Maurice Benard’s Sonny Corinthos is one of the central characters in the ABC soap opera General Hospital, and the viewers want to know whether he is leaving the series. Before making his debut on General Hospital, Benard portrayed Nico Kelly in All My Children. However, his depiction of Sonny Corinthos as a manic depressive mob boss garnered him widespread fame and critical acclaim and even won him multiple Daytime Emmys. Accordingly, fans are concerned as reports of Benard potentially leaving General Hospital have begun circulating online.
Here is what we have learned about whether Maurice Benard is leaving General Hospital after Season 61.
Is Maurice Benard leaving General Hospital after Season 61?
As of early July 2024, there is no confirmed report on Benard’s departure from General Hospital after Season 61.
However, he has hinted at and spoken about quitting the show several times over the years. Back in November 2023, a social media user on one of his Facebook posts offered him the unsolicited advice of retiring. While his fans immediately came to the actor’s defense, Benard posted the following cryptic words, “Be careful what you wish for.” (via Soaps.com)
This made his fans wonder whether they would soon have to say goodbye to Sonny. Even before that, in April 2022, during a live episode of his YouTube show State of Mind, Benard reflected on his future as an actor. He said that while he was “happy right now” with his work in General Hospital, that happiness came in “waves.”
“Acting isn’t what it was when I was young. Sometimes it’s difficult, and it hits me in places… that I don’t like, like ugh,” he added.
The actor also speculated on what he would do if he ever left General Hospital. “If I ever left, I want to bring State of Mind in a place where I can make a good enough living to just do this,” Benard explained. “There’s less pressure here for me, and I can still work with the mental health. I don’t know when, but soon enough, I’ll be done with. Sorry. I hate to say that, but it’s the truth,” he added.
Does Sonny die in General Hospital Season 61?
As of early July 2024, neither Benard nor any producer of General Hospital has spoken about Sonny’s potential death in season 61. Introduced in 1993, Sonny remains one of the most important characters in the series. However, when Benard would probably tell the writers that he is ready to move on, they will likely find a way to accommodate his request. A potential option in this regard is indeed the character’s death, though they can also choose to recast him.
