital actor Steve Burton expressed his deep sadness during the filming of Kelly Monaco’s exit from the long-running soap opera. On the November 1 episode of his podcast, “The Daily Drama,” the 54-year-old actor reflected on the emotional weight of the moment. “I was truly at a loss, unsure how to approach this,” Burton shared, acknowledging the significant history he shares with Monaco.

Burton, renowned for his role as Jason Morgan, first teamed up with Monaco in 2003 when she debuted as Sam McCall. Their characters engaged in a complex, often tumultuous romance, which ultimately concluded as Monaco prepared to leave the series. In a surprising turn of events, news broke earlier this year that Monaco would be departing after 21 years and her final scene aired just recently, concluding with Sam’s shocking death.

The soap opera community was taken aback by Monaco’s exit, with several cast members from Days of Our Lives expressing their astonishment. Burton reminisced about their last filming days, recalling an emotional hospital scene where Jason bids farewell to Sam. “I had to shoot that scene first, then go back to other moments,” Burton recounted, revealing how the blending of emotions made the process challenging. He praised the entire cast for their performances in what he described as a trying experience.

Burton received supportive advice from his co-star Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos. Benard encouraged him to embrace the natural flow of the scenes, suggesting he shouldn’t force his emotions but rather let them unfold. “Just let it work,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment.

For Monaco, her journey in the soap opera world has been remarkable, beginning with her role in Port Charles in 1999, followed by her iconic performance in General Hospital starting in 2003. Over the years, she has captivated fans with her character’s evolution and dramatic storylines. However, as her time on General Hospital came to a close, Monaco took to Instagram to address her departure, responding to criticism of her role with a passionate message.

As General Hospital continues to air weekdays at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, fans remain attentive to the unfolding stories and the changes within the beloved soap.