Maurice Benard Reflects On Life, Mental Health In Birthday Podcast

Fans of General Hospital (GH) know Maurice Benard as the crime boss Sonny Corinthos on the ABC show, but they got a look at his real-life personality during his birthday celebration podcast on Sunday. From previews, ABC fans knew that Benard took a different approach by sitting in the guest chair. Instead of his usual interviews, he opened up more about his personal life. Read on for details.

Suffering For Others?

In the latest “birthday episode” on State of Mind, Maurice Benard sat down with co-star Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconer). During the conversation, Benard emphasized that his ongoing mental health advocacy comes from a place of experience, not just theory. In fact, he believes that perhaps he suffers to prevent “other people from suffering.”

Throughout their chat, Benard candidly talked about how his bipolar disorder impacted his life. Of course, GH fans are used to the real-life Sonny Corinthos doing that. But this time, he opened up a bit more. He admitted that while he’s always been an open book regarding his mental health, he still battles with his ego, especially when it comes to things that really hurt him.

However, it gets a bit easier as he ages. These days, he cares less about what other folks think. So, he finds more “joy and peace” within. Interestingly, he also said that when he asks guests if they “care what people think,” it seems that if they don’t care, then “they’re not mentally ill.”

Early Career

Before his GH fans knew the actor who’s become something of an ABC legend, Benard faced difficulties with his early career. He told Dominic Zamprogna that he started out with a strong desire to become a model. Unfortunately, he seemed too short.

Plus, he shared that a voice coach once told him he’d “never make it” because of the way he spoke. Eventually, he landed his first major role on All My Children just months after his first hospitalization for a manic episode.

Viewers React

In the comments section, of course plenty of General Hospital fans sent in their best wishes for his birthday. Plus, co-stars like Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) also book-ended the podcast with their greetings.

In the comments, one GH fan wrote, “I know I’m not the only one who truly appreciates you as Sonny, but WAY more as yourself. You have given so much to all of us with our mental health journey. Keep doing it all! You have helped more than can ever be measured.”

Here are a few more reactions from the discussion:

• Love watching you on GH and thank you for raising awareness about mental health!
• Maurice!! You are FOREVER one of my favorite leading male actors in soap opera history. I really hope you enjoy your very special day!!
• Dominic Zamprogna did such an excellent job of interviewing Maurice! I truly enjoyed their conversation.
• Thank you, Dom and Maurice, for a powerful, insightful conversation. One of the very best State of Mind episodes yet.

Did you watch the special birthday edition of State of Mind? What do you think about Maurice Benard becoming a mental health awareness advocate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and keep checking back for all your General Hospital cast news and updates.