Bombshell News!! Maurice Benard reveals sad news, he will retire in 2026 ABC General Hospital Spoilers

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General Hospital Shocker: Maurice Benard to Retire as Sonny Corinthos in 2026 — What’s Next for Port Charles?

Welcome back to GH Spoilers, where today we delve into one of the most monumental shifts ever to hit General Hospital. After over three decades of delivering powerhouse performances as mob boss Sonny Corinthos, Maurice Benard is officially preparing to say goodbye. The veteran actor, who first stepped into Sonny’s shoes in 1993, has confirmed that he will retire from General Hospital in early 2026. This isn’t just the end of a character’s run — it’s the closing of a historic chapter in daytime television.

Maurice Benard Confirms Retirement: A Farewell Years in the Making

Maurice Benard, born in 1962, has portrayed Sonny Corinthos with such depth and emotional authenticity that the character became synonymous with him. Over the years, Benard has been candid with fans about his personal journey with bipolar disorder, a struggle he shares with his character. Through interviews, social media posts, and his acclaimed podcast State of Mind, Maurice has openly explored mental health topics, earning the respect of fans and fellow actors alike.

For years, Benard hinted that retirement was on the horizon. He’d muse about it during interviews or post reflective messages about his future on social media. But now, those musings have crystallized into a real and final decision. At 63, Maurice Benard has chosen to focus on his health and spend more time with his family — a decision rooted in peace, self-care, and purpose.

Sonny Corinthos: A Complex, Iconic Character

When Maurice Benard first appeared as Sonny Corinthos, the character was a shady strip club owner. Over time, Sonny transformed into the heartbeat of General Hospital — a layered antihero caught between a brutal criminal empire and complicated personal relationships. Ruthless when necessary, fiercely loyal, and emotionally fragile beneath the surface, Sonny was never a one-dimensional villain.

What made Sonny so groundbreaking wasn’t just his storylines but Benard’s ability to reflect his own personal battles on screen. Sonny’s bipolar diagnosis paralleled Maurice’s real-life experience, creating a profound sense of authenticity. The manic highs, the depressive crashes, the inner turmoil — all felt painfully real because they were real.

Maurice didn’t just play Sonny. He lived him. And fans lived every moment alongside him.

The Impending Void: What Happens to Sonny Corinthos?

With Maurice’s departure locked in for 2026, General Hospital writers now face a colossal decision: Should Sonny be recast or written off entirely?

Recasting is nothing new in the soap world. Characters have been given new faces for decades, often successfully. But Sonny Corinthos isn’t just another character. And Maurice Benard isn’t just another actor. His portrayal is deeply embedded in Sonny’s DNA, and fans will inevitably compare any replacement to the original.

On the other hand, writing Sonny off could bring dramatic closure. A powerful death storyline would ripple through Port Charles like an earthquake, affecting nearly every major character — Carly, Michael, Dante, Jason, Ava, and Nina among them. Such an exit would allow Maurice to bow out with finality and emotional resonance, closing the book on one of the genre’s most iconic characters.

Alternatively, a softer exit — Sonny disappearing into hiding, retiring from the mob, or starting anew elsewhere — could preserve his legacy and leave the door open for occasional returns. This would give the character a graceful goodbye while respecting Maurice’s decision.

Port Charles Will Never Be the Same

No matter how Sonny exits, the challenge for the writers is enormous. How do you write the end of a man who has weathered betrayal, mental illness, shootouts, and moral gray areas for over 30 years? Sonny is both a criminal and a redeemer, a father and a flawed lover, a protector and a destroyer.

His exit storyline will need to carry emotional weight, callbacks to classic moments, reunions with key characters, and perhaps even unexpected forgiveness or redemption. There’s a high chance the show will honor his legacy with tributes, dramatic reckonings, and heart-wrenching confrontations.

Maurice Benard’s Legacy Beyond Acting

Maurice’s contribution to General Hospital extends far beyond the scenes he filmed. He has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and is widely credited with bringing nuance and humanity to a traditionally hard-edged archetype. But perhaps more importantly, he’s helped bring mental health into the spotlight in daytime TV.

His podcast, State of Mind, features raw and honest discussions with guests — often fellow actors — about mental health. These conversations have helped countless fans feel seen, validated, and encouraged to seek support. Maurice’s influence goes far beyond the screen. He’s not just leaving a character behind — he’s leaving a legacy of compassion and courage.

The Final Chapters: What to Expect

As we look toward 2026, Sonny Corinthos’s final storylines are poised to be must-watch television. Expect emotional depth, explosive twists, and a celebration of everything this character has meant to fans.

Long-simmering rivalries may reignite.
Past characters could return for one last goodbye.
Redemption arcs, shocking betrayals, and heartfelt reunions will likely dominate Sonny’s farewell.

Writers will likely build story arcs that allow Sonny to reflect on his past — perhaps seeking forgiveness from those he’s hurt, reaffirming love with those he’s protected, and confronting his own legacy head-on.

This will be a season of reckoning, not just for Sonny, but for General Hospital itself.

A Moment of Transition

Maurice Benard’s retirement marks a profound shift in the fabric of General Hospital. He has been its gravitational center for decades — a man whose presence shaped the direction, tone, and heart of the show. Losing him will be like losing a piece of the show’s soul.

But as Maurice exits, we also reflect with gratitude. He didn’t just deliver lines — he told a story that helped countless fans through their own struggles. He used his platform to lift others and brought mental health conversations to the forefront of a genre that once shied away from such topics.

Maurice Benard changed the game.

Next on GH Spoilers: Drew Cain’s Descent Into Darkness

As Port Charles prepares to say goodbye to one of its greatest legends, another storm is brewing — and this time, it’s centered around Drew Cain. From shadowy blackmail plots to chilling manipulations, Drew’s transformation has left fans stunned and deeply unsettled.

It all began with a single, sinister object: a vial of ketamine. Handed over by Brad Cooper in a tense and mysterious exchange, this vial is more than just a prop — it’s a loaded weapon. Brad’s reluctance speaks volumes, but he ultimately complies, recognizing the danger simmering beneath Drew’s calm demeanor.

This small act opens the door to a larger, far darker plan. Drew’s possession of the drug hints at his willingness to cross lines that were once unthinkable — and Port Charles may never be the same.

Stay tuned as we break down the disturbing fallout: Drew’s blackmail of Portia Robinson, his toxic hold over Willow, the shadowy role of Nina Reeves, and the master plan that could upend the entire town.