Huge Sad News 😠General Hospital Sonny Drops !! Very Heartbreaking 😠News !! It Will Shock You
Maurice Benard, known for his iconic portrayal of Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle that almost led to a significant change in the beloved soap opera. Benard revealed the harrowing experience he faced, which forced him to take a break from work and nearly resulted in the recasting of his character.
For those who follow Benard closely, his struggles with mental health are not new. The actor has been open about his battle with bipolar disorder, and fans admire his willingness to share his experiences. However, the recent events he described were particularly intense and alarming. Benard began by reassuring his fans that he is currently okay, but for a time over the past month, things were touch and go.
Benard recounted how his anxiety began to spiral out of control about a month ago. It was a familiar feeling for the actor, but this time, it was different. The anxiety seemed relentless, and he struggled to pinpoint the triggers. “A lot of that is my fault,” Benard admitted, reflecting on his decision not to attend therapy as regularly as he should have. He emphasized the importance of therapy, stating that everyone should prioritize it, especially when dealing with mental health issues.
Adding to the complexity of his situation was the role he plays on General Hospital. Sonny Corinthos, his character, is bipolar and was recently off his medication in the storyline. While Benard doesn’t believe this was the primary cause of his anxiety, he acknowledged that it may have contributed to the intensity of his emotions. The pressure of playing such a challenging role, combined with his own mental health struggles, created a perfect storm.
To make matters worse, Benard’s wife and son were in Europe at the time, leaving him without his usual support system. “They’re the two people who, when I’m going through anything, can talk me out of it or talk me down,” Benard explained. Without them, he felt isolated and struggled to manage his anxiety. He began experiencing severe insomnia, waking up in the middle of the night shaking and unable to return to sleep. The medication he was taking wasn’t helping, and he felt too embarrassed to reach out to his wife or son, not wanting to ruin their vacation.
Fortunately, Benard’s daughters, Cassidy and Kaylee, were with him during this difficult time. They, along with his friends, provided support, but nothing seemed to alleviate his symptoms. Despite seeing multiple doctors and attending therapy, his condition continued to deteriorate. His loved ones were deeply concerned, and they prayed for his recovery, which Benard described as “amazing” in terms of the compassion and love he received.
Even with this support, Benard made the tough decision to avoid taking additional medication. This choice, he admits, was incredibly challenging, but he felt it was the right one for him. His friends remained by his side throughout the ordeal, offering their unwavering support, no matter the time of day or night. Benard expressed profound gratitude for their dedication, recognizing how vital their presence was during his darkest moments.
As the days passed, Benard knew he had to return to work at General Hospital. However, the thought of going back was overwhelming. He wasn’t sure if he could handle it, given the state of his mental health. Fortunately, Benard’s boss, executive producer Frank Valentini, was understanding and compassionate. Valentini gave Benard two weeks off to focus on his well-being, a gesture that Benard deeply appreciated. “He was the most generous, compassionate person,” Benard said, praising Valentini’s kindness.
However, General Hospital is a fast-paced production, and the show couldn’t afford to wait indefinitely. The storyline involving Sonny was intense, and the show had to go on, with or without Benard. If he had needed more time off, the show would have been forced to recast Sonny, a prospect that Benard found deeply distressing. “If I had to recast, I’d have been in really bad shape,” he admitted. The thought of someone else playing the character he had embodied for so long was almost too much to bear.
Thankfully, after a couple of weeks, Benard’s wife and son returned home, which provided some comfort. Their presence helped, but it wasn’t a complete solution to his struggles. Eventually, Benard decided to check into a treatment facility, hoping it would offer the help he needed. However, after just one day, he realized it wasn’t the right fit for him. “As soon as I got into the facility, my gut said there’s no way I can do this here,” Benard shared. Trusting his instincts, he left the facility and returned home, determined to find another way to heal.
Back at work, Benard found himself shooting some of the most intense scenes of his career. These scenes, he hinted, would be apparent to viewers when they air, as they were filmed during one of the most challenging periods of his life. After the second day of filming, Benard was filled with anger and tension. “It was kind of like, what more can I do here?” he questioned, feeling overwhelmed by the emotional toll of his work and personal life.
When he got home, Benard finally reached his breaking point. He unleashed all the emotions he had been holding in, going on what he described as a “rant” in front of his wife and son. He felt immense guilt for putting them through such an intense experience, calling himself a failure, a bad father, and a bad husband. It was a raw, unfiltered moment of vulnerability.
But instead of reacting with concern or frustration, Benard’s son, Joshua, offered a surprising response. “Dad, that was a great monologue,” Joshua said, which marked a turning point for Benard. His son’s comment helped him start to feel better and begin the process of healing.
Benard concluded by encouraging others not to hold in their emotions, especially during tough times. He emphasized the importance of letting oneself feel and express emotions, as a necessary step towards recovery. “You can do it,” he urged his viewers. “You just got to keep moving forward.” Reflecting on a piece of advice from his wife, he reminded everyone, “You are stronger than you know,” a truth that resonated deeply with him as he continues to navigate his journey towards mental wellness.
