After decades of portraying Sonny Corinthos, Maurice Benard opens up about his future on General Hospital. Will he leave after three years, or is there more to Sonny’s journey? Plus, his heartfelt reflections on working with Vanessa Marcil and the surprising retirement thoughts you won’t want to miss.
Maurice Benard, the beloved Sonny Corinthos from General Hospital, recently revealed to fans that he’s not ready to walk away just yet, but he is considering his future with the ABC soap opera. During an intimate moment at the General Hospital Fan Club Weekend, the Daytime Emmy winner shared his thoughts on retiring and what lies ahead for his iconic character.
“I’ve got at least three years left,” Maurice shared when asked about how long he’ll continue playing Sonny. But it wasn’t just a straightforward answer—Maurice got real about the emotional and mental toll the job takes. “There’s a bit of ‘I feel good,’ and then, ‘maybe I am old?’” he added with a laugh. But he made it clear that he’s committed to Sonny and General Hospital as long as he feels mentally able to keep going. “Sonny’s the greatest character anywhere,” he said, but admitted that his mental health would ultimately guide his decision to stay or go.
One of the more intriguing points Benard made was about Sonny’s potential exit. Rather than a clean cut or happy ending, Maurice proposed a more ambiguous ending for Sonny, much like the unforgettable finale of Tony Soprano on The Sopranos. Fans were taken aback by his suggestion, but it perfectly encapsulates the complexity and layers of Sonny’s character.
Vanessa Marcil and the Legacy of Sonny/Brenda
Maurice also opened up about his iconic partnership with Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda), and fans couldn’t help but wonder if the two would ever share the screen again. Their chemistry is legendary, and the possibility of Brenda’s return has been a topic of speculation for years. Maurice fondly recalled a moment when he asked Vanessa if she wanted to be a “good actress” or a “great actress.” “I’ll help you get to the goal,” he said, underscoring the trust and camaraderie they had. Fans have been asking about a Sonny/Brenda reunion, but it seems like that possibility remains uncertain for now.
More Than Just a Soap Star
While Maurice Benard continues to play Sonny with passion, he also hinted at a future in teaching acting once he decides to retire. “If I retire, I may teach acting,” he revealed, which has many fans excited to see his legacy continue in a new way.
As we await the next chapter of Sonny Corinthos, one thing is clear: Maurice Benard isn’t ready to leave just yet. The journey of Sonny’s final days could still hold some major twists, and we’re all waiting to see how it plays out. Will Sonny ride off into the sunset in a classic soap ending, or will his departure be as complicated as his character?