The rumour mill has been spinning for weeks and fans of General Hospital have been on tenterhooks: will Maurice Benard, the iconic actor who’s portrayed mob-boss turned conflicted hero Sonny Corinthos since 1993, finally step away from his long-running role? Today, Benard addressed the swirling speculations with candour — and reassurance.

A Cornerstone Character in Port Charles

Since his debut in 1993, Benard’s Sonny Corinthos has been one of daytime television’s most magnetic characters: a dangerous mobster who simultaneously revealed a tender heart. His dual nature — ruthless business instincts paired with surprising compassion — made Sonny both feared and beloved by the residents of Port Charles and by viewers worldwide.

That very duality – the cold-blooded underworld figure who still extends a helping hand – has anchored Sonny within the show’s mythology for decades. It’s why any talk of Benard’s potential exit feels seismic rather than trivial. His presence isn’t just another cast member — it’s a foundational pillar of the show’s identity.

Subtle Hints Turned to Full-Blown Speculation

Over recent story arcs, General Hospital has dropped subtle narrative breadcrumbs suggesting that Sonny might be reconsidering his life of crime. Whispers of stepping back from the mob world, shifting loyalties and introspective scenes have spurred speculation that the character — and the actor behind him — may be on the verge of a dramatic change.

In parallel, Benard himself has spoken in past interviews about his eventual retirement, fuelling fan concern that the end of the Sonny era might now be closer than ever. For example, in a 2025 podcast appearance he questioned whether he could keep playing the role into his 80s, admitting that “mentally” the demands of the role might become unsustainable.

The Announcement: “I Am Here — At Least for Now”

In a recent episode of the podcast We’re Out of Time, Benard was unequivocal when pressed on whether he was leaving General Hospital: “No, I’m not leaving.”

He disclosed that he still has one year left on his current contract, which means Sonny Corinthos will remain in Port Charles through at least the next chapter of the show. But he balanced that reassurance with a clear-eyed acknowledgment: he does plan to retire one day — just not yet. “I don’t think it’s going to be before I’m 65,” he revealed.

Why now? Benard explained that playing Sonny is mentally taxing. “I don’t know if I could act on GH if I’m not at least at 90 percent,” he said. In other words: the role that transformed his career has served him brilliantly — but the time will come when the weight of it may demand a step back.

What This Means for Nile Fans — and the Storyline

For longtime viewers, this announcement is a mixed blessing: relief that Sonny isn’t departing tomorrow, yet tinged with the inevitability of change. The character’s stability has long given General Hospital its backbone — and the idea of his eventual exit opens a narrative door to seismic shifts within Port Charles.

Story-wise, the show now has room to explore Sonny’s potential transition: the question of stepping away from the “mob world”, reforming his empire, or perhaps handing over the keys to a new generation. Given the hints already dropped on screen, one can imagine Sonny wrestling with legacy, power and purpose in upcoming episodes.

For Benard himself, this appears to be a transition phase rather than an abrupt farewell. He will continue embodying Sonny for the foreseeable future, while also giving space to other pursuits — such as his podcast State of Mind, where he has openly discussed mental health and his own journey living with bipolar disorder.

Why the Timing Matters

The timing of this announcement is important on several levels. First, in an era where long-running characters often out-stay their welcome, Benard is proactively setting guardrails around his future. His transparency helps manage fan expectations and narrative planning — both for the show and for himself.

Second, his acknowledgment of the mental toll of the role is noteworthy. Rarely do soap-stars speak publicly about such pressures — and by doing so, Benard is not only humanising Sonny but also highlighting the grind behind the glamor.

Third, this signals a graceful transition rather than a shock departure. By communicating that he plans to stay, yet may leave “when the time is right,” Benard gives the writers, the character and the fans time to prepare for what’s next.

A Legacy Beyond Port Charles

Maurice Benard’s tenure as Sonny Corinthos doesn’t just represent decades of episodes — it represents cultural impact. From multi-dimensional storytelling to bringing his own lived experience with bipolar disorder into Sonny’s arc, Benard has helped transform a soap-villain into a complex hero. Over years he has earned accolades (including multiple Daytime Emmy wins) and built an indelible bond with his audience.

Thus when we talk about retirement, we’re not simply speaking of one actor leaving a role — we’re talking about a chapter in daytime television history gradually coming to a close. Fans will inevitably remember the moment when Sonny Corinthos finally steps off the stage with a mixture of gratitude, nostalgia and maybe even a few tears.

What Comes Next?

So what happens after this contract year? Several scenarios open up:

• Renewal: Benard might re-sign again, extending Sonny’s time in Port Charles. If so, the show continues with familiar leadership at its centre.

• Slow Exit: The writers could begin phasing out Sonny’s storyline, perhaps transferring power to a protégé, ending the mob chapter or giving the character a peaceful new beginning.

• Immediate Departure: While unlikely given his contract, if Benard were to finish his run sooner, the show could attempt a recast — though given the actor’s iconic status, that scenario appears undesirable to both audience and network.

For now, though, fans can breathe easier knowing that for at least the next year, we’re still in safe hands. Sonny Corinthos remains a fixture in Port Charles — and the actor who brought him to life remains committed.

Final Word

In the world of soaps, where characters come and go with dizzying frequency, it’s rare to find one who becomes the beating heart of the show. Maurice Benard’s Sonny Corinthos is exactly that. His recent comments remind us that while nothing lasts forever, neither does the need to rush endings. A great character thrives when given time, nuance and respect — and for now, we’re still on that journey.

So as we watch Sonny steer his ship through the storms of Port Charles, we also watch a storied career still in motion — one where the exit is planned, but the next act has yet to unfold. And in the unpredictable world of daytime drama, that is a promise worth holding onto.