General Hospital star Maurice Benard is an important part of the ABC soap opera. Since 1993, he’s played mob boss Sonny Corinthos, a role that won him three Daytime Emmys. While fans have a love/hate relationship with his character, there’s no denying Benard is a talented actor. Benard is killing it in the current storyline with Sonny’s downfall, but it’s also raising concern about the actor’s future.
General Hospital Fans Worry Maurice Benard Is Leaving
The character of Sonny has a reputation of being untouchable on General Hospital. Despite being a mob boss and committing crimes, he never is punished. But that’s all changing.
Sonny’s world is slowly starting to crumble. First, he’s cut out most of his family and friends because he felt betrayed by them. Now, the mob kingpin faces the prospect of prison. Police commissioner Anna Devane, who was once a Sonny supporter, is spearheading a campaign to have him arrested.
While the storyline makes for great drama, it’s also sparking speculation about the character’s future. Some viewers think the current direction of the story is setting up Benard’s exit. The possibility of Benard and his character Sonny leaving is a hot topic discussion on Soap Central.
One fan expressed worry that Benard’s exit is coming.
My inner gut is telling me that MB and TPTB know when he is going to retire. And all of this is a gradual set up for that. I could be wrong, but this time seems different than just a spiral due to meds.
Another commenter agreed with the theory.
I’ve wondered that too. I don’t think it’s going to happen in the next few months, but they may be setting the stage for Mo’s retirement in the coming year.
Another fan hopes Benard stays with the show.
I so hope that Maurice isn’t anywhere close to retiring. GH would be a mere shadow of itself without the fascinating, complex, rich character of Sonny Corinthos.
There’s been no news about Benard’s status with the soap opera. But in the past Benard has discussed the possibility of retiring. During a 2022 episode of his State of Mind podcast, the actor talked about eventually leaving the show.
If I ever left [GH], I would want to bring this State of Mind in a place where I could make a good enough living to just do this. I think there’s less pressure here for me, and I can still work with mental health. But acting…I don’t know when, but soon enough I’ll be done with it. Sorry. I hate to say that, but it’s the truth.
Soap operas are unpredictable, so fans will have to wait and see how Sonny’s storyline plays out. But if Benard does leave, one must wonder how the show will do without him and his character.
