General Hospital (GH) star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) went on social media this week and gave his wife Paula Benard (nee Smith) a big shoutout. Read on to find out why.
A Sweet Throwback Pic
On Tuesday, the ABC veteran shared a throwback photo on his Instagram, and then wrote a charming caption. He said, “What can I say about the woman who put up with me for 40 years?”
Then he answered himself, saying that Paula “Basically saved me from ruins has given me four incredible children, and four incredible grandkids.”
Not stopping there, Maurice described her as being “strong” while at the same time “being kind.” He especially likes how Paula “always thinks of everyone else before herself.”
A Long Time Together
He also talked about how long they have been together, and she was just 16 when they first met. Looking back now, Benard wonders if he ever thought they would “be together 40 years later.”
Of course, it’s impossible to read the future, but he has no regrets. He told his General Hospital fans, “I can tell you this I’m lucky I met her it was truly a match made in heaven.🎁”
Maurice Benard and Paula tied the knot back on August 11, 1990. That makes their union 36 years long. Did you know that they dated for years before they finally married?
Talking About Kids
Celeb Dirty Laundry confirms that Maurice and Paula have four children and they are Cailey Sofia, Cassidy Rose, Heather Ann, and Joshua James.
All of them follow their own career paths now, and fans of GH are especially familiar with Joshua because he was on the ABC show as Adam. And his dad helps to shout out his music.
Last year on their anniversary, People noted that “in his 2020 memoir Nothing General About It, Benard opened up about some of his struggles with his mental health…” It was a difficult time for him but “his wife stayed by his side to support him.”
Cast Reacts
Cast members went to the comments to send in their thoughts on the long-lived union. Maura West (Ava Jerome on General Hospital) wrote, “So beautiful! Congratulations Paula and Maurice! Magical love.”
Actress Finola Hughes who plays Anna Devane added, “Love this SO MUCH💕💕💕💕💕💕.”
Then Scarlett Spears, who plays his TV daughter, commented, “You beautiful love birds! Happy anniversary, Dad! :).”
Fans Also Have Their Say
GH fans chimed in too and one of them commented, “Happy anniversary to you guys. I got the pleasure to meet both of you. She is such a lovely lady.”
Another fan said, “Happy anniversary to you & your gorgeous wife! Wishing many more happy years together!”
What do you think about the relationship between Maurice and his wife Paula? Join the discussion and come back here often for more General Hospital cast news and updates.