Maurice Benard Bursts into Tears as He Reveals When He Will Retire on ABC’s General Hospital
For over three decades, Maurice Benard has been the beating heart of General Hospital, embodying the brooding, magnetic mob boss Sonny Corinthos — a man both feared and fiercely loved in Port Charles. But in a recent emotional interview that sent shockwaves through the soap world, Benard — at 62 years old — opened up about his eventual retirement from the show that made him a daytime legend. His candid confession brought both himself and fans to tears, marking a rare, deeply personal moment from the actor who has spent more than half his life portraying one of television’s most complex antiheroes.
A Legacy Forged in Fire and Emotion
When Maurice Benard first appeared on General Hospital in 1993, no one could have predicted the seismic impact his character would have on daytime drama. As Sonny Corinthos — the smooth-talking coffee importer with a deadly underworld empire — Benard transformed the archetype of the soap opera villain into something hauntingly human. Beneath Sonny’s violent exterior beat a heart of guilt, love, and moral conflict.
Over the decades, Sonny’s life has become a sprawling saga of betrayal, redemption, and heartache. From his volatile relationship with Carly to his unwavering loyalty to Jason Morgan and his sons Michael and Dante, Sonny has navigated every imaginable storm. Under Benard’s nuanced portrayal, the character’s struggles with bipolar disorder became a groundbreaking storyline, mirroring the actor’s own real-life experiences and bringing mental health representation into the mainstream of daytime TV.
It’s this raw authenticity — that balance between power and pain — that has kept audiences riveted for over 30 years. Without Sonny Corinthos, General Hospital simply wouldn’t be the same.
Rumors, Tears, and the Truth
In recent months, online speculation exploded with rumors that Maurice Benard was preparing to leave General Hospital. Fans dissected behind-the-scenes photos, misread contract chatter, and even spun wild tales about the actor’s health.
But in a heartfelt sit-down with Richard Tate, the executive chairman of Kurara Treatment, Wellness, and Spa — and host of the talk series We’re Out of Time — Benard decided to address the whispers once and for all. Set against the tranquil backdrop of Tate’s California estate, the two men delved deep into Benard’s career, his advocacy work, and, inevitably, the question that’s haunted fans for years: When will Sonny Corinthos say goodbye?
As Benard reflected on his three-decade journey, his voice began to crack. “You know, this show has been my life,” he admitted, eyes glistening. “Sonny isn’t just a role I play — he’s a part of me. I’ve poured my heart, my struggles, my triumphs into him. To imagine stepping away… it’s emotional. It’s really emotional.”
For a moment, the usually composed Benard fell silent, visibly overwhelmed by the gravity of the topic. “I’ll know when it’s time,” he continued softly. “But I’m not there yet.”
Setting the Record Straight
Then, with the firm conviction that only Sonny Corinthos himself could muster, Benard put the swirling rumors to rest.
“Let me set the record straight,” he told Tate, leaning forward. “I’m not retiring anytime soon. I’m locked in for at least another year — maybe more. I love this show. I love my fans. When I go, it won’t be because of gossip or burnout. It’ll be because I’ve given everything I have.”
The statement sent waves of relief across social media. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with emotional messages of gratitude, many admitting they had feared losing the anchor of General Hospital’s mob empire. “Sonny Corinthos is the soul of Port Charles,” one fan wrote. “The day Maurice leaves is the day GH changes forever.”
A Career Beyond the Mob
While Benard remains deeply tied to General Hospital, his influence stretches far beyond the fictional streets of Port Charles. Over the years, the Emmy-winning actor has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness, bravely sharing his own journey with bipolar disorder.
Through his hit YouTube series State of Mind, Benard has built a powerful community centered on emotional honesty and healing. His candid interviews with fellow actors, mental health professionals, and everyday people have garnered millions of views — and praise for breaking down stigmas surrounding depression, anxiety, and trauma.
“Playing Sonny and living as Maurice aren’t so different sometimes,” he told Tate. “We both fight battles in our minds. We both try to stay strong for the people we love. That’s why State of Mind matters — it’s not about acting. It’s about being real.”
The series, now one of the most-watched mental health channels on YouTube, has become a cornerstone of Benard’s legacy outside of GH. His transparency has inspired countless fans who see in him not just an actor, but a survivor and advocate.
The Countdown to Retirement
When asked directly about retirement, Benard didn’t shy away. “I think about it sometimes,” he admitted, “but I’m not in a rush. I could see myself stepping back around 65 — maybe then. Until that day comes, I want to give the best of Sonny Corinthos that I can.”
He explained that portraying Sonny — with all the emotional volatility, grief, and fire that the role demands — can be draining, even after decades of practice. “It’s not easy,” he said. “People see the glamour, the fame, the awards — but playing a man who lives in so much turmoil takes a toll. When I walk off set, I have to find Maurice again.”
Still, he smiled through tears as he spoke about what keeps him going. “It’s the fans. They’ve grown up with Sonny. Some of them watched me when they were kids and now their own kids watch. That’s legacy. That’s family.”
A Future for Sonny — and for Maurice
Benard also offered tantalizing hints about what’s ahead for Sonny in upcoming General Hospital storylines. “There’s still a lot of story left to tell,” he teased. “Sonny’s facing new enemies, old ghosts, maybe even new love. I think fans will see a different side of him — a mentor, maybe even a peacemaker. But don’t worry,” he laughed, “the fire’s still there.”
He suggested that the next few years could see Sonny evolve from mob kingpin to patriarch — the silver-haired godfather of Port Charles, guiding the next generation while confronting the sins of his past. “It’s not about violence anymore,” Benard mused. “It’s about wisdom. Redemption. Legacy.”
The Man Behind the Mob Boss
As the interview drew to a close, Benard’s vulnerability shone through. “People ask me if I’ll ever really say goodbye to Sonny,” he said, tears once again welling in his eyes. “The truth is, I don’t think I ever can. When I go, a part of him will always stay with me — and hopefully, with the fans too.”
He paused, gathering himself before flashing that unmistakable Sonny Corinthos grin. “But until that day comes… Port Charles isn’t getting rid of me yet.”
The moment perfectly captured why Maurice Benard’s presence on General Hospital transcends acting — it’s a shared emotional journey between performer and audience, built on decades of trust and connection.
For now, fans can rest easy: Sonny Corinthos isn’t leaving Port Charles. But when that day eventually comes, it won’t be with a bang — it’ll be with a legacy that forever changed the face of daytime television.
“General Hospital” airs weekdays on ABC. Catch Maurice Benard as Sonny Corinthos — the man, the myth, the mobster — in the latest explosive chapters of Port Charles’ ongoing saga.