Maurice Benard’s Crossroads: The Decision That Will Change General Hospital Forever

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Maurice Benard’s home office as he stared at the contract renewal documents spread across his desk. For 32 years, he has breathed life into Sonny Corinthos—the complex mob boss who became synonymous with General Hospital’s modern era. But now, at 62, Maurice faced the most difficult decision of his career: should he continue playing Sonny, or step away to fully embrace his growing passion for mental health advocacy?

A Career Defined by Sonny Corinthos

Since 1993, Maurice Benard has portrayed Sonny with intensity, nuance, and vulnerability, elevating him from just another soap opera mobster into a layered, iconic character. Sonny’s journey—from ruthless enforcer to conflicted family man—reflected the balance between darkness and redemption. For millions of fans, Sonny wasn’t just a character; he was the heartbeat of Port Charles.

But behind the camera, Maurice has faced his own battles. Living with bipolar disorder, he has been open about the toll it takes and the strength required to keep performing at such a demanding pace. Earlier in 2025, Maurice shocked fans by taking two weeks off—his first real break in over three decades.

“That’s when it hit me,” he later admitted to his wife, Paula. “If I had needed another week, they would have had to temporarily recast Sonny. Maybe it’s time to be honest about what I really want to do with my life.”

The Rise of State of Mind

Maurice’s passion project, his YouTube series State of Mind, has grown into something larger than he ever anticipated. With more than 155,000 subscribers and an ever-expanding audience, the channel has become a safe space for people to share personal struggles with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma.

But Maurice wasn’t satisfied with just interviewing his soap opera colleagues. He envisioned more—“State of Mind on the Streets”—a series where he would talk to everyday people, from homeless veterans to struggling single parents.

“The real impact,” Maurice explained, “is giving a voice to those who don’t normally have one. I don’t want sound bites. I want real conversations that show people they’re not alone.”

Art Imitating Life

As September 2025 unfolded, Sonny Corinthos found himself at a fictional crossroads, mirroring Maurice’s real-life dilemma. Sonny faced mysterious chest pains, looming questions about his legacy, and growing violence in the wake of Drew Cain’s shooting.

During an emotional scene opposite Laura Wright (Carly), Maurice felt the blur between character and actor. Delivering lines about prioritizing family and stepping away from the mob, Maurice later confessed:

“I wasn’t just acting Sonny’s words—I was speaking my own truth.”

The Difficult Conversation

Maurice requested a private meeting with General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini. Over lunch in Burbank, he laid out his heart:

“I’m not walking away from Sonny out of anger or frustration. I’m walking toward something that could save lives. The suicide rates in this country are staggering, Frank. If State of Mind can reach just one person and stop them from ending their life, then I’ve done something meaningful.”

Frank, who has stood by Maurice through personal struggles, listened with compassion. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was clear: Maurice needed to follow this calling.

The Industry and Fan Response

News of Maurice’s impending departure sent shockwaves through the daytime TV world. Co-stars like Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) weren’t surprised, having witnessed Maurice’s dedication to mental health advocacy.

“This isn’t a publicity stunt,” Burton told friends. “This is Maurice’s life mission.”

Writers Liz Korte and Chris Van Etten began crafting an exit storyline designed to honor Sonny’s legacy. Instead of death or violent downfall, Sonny would make a conscious choice—stepping away from the mob to prioritize his family and launch a foundation focused on mental health.

A Farewell Worthy of Sonny

By autumn, scripts were finalized. Sonny’s health scare and the escalating mob violence pushed him to make peace with his past. His goodbye to Carly was poignant:

“I’ve spent 30 years fighting other people’s battles. Maybe it’s time I fight for something that really matters—our children’s future, our family’s peace of mind.”

The final scenes showed Sonny leaving Port Charles, not defeated, but reborn. In a mirror to Maurice’s real life, Sonny launched a mental health foundation.

Maurice’s Next Chapter

Offscreen, Maurice dove headfirst into expanding State of Mind. He launched on the streets interviews in Los Angeles, organized global Zoom support sessions, and began laying the groundwork for a nonprofit foundation.

“These aren’t therapy sessions,” he clarified. “I’m not a doctor. But I can create a safe space. And sometimes, that’s enough.”

His final day on set wasn’t just a farewell—it was a celebration. Cast and crew honored not only his legendary run but his courage to step into a new role: one of America’s most prominent mental health advocates.

Laura Wright summed it up best:

“Maurice isn’t leaving a job. He’s starting a movement.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Maurice Benard’s final State of Mind filmed in his dressing room was both a goodbye and a beginning.

“This isn’t the end of our conversations,” he told viewers. “This is just the beginning of taking those conversations where they’re needed most.”

In January 2026, Maurice will officially step away from General Hospital. His departure marks not just the end of an era for Sonny Corinthos but the start of something bigger: a new mission to break stigmas, save lives, and expand the conversation around mental health.

Because sometimes, the most important decision isn’t about what you’re leaving behind—it’s about what you’re moving toward.