In the high-stakes world of daytime television, where characters and storylines are intricately woven together, few individuals have made an impact as profound as Maurice Benard. For more than three decades, the veteran actor has brought Sonny Corinthos, the kingpin of Port Charles, to life on the screen of General Hospital. However, a shocking recent announcement from Benard has sent a wave of anxiety and speculation throughout the GH fanbase, revealing that his retirement could come much sooner than anyone anticipated, with the deep-seated reason lying in his own personal battle with mental health.
The stunning revelation came during a candid podcast interview where Benard, 62, spoke openly about his future with the ABC daytime drama. When asked if he could envision himself playing Sonny until age 80, like other soap opera veterans, his response was surprisingly and troublingly honest. “I don’t know, in all honesty, if I can last that long, and not because I don’t want to,” Benard confessed. “People are going to get mad at me for saying this, but I’m always just going to be honest. I don’t think, mentally, if I can keep going that long. And I don’t know if I could act on GH if I’m not at least at 90%. That’s the truth.” This admission not only showcases a rare honesty but also signals a potential shift that could redefine the landscape of Port Charles for years to come.
A Troubling Timeline: Between Speculation and Prediction
Benard, who has portrayed the mob boss Sonny Corinthos since 1993, went on to reveal a timeline that has fans counting down the days. “Right now, I’m 62, maybe another couple of years, 3 years, and then we’ll see what happens.” This statement suggests that Benard could potentially leave General Hospital as early as November 2025. This timing aligns with industry speculation that major casting changes are often implemented during sweeps periods to maximize viewer impact. If he follows through, it would mark the end of an era that has spanned more than three decades, an era that has defined not just the character but General Hospital itself.
However, Benard’s relationship with General Hospital hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In the podcast, he revealed a startling detail about his early days on the show: he actually quit just two weeks after starting in 1993. The reason was deeply personal; he had suffered his third nervous breakdown and felt unable to continue. However, the show’s loyalty to him during that difficult time created a bond that has lasted three decades. Benard’s courage in being open about his mental health struggles throughout his career has both enhanced his portrayal of the complex Sonny Corinthos and created challenges in his personal life.
Mental Health as a Guiding Star: A Top Priority
Benard has been adamant that his mental health will be the guiding force in his decision to retire. “I’ll know from mental health when it’s time to retire,” he stated, showing his commitment to making decisions that prioritize his well-being. The year 2024 was particularly difficult for Benard. He had to call in sick for two weeks, something he had never done before. “I was in a really rough period where I didn’t sleep at all and had enormous anxiety,” he revealed to Women’s World magazine. “It was physical as well as emotional. I was in bad shape. I didn’t know if I’d ever act again.” These haunting admissions provide deep context as to why he is considering such a drastic career change. For an actor who must rely on mental acuity and emotional stability to portray a character as demanding as Sonny, prioritizing mental health is not just a choice but a necessity.
Current Storylines: Paving the Way for an Exit?
GH Spoilers: Maurice Benard Offers Important Update For Fans – Soap Opera Spy
The timing of Benard’s retirement hints coincides with some of General Hospital’s most dramatic storylines for Sonny Corinthos. Recent episodes have featured the character dealing with the aftermath of Monica Quartermain’s death, ongoing mob conflicts, and family drama that has kept him at the center of Port Charles’s most explosive plots. General Hospital fans have noticed an increase in storylines that could serve as potential exit points for Sonny. The character has faced multiple near-death experiences recently, leading to speculation among viewers that the writers may be laying the groundwork for Benard’s departure.
“I’ve never seen so much buzz and worry from GH viewers that Sonny could meet his demise, either from a heart attack or work-related things,” Benard noted with amusement. “The current storylines have placed Sonny in increasingly dangerous situations, from mob warfare to health scares that have had him clutching his chest.” These dramatic moments have served not only as compelling television but as potential farewell setups should Benard decide to move forward with his retirement plans. The parallel between character and actor creates rich storytelling possibilities while potentially setting up the character’s exit from the canvas.
Life Beyond Port Charles: Aspirations and Passions
When asked about his post-acting career during the podcast interview, Benard revealed some surprising aspirations. “I’d say a boxer or a lawyer. I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he shared, noting his fascination with true crime shows like “Dateline” and “20/20.” This revelation shows a man who has given serious thought to life after soap opera stardom.
Furthermore, Benard’s passion project, his “State of Mind” YouTube podcast focusing on mental health awareness, has become increasingly important to him. The show allows him to connect with fans on a different level while addressing topics close to his heart. “If I ever left, I want to bring ‘State of Mind’ to a place where I can make a good enough living to just do this,” he revealed in a 2022 interview, showing that this transition has been in his thoughts for years. The success of “State of Mind” has given Benard a platform that extends far beyond the soap opera world, where through intimate conversations with guests about mental health struggles, he has found a new purpose that could easily fill the void left by stepping away from acting.
