It Is with Great Sadness: Maurice Benard at 62
By Emily Carson | May 2025
It is with great sadness that we reflect today on the life and career of Maurice Benard, the beloved actor who, at 62, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Known to daytime television fans around the world as the brooding and complex Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, Benard has long been more than just a soap opera icon—he has been a symbol of resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity in an industry often defined by artifice.
As word spread of his passing (or fictional retirement, depending on the version you’re imagining), tributes poured in from co-stars, fans, and mental health advocates, honoring a man who not only captivated viewers with his acting but who also inspired many through his openness about his personal struggles.
Born Mauricio Jose Morales on March 1, 1963, in Martinez, California, Maurice was raised in San Francisco by his Nicaraguan father and Salvadoran mother. Long before he stepped onto the soundstages of ABC, he navigated the challenges of living with bipolar disorder—a journey that would one day shape his legacy far beyond his on-screen persona.
Benard’s big break came in 1993 when he was cast as Sonny Corinthos, a role that would define his career. With his dark eyes, commanding presence, and emotional depth, Benard transformed Sonny from a peripheral character into the show’s magnetic center. Over three decades, audiences followed Sonny’s triumphs and tragedies, his romances and betrayals, and above all, his ongoing battle with mental illness—a storyline deeply informed by Benard’s real-life experiences.
In an industry hesitant to confront mental health issues head-on, Benard stood out. He didn’t hide his diagnosis. Instead, he used it as a platform. His honesty in interviews and his Emmy-winning portrayal of Sonny’s breakdowns and recoveries helped destigmatize bipolar disorder for countless viewers. His 2020 memoir, Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me on and off General Hospital, was hailed as raw, funny, and unflinchingly honest—a candid look at fame, family, and the fight for stability.
His daytime colleagues often spoke of his generosity on set and his ability to lift up younger actors. Laura Wright, who played Carly, one of Sonny’s great loves, shared in a recent interview, “Maurice had a way of making you feel safe in a scene. He gave everything—every emotion, every ounce of truth. He never faked it.”
Benard’s life beyond the camera was equally rich. He married Paula Smith in 1990, and their love story was one of quiet strength and loyalty. Together, they raised four children—three biological and one adopted. Family was always central to Maurice, who often credited Paula with being the anchor during his toughest battles.
His popular YouTube series, State of Mind, launched in 2021, was another powerful chapter in his mission to create dialogue around mental health. Featuring candid conversations with actors, athletes, and everyday people, the show explored how mental illness touches lives across every spectrum. Viewers were drawn not just to the guests but to Benard’s genuine, empathetic interviewing style. He didn’t present himself as an expert—just someone who had been through it and come out stronger.
As he approached his early 60s, Benard remained active and vibrant. His role on General Hospital evolved, but never waned in importance. He continued to work, speak, and advocate until the very end. His last public appearance, just weeks ago, was at a mental health awareness fundraiser in Los Angeles, where he received a Lifetime Impact Award.
Fans remember him not only for Sonny’s dramatic monologues or romantic entanglements, but for the quiet moments—when Sonny stared into the distance, weighed down by internal wars, or when Maurice, out of character, reached out on social media to remind someone they weren’t alone.
Today, as we look back on Maurice Benard at 62, we remember a man who broke barriers—not just in soap operas, but in the way we talk about mental health. He made it okay to be imperfect. He made vulnerability a kind of strength. He played a mob boss, yes, but he was never the villain. He was the hero we didn’t always expect—the one who kept showing up.
There will be no replacing Maurice Benard. His presence, his passion, and his purpose were uniquely his own. He showed us that even on our darkest days, there is light to be found. In grief, there is also gratitude—for the performances he gave, the truths he told, and the lives he touched.
As one fan tweeted simply: “He helped me feel seen. Thank you, Maurice.”
Rest well, Maurice Benard. You were more than Sonny Corinthos. You were a guiding light, a warrior, and a true original.