What Happened to Maurice Benard?
Maurice Benard is an acclaimed American actor best known for his enduring role as Sonny Corinthos on the ABC daytime soap opera 'General Hospital' since 1993. Beyond his acting career, Benard is a prominent mental health advocate, openly discussing his struggle with bipolar disorder through his New York Times bestselling memoir, 'Nothing General About It,' and his popular 'State of Mind' podcast, which continues to host guests and tour in 2026.
Quick Answer
Maurice Benard continues to star as Sonny Corinthos on 'General Hospital,' a role he has played since 1993. As of August 2026, his character has made a significant shift, with Sonny announcing his departure from the mob to pursue legitimate business opportunities, a storyline Benard has teased as "absolutely beautiful." Off-screen, Benard remains a dedicated mental health advocate, actively hosting his 'State of Mind' podcast and undertaking a 10-city tour in July 2026 to promote mental wellness.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born Mauricio José Morales
Maurice Benard was born Mauricio José Morales in Martinez, California.
Debut on 'All My Children'
Benard made his television debut playing Nico Kelly in the ABC daytime soap opera 'All My Children', a role he held until 1990.
Portrays Desi Arnaz in TV Film
He portrayed Desi Arnaz in the biographical television film 'Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter'.
Joins 'General Hospital' as Sonny Corinthos
Benard began starring as Sonny Corinthos in the ABC soap opera 'General Hospital', a role that would define much of his career.
Wins First Daytime Emmy Award
Benard received his first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Sonny Corinthos.
Appears on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'
He publicly discussed his bipolar disorder on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', becoming one of the first male actors to do so, contributing to mental health destigmatization.
Wins Second Daytime Emmy Award
Benard earned his second Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work on 'General Hospital'.
Launches 'State of Mind' Podcast
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benard launched his 'State of Mind' podcast on YouTube, focusing on mental health conversations.
Publishes 'Nothing General About It'
His memoir, 'Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital', became an instant New York Times bestseller.
Wins Third Daytime Emmy Award
Benard secured his third Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Sonny Corinthos.
Special 'State of Mind' Birthday Episode
Benard celebrated his 63rd birthday with a special 'State of Mind' episode where his 'General Hospital' co-stars interviewed him.
Announces 'State of Mind' July Tour
He announced a 10-city tour for July 2026 to promote his 'State of Mind' mental health advocacy.
Sonny Corinthos Leaves the Mob on 'General Hospital'
In a major storyline development, Benard's character, Sonny Corinthos, announced his decision to leave the mob and pursue legitimate business opportunities.
Teases 'Beautiful' Future for Sonny Post-Mob
Maurice Benard took to social media to reassure fans that Sonny's future on 'General Hospital' after leaving the mob would be "absolutely beautiful" and powerful.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Maurice Benard, born Mauricio José Morales on March 1, 1963, has carved out a distinguished career in daytime television, most notably for his portrayal of Sonny Corinthos on 'General Hospital.' He joined the show in 1993, and his complex character quickly became a central figure, earning him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor.
Beyond his acting prowess, Benard has become a powerful voice in mental health advocacy. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 20, he has openly shared his experiences with the illness, including his struggles with mood swings, breakdowns, and institutionalization. This personal journey led him to appear on national platforms like 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' in 2004, where he was one of the first male actors to publicly discuss his bipolar diagnosis, aiming to destigmatize mental illness.
A significant turning point in his advocacy came with the release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, 'Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital,' published in April 2021. The book offered an intimate look into his life, career, and his enduring marriage amidst his mental health challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benard further expanded his advocacy by launching the 'State of Mind' podcast, a weekly YouTube series dedicated to open conversations about emotional wellness and resilience, featuring interviews with celebrities, fighters, and various individuals.
As of 2026, Benard continues to be highly active in both his acting and advocacy roles. In February 2026, he celebrated his 63rd birthday with a special 'All in the Family' episode of 'State of Mind,' where his 'General Hospital' co-stars interviewed him. In May 2026, he announced a 10-city July tour for his 'State of Mind' mental health advocacy, which included a visit to Cleveland in late July. On 'General Hospital,' August 2026 marked a monumental shift for his character, Sonny Corinthos, who, along with Jason Morgan, decided to leave the mob. Benard has assured fans that this change will lead to an "absolutely beautiful" and powerful future for Sonny, focusing on legitimate business opportunities. This development signifies a major evolution for the long-running soap opera and Benard's iconic role.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Maurice Benard made different choices?