maurice benard

Maurice Benard is an Emmy Award-winning actor best known for his long-standing role as Sonny Corinthos on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’ and an advocate for mental health awareness. After making his television debut as Nico Kelly in the ABC daytime soap opera ‘All My Children’ in 1987, Maurice Benard quickly established himself as a compelling actor, holding the role until 1990. Following this, he transitioned to feature film and television, securing the lead role portraying Desi Arnaz in the 1991 TV movie Lucy and Desi: Before the Laughter, and appearing in the feature film Ruby. In August 1993, Benard joined the iconic cast of General Hospital as the pivotal character Sonny Corinthos, a role he has masterfully portrayed for over three decades.

Benard further expanded his filmography by starring in The Ghost and the Whale in 2017, showcasing his range. In 2019, he delivered a powerful performance as infamous mob boss John Gotti in the Lifetime crime film Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter, demonstrating his versatility in dramatic roles. Benard is also a prominent and passionate advocate for mental health awareness. He has openly discussed his experiences with bipolar disorder, engaging with organizations like the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) for campaigns such as ‘Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?’ to educate the public.

His dedication to advocacy is seamlessly integrated into his professional work, with his character Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital also living with bipolar disorder, providing a realistic portrayal of the condition on national television. Most recently, Maurice Benard was honored with the 2024 Cinehealth Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound impact both on-screen and through his crucial advocacy.