SAD NEWS! Maurice Benard officially leaves GH to go on solo tour | General Hospital Spoilers
Maurice Benard’s Shocking Summer Exit from General Hospital: Inside the Tour, Fan Reactions, and What’s Next for Sonny Corinthos
In a bombshell announcement that has sent shockwaves through the daytime television world, General Hospital star Maurice Benard revealed on April 12th, 2025, that he will be temporarily stepping away from his iconic role as Sonny Corinthos. The reason? A highly anticipated summer tour titled I Want You Live in ‘25, which will take the Emmy-winning actor across America for two weeks of live appearances, storytelling, and inspiration.
This news has ignited both excitement and concern across the fan base, especially given the critical storyline Sonny is currently embroiled in—his battle with bipolar disorder and his ever-complex entanglements in the criminal underworld of Port Charles. With Maurice Benard’s departure coming at such a pivotal moment, questions are swirling about how the show will handle the absence of a character who has defined General Hospital for over three decades.
The Announcement Heard ‘Round Port Charles
Maurice Benard, age 62, has played Sonny Corinthos since 1993, becoming one of the most beloved—and essential—characters in the show’s rich 60+ year history. The announcement that he would be stepping away, even temporarily, rocked the General Hospital community. As word spread on April 12th, fan forums, social media, and entertainment news outlets exploded with reactions. Hashtags like #SaveSonny and #BringBackBenard began trending, while fans scrambled to process what this meant for the show.
Many wondered if this departure could be permanent. Was this just the first step in Maurice quietly exiting GH after 32 years? Would Sonny be written off dramatically—or simply disappear offscreen?
Benard’s team was quick to clarify: this is a temporary leave, strictly for the duration of the tour. Maurice plans to return to filming General Hospital by late summer. Yet that hasn’t stopped passionate speculation—and some panic—among loyal viewers.
Inside the Tour: “I Want You Live in ‘25”
Organized by Coastal Entertainment, I Want You Live in ‘25 is more than a traditional fan event. Beginning July 8th in Addison, Texas and ending July 20th in Richmond, Virginia, the tour will span over a dozen U.S. cities, including major stops like Boston, Cleveland, and Detroit. In each location, Maurice will share personal stories, behind-the-scenes tales from General Hospital, and candid reflections on his mental health journey.
According to the official event description, fans can expect an intimate evening that blends entertainment, advocacy, and connection. Maurice will open up about his decades-long acting career, his experience living with bipolar disorder, and the lessons he’s learned on and off-screen. This is a deeply personal venture—one that aligns with Benard’s ongoing mission to destigmatize mental illness.
Ticket prices range from $45 to $150, depending on location and package, with VIP options that include photo ops and private meet-and-greets. Average ticket prices hover around $110, while some premium VIP experiences are expected to top $200. Given Benard’s devoted following, many performances are predicted to sell out rapidly.
A Tour with Purpose: Mental Health, Memoirs, and Meaning
Benard’s openness about his struggles with bipolar disorder has been groundbreaking in the soap world. Diagnosed at age 22, Maurice has spent years using his platform to raise awareness, educate others, and inspire those going through similar challenges.
In 2020, his memoir Nothing General About It: How Love and Lithium Saved Me On and Off General Hospital became a New York Times bestseller, offering raw insight into his diagnosis, mental health battles, and the stabilizing power of love, family, and treatment. With rare vulnerability, Maurice detailed hallucinations, delusions, and suicidal thoughts—shedding light on the complexities of bipolar disorder in a way few public figures have dared.
The summer tour will extend this advocacy mission. Attendees can expect candid conversations about mental illness, resilience, and recovery. As Maurice puts it, “By telling the truth about our pain, we can start to heal—and help others heal too.”
Benard also hosts State of Mind, a popular YouTube series where he interviews fellow actors, mental health professionals, and others about emotional well-being. His goal has always been to create a safe space—and I Want You Live in ‘25 is an extension of that vision.
Fan Frenzy: Reactions, Speculation, and Social Media Uproar
The moment the news broke, fans lit up every corner of the internet. Some were thrilled for the chance to meet Maurice in person. Others were devastated at the thought of Sonny Corinthos disappearing—even briefly—from Port Charles.
Facebook groups and Discord chats sprang into action, with fans hosting emergency meetups to discuss theories. Will Sonny be kidnapped by a new villain? Flee town on a secret mission? Be presumed dead? Could Jason or Carly take the reins of the Corinthos empire in his absence?
In just hours, thousands of fans posted tributes to Sonny, sharing favorite moments—from emotional breakdowns and tender family scenes to fierce mob showdowns and rare moments of levity. For many, Maurice isn’t just an actor—they’ve “grown up” with him, and his portrayal of Sonny has been a constant through decades of real-life change.
Some even began organizing cross-state road trips to attend multiple tour stops, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to thank Maurice for what he’s meant to them.
Back in Port Charles: How Will GH Handle Sonny’s Absence?
Behind the scenes at General Hospital, writers and producers are scrambling to rewrite scripts and reframe storylines. Sonny isn’t just a supporting character—he’s the linchpin of GH’s most high-stakes arcs, from mob turf wars to complex family sagas.
According to inside sources, several potential explanations for Sonny’s disappearance are being considered. One leading idea involves Sonny leaving for secret business dealings—perhaps expanding his empire into unfamiliar territory. Another theory suggests a high-stakes kidnapping storyline that will send ripple effects through the entire cast, offering dramatic possibilities for characters like Carly, Jason, Ava, and Dex.
Regardless of the direction, Maurice’s absence means other characters will need to step up. Writers are reportedly looking at this as both a creative challenge and an opportunity to spotlight underused characters or launch new arcs in unexpected directions.
Maurice’s Commitment: Not Goodbye—Just See You Later
Despite the whirlwind of speculation, Maurice Benard remains clear about one thing: he is not leaving General Hospital for good.
In a recent press conference, the actor reaffirmed his loyalty to the show and assured fans that he will return. “This isn’t a goodbye—it’s a see you later,” he said. “I love General Hospital. I love Sonny. And I love our fans. I just need this time to do something meaningful—and I’ll be back before you know it.”
His representatives echoed this sentiment in a formal statement, emphasizing that Maurice remains “deeply committed” to his role and the show. The tour, they insist, is simply another way for him to connect with the audience he holds so dear.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future of GH
While Maurice Benard’s tour will only last two weeks, the full scope of his leave—including prep and recovery—means he could be offscreen for close to a month. That’s a significant absence for a character so central to the show’s fabric.
But General Hospital has weathered major transitions before. With smart writing and compelling arcs, Sonny’s brief disappearance could set the stage for major developments in Port Charles. Who will rise in his absence? What secrets might be exposed? And how will his return shake things up?
Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: Maurice Benard remains one of the most influential, respected, and beloved figures in daytime television. His summer tour will offer fans a rare chance to see the man behind the mobster, hear the truth behind the character, and share in a journey of healing, humor, and hope.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Fans can visit the official event website for a full list of cities, dates, and ticket options for I Want You Live in ‘25. With high demand and limited seats, early booking is highly recommended—especially for VIP packages and premium seating.
From emotional reflection to hilarious stories from the GH set, every stop on this tour promises a night fans will never forget. And when Sonny returns to Port Charles later this summer, viewers will be watching even more closely—knowing just how much Maurice Benard has given both onscreen and off.
