Maurice Benard has spent more than three decades as one of daytime television’s most magnetic leading men and at 63, the General Hospital star is proving that time is firmly on his side.
Best known for his portrayal of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, Maurice first stepped into the role in 1993. What began as a short-term arc quickly evolved into one of the most iconic characters in soap history. With his brooding intensity, razor-sharp delivery and emotional vulnerability, Sonny became the heartbeat of Port Charles – and Maurice became a household name in the process.
© Getty ImagesBorn in Martinez, California, in 1963, Maurice began his acting career in the late 1980s with a role on All My Children, where he played Nico Kelly. But it was General Hospital that cemented his legacy. Over the years, he has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor, and remains one of the show’s longest-serving cast members.
Part of Maurice’s enduring appeal lies in the depth he has brought to Sonny’s struggles with bipolar disorder – a storyline that closely mirrors his own life. The actor has been open about his personal diagnosis and has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. His honesty has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom credit his portrayal with helping reduce stigma around mental illness.
© Getty ImagesOff-screen, Maurice’s life has been just as grounded. He married his wife Paula in 1990, and the couple share four children. Despite the dramatic twists and turns of soap storylines, Maurice has often spoken about prioritising family and faith above all else. In recent years, he has also hosted his own mental health-focused YouTube series, where he interviews fellow actors and public figures about their personal journeys.
Physically, he remains as striking as ever – with his signature dark hair, piercing gaze and unmistakable presence. As General Hospital continues its historic run, Maurice remains central to its storytelling, despite swirling rumours around his retirement.
© DisneyOn an episode of Richard Taite’s podcast We’re Out of Time in 2025 he asserted that he is definitely not leaving, and that he has about a year left on his contract.
“There have always been a lot of people [saying that]. I think they’re saying I’m dying, too, like I have cancer or something,” he speculated.
© Getty Images“Look, I’m going to retire, but I don’t think it’s going to be before I’m 65,” he further shared, adding that for now, he has no problem letting “people say what they say,” but acquiesced that the show can in fact be “mentally taxing.”
At 63, Maurice isn’t just still standing – he’s thriving. And if his decades-long reign in Port Charles has proven anything, it’s that true soap royalty only grows more captivating with time.
