It is difficult to envision “General Hospital” without Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), according to General Hospital spoilers. On GH, Maurice Benard marks 30 years of service. The actor didn’t seek for a long-term part in a daytime show in 1993.
He was given the option to choose between two roles after his audition. One was to spend two years portraying the smarmy, slimy Damian Smith (Leigh McClosky).
Maurice Benard Celebrates 30 Years on GH
Or, he might take on the part of Sonny Corinthos, a nightclub owner who was supposed to be the “bad guy,” and play that part for only six months.
Evidently, Maurice decided to portray Sonny. He seemed to have made the proper choice. On August 13, 1993, Benard made his ‘General Hospital’ debut.
Back then, soaps often only featured good folks and bad guys. Sonny started out as a villain. Young Karen Wexler (Cari Shayne), who he exploited, became drug-dependent when he persuaded her to strip at his club.
Maurice was deeply affected by playing this role, and his emotions started to translate on screen. Maurice had not been taking his medication for his bipolar disorder at the time, and he took a short break.
The behind-the-scenes team at General Hospital was very supportive of Maurice, and he came back to work. Maurice started adding layers to Sonny that probably no other actor could have.
Sonny and Brenda and Sonny and Carly
When Sonny teamed up with Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil), it was game over. Brenda and Sonny gained enormous recognition as a super couple.
The two were thrilling to watch on General Hospital at the time, as anyone who watched can attest. Their chemistry was incredible. The actor rose to popularity.
Maurice rose to fame as “General Hospital’s mobster with a golden heart.” The Stone and Robin AIDS plot made this generosity particularly clear.
It was time for Sonny’s next love interest after Marcil left. Carly Corinthos was played by Sara Brown. Initially, it was challenging to support Sonny and Carly because of how disruptive Carly was.
Tamara Braun was the second Carly. This Carly had more vulnerability and depth. Sonny and Carly were starting to gain popularity. The two of them were great together.
Once Laura Wright stepped into the role of Carly, fans were invested in Sonny and Carly big time. The two of them were the next big super couple, and the writing of Sonny, Carly, and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) became a soap legend
Nixon Falls Changed Sonny
These days, Maurice’s on-screen partner is Cynthia Watros, who plays Nina Reeves. It is a controversial pairing for General Hospital fans. Many fans don’t like it and can’t wait for it to end.
Some fans find it refreshing that Sonny has become “softer.” Nina kept secret from Sonny’s family that he was alive. They all thought he had died but had amnesia and was staying in Nixon Falls.
Sonny fell in love with Nina, not knowing who he was. It is not an issue that General Hospital fans take lightly.
Maurice decided to talk to his fans about his bipolar disorder. Sonny’s mental disorder was specified in the script so that Maurice could be genuine and honest with himself.
Many of the listeners to his podcast, “State of Mind,” have struggled with their own mental health.
The book written by Maurice, “Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved My Life On and Off General Hospital,” has also been well received by his followers.
Fans of General Hospital value Maurice’s candor about his difficulties and how his life story has inspired numerous others. As Maurice Benard celebrates 30 years on GH, it is difficult to imagine the show without its charismatic star.