Maurice Benard Reveals Sad News, He Will Leave ABC General Hospital in September!
Maurice Benard has been a soap opera staple since for over 30 years, having played Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital since 1993.
With more than three decades under his belt, it’s hard to imagine the world of Port Charles without Sonny.
In a new interview on the podcast Soapy, Benard addressed his future with General Hospital. Host Rebecca Budig asked Benard if he’ll still be playing Sonny on GH when he’s 80 years old, like The Bold and the Beautiful‘s John McCook and The Young and the Restless‘ Eric Braeden have done.
“I don’t know, in all honesty, if I can last that long and not because I don’t want to,” Benard explained. “People are going to get mad at me for saying this, but I’m always just going to be honest.
I don’t think mentally if I can keep going that long, and I don’t know if I could act on GH if I’m not at least at 90 percent. That’s the truth.”
He added, “Right now, I’m 62. Maybe another couple of years, three years, and then we’ll see what happens.”
Host Greg Rikaart noted that Benard’s got to do what’s best for him. Benard said he’ll know when it’s time to retire. “I’ll know from mental health,” he said.
When asked about what career he’d have if he wasn’t an actor, Benard said, “I’d say a boxer or a lawyer. I always wanted to be a lawyer.” The Daytime Emmy winner noted that he’s a huge fan of Dateline, 20/20, and Netflix documentaries.
In a previous interview, Benard opened up about a time in 2024 where he didn’t know he’d be able to return. He told Woman’s World that he “called in sick for two weeks—and I’ve never called in sick.
I was in a really rough period where I didn’t sleep at all and had enormous anxiety. It was physical, as well as emotional. I was in bad shape. I didn’t know if I’d ever act again.”
Maurice Benard Shocks Fans with Exit Announcement from General Hospital
The end of an era is near.
In a heartbreaking update that has left longtime General Hospital fans in disbelief, Maurice Benard—who has portrayed the iconic Sonny Corinthos for over three decades—has announced he will be leaving the show this coming September.
Benard shared the news in an emotional video posted to his social media accounts, thanking fans for their unwavering support over the years. “It’s been the role of a lifetime,” he said. “But every story has its ending, and it’s time for me to take a step back.”
Maurice Benard first joined General Hospital in 1993, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the series. As mob boss Sonny Corinthos, he brought depth, vulnerability, and intensity to a character who evolved from villain to anti-hero to fan favorite. His performances, particularly in storylines involving mental health—a subject close to Benard’s heart—earned him critical acclaim and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
For many fans, Benard is GH. His departure feels not just like the end of a character’s journey, but the end of an era. “I grew up watching Sonny. Maurice was the soul of this show,” wrote one devastated fan on Twitter. “GH won’t be the same without him.”
While details about how Sonny’s storyline will wrap up remain under wraps, insiders hint that writers are preparing a “powerful and respectful sendoff” worthy of the character’s legacy. Some speculate Sonny may finally walk away from the mob—or face a tragic end.
As for Benard’s next chapter, the actor says he’s looking forward to spending more time with family, focusing on mental health advocacy, and exploring new creative projects. “I’m not disappearing,” he reassured fans. “Just changing direction.”
ABC has not yet commented on whether the role of Sonny will be recast, or if the character will be retired entirely.
Whatever happens next, Maurice Benard’s departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill. For now, fans are bracing for an emotional farewell this fall—one that’s sure to be unforgettable.
