After more than three decades of gripping drama, unforgettable performances, and emotional depth, Maurice Benard, the heart and soul of General Hospital, is preparing to take his final bow in 2026. The announcement, which has sent ripples through the soap opera community, marks what many are calling the beginning of the end of an era—one defined by powerhouse acting, emotional resonance, and one unforgettable character: Sonny Corinthos.

But Benard isn’t the only one planning his curtain call. Reports confirm that another longtime cast member—whose identity is currently being kept under wraps—is also eyeing retirement in the same year, setting the stage for a seismic shift in the fabric of the iconic daytime series.

The Face of Port Charles

Since his debut in 1993, Maurice Benard’s portrayal of Sonny Corinthos has not just captivated audiences—it’s defined them. A mob boss with a poet’s soul, Sonny is as feared as he is beloved. With every whispered threat, every tear-filled confession, and every thunderous outburst, Benard has infused the character with raw emotion and an arresting presence that few actors have ever achieved in daytime television.

Sonny wasn’t just a mobster. He was a lover, a father, a protector—and a man deeply grappling with mental illness, brought to life with unflinching honesty by Benard, who drew on his own lived experiences with bipolar disorder to bring authenticity to the role. His vulnerability became Sonny’s strength. And through him, countless fans saw themselves.

To understand General Hospital without Sonny is nearly impossible. To imagine it without Maurice is even harder.

Retirement Rumors Become Reality

In a candid interview earlier this month, Benard finally gave voice to the whispers that had been circulating for years: he is seriously considering stepping back in 2026. At 62, after more than 30 years of relentless work on one of television’s most enduring dramas, he’s ready to focus on something else—himself.

“This isn’t goodbye to acting,” he clarified. “It’s about slowing down, being present for my family, and investing in projects that mean something deeply personal.”

Among those projects is State of Mind, his YouTube talk show focusing on mental health, trauma, and healing. Launched during a time when such conversations were often silenced, State of Mind has become a cultural touchstone—offering viewers, many of whom are long-time GH fans, an intimate glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of those living with mental illness.

Benard has plans to expand the series. Talks are reportedly underway with a major television network to take State of Mind from digital to broadcast, including possible live events, panel discussions, and a podcast extension. If successful, it could become a groundbreaking platform for mental health awareness and advocacy on a national scale.

The Man Behind the Mobster

For Benard, General Hospital has always been more than a job. In numerous interviews over the years, he’s described the show as his “second home,” a creative and emotional sanctuary where he found purpose during life’s most turbulent moments. It gave him stability, and in return, he gave it everything—including using the role of Sonny to portray bipolar disorder with painful, poignant truth.

It’s this deep connection between actor and role that makes his potential departure so significant. While soap operas have survived countless cast exits, recasts, and reboots, Benard’s departure feels… different. Monumental. Perhaps even irreplaceable.

Writers are rumored to be in intense discussions behind the scenes, debating how to handle Sonny’s eventual exit. Ideas include using archival flashbacks, remote appearances, or limited, emotionally charged returns. But one thing appears certain: a full recast is off the table. The risk of fan backlash is simply too great. Sonny Corinthos is Maurice Benard. And the character’s legacy is now sacred ground.

A Storytelling Icon

Maurice Benard didn’t just create a character—he crafted a cultural symbol. Sonny Corinthos emerged as one of the most layered figures in soap history: a dangerous man haunted by past traumas, a charismatic leader grappling with inner demons, and a beacon of loyalty for those he loved. His on-screen relationships—especially with Carly, Jason, and his children—have become pillars of the show’s long-running success.

These dynamics were never simple. Sonny’s betrayals, reconciliations, and tragic losses allowed Benard to dive deep into the human psyche, delivering performances that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Fans didn’t just watch Sonny—they felt him.

And now, the prospect of watching GH without him is unthinkable to many. Viewers have taken to social media in droves, flooding timelines with montages, tribute videos, and personal testimonies about how Sonny’s storylines mirrored their own lives—from mental health struggles to grief, addiction, and redemption.

A Changing of the Guard

While General Hospital is no stranger to major exits, the upcoming departure of Maurice Benard—alongside another veteran actor expected to retire in 2026—signals a profound changing of the guard. For longtime fans, this shift is more than just a casting update. It represents the quiet fading of a golden age in daytime storytelling.

Benard’s exit would not simply be the loss of a central character—it would mark the closing chapter of a narrative legacy that has shaped the emotional backbone of the series for over three decades.

And yet, amid the sorrow, there is also celebration. A celebration of a career lived with intention, vulnerability, and tremendous talent. A celebration of a man who used his platform to champion mental health. And a celebration of the fact that while Maurice may be stepping away from Port Charles, he is not stepping out of our lives.

What’s Next?

Benard’s next chapter promises to be just as impactful as his last. With State of Mind, speaking engagements, and potential ventures into film, advocacy, and education, his voice will continue to be heard—albeit in a different register.

He’s made it clear that he won’t vanish from the spotlight. Instead, he’s stepping into it with renewed purpose.

And as for General Hospital, the show will evolve, as it always has. But no matter who walks through the halls of GH or stakes their claim on the Corinthos empire, fans will remember the man who built it.

Maurice Benard wasn’t just an actor. He was the pulse of Port Charles, the soul of a storyline, and the beating heart of a genre that too often takes its icons for granted.

If 2026 is truly his swan song, then let it be said: he didn’t just play Sonny Corinthos. He was Sonny Corinthos.

And that’s something no final scene can ever fade.