Sonny Corinthos is a name that has become almost synonymous with General Hospital. Daytime Legend Maurice Benard has been portraying the character of the dimpled don for decades now on the ABC soap. He first stepped in Port Charles as Sonny way back in 1993. And there has been no looking back for either Maurice or Sonny ever since. Over the decades, Sonny has been embroiled in a plethora of storylines. Which include all shades of emotions, passion, and action. May it be multiple affairs, memory loss, or being assumed dead, this fan-favorite has done it all!
The ABC lone-standing soap, General Hospital, is turning 60 in just a few hours! And on the glorious occasion, Maurice Benard reflected on his journey as Sonny over the decades. Maurice divulged to TV Insider that initially, he only intended to do the role for six months. Furthermore, he shared that just three weeks after starting his stint, he suffered a nervous breakdown and wanted to quit. However, he stayed, and then he has ended up staying for over 30 years and counting!
Maurice then spilled the beans on how he ended up having a story that made him stay on General Hospital. The Daytime legend shared that actor Tony Geary (Luke) suggested that he go tell the makers that they need to give him a family and a girlfriend on the soap. And Maurice made the request, which was granted in the form of a father and girlfriend, Brenda. Maurice reflected that there was something magical between Sonny and Brenda. Furthermore, he shared that he and Vanessa Marcil worked really hard to get that to the screen.
The General Hospital star also admitted to have been overly involved in the creative process back in the day. Moreover, he added that it had become detrimental for his mental health. Hence, he has now left it all on Frank Valentini. Maurice does not involve himself in it anymore. However, he admits that “in the past, boy, I was right in there with everything.” He went on to agree that he stepped back because he didn’t really need to do it. The writers do a great job on their own.
Maurice Benard also opened up about his favorite storyline on General Hospital. The star shared that the Alzheimer’s story was the best one for him so far. Maurice reflected that his father suffered with Alzheimer’s around the same. Unfortunately, he passed away soon after. Hence, everybody lifted the storyline more than usual. Furthermore, he admitted that the acting just got very real for him. It was “as real as I’ve ever been in my acting career,” he added.
Coming back to the present, Maurice spoke about how Sonny is trying to keep himself, his family and his girlfriend safe on General Hospital. He admitted he is really enjoying the current storyline. Furthermore, he teased that the viewers will see a difference in Sonny as he begins to return to the basic. Does that mean we are about to get the old fierce Sonny back? We guess we will have to wait for the upcoming episodes to find out!
Before signing off, Maurice weighed in on how loyal Daytime viewers are! He admires all the love he receives from the General Hospital fans. Maurice confessed that their loyalty is such that even if there is something bad on the soap, they still love it! Maurice concluded by saying no one should mess with Daytime audience. And we agree! Daytime viewers and soaps are like family! Do you agree too? Tell us in the comments. Meanwhile, stay tuned to General Hospital to find out what are all these changes in Sonny that Maurice teased!