Soap Legend Shocker: Maurice Benard Breaks Silence on Sonny’s Final Scene and His Plans to Retire from General Hospital

For more than three decades, Maurice Benard has been the face, the voice, and the heart behind one of daytime television’s most unforgettable characters—Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. But in a revelation that has left fans stunned and emotional, Benard has finally opened up about Sonny’s last chapter and his own plans to say goodbye to the show that has defined a significant part of his life.

In a recent candid interview, the Emmy-winning actor shared that Sonny’s final scene has already been mapped out in his mind—down to the emotions he hopes to convey. “I’ve lived with Sonny for over 30 years,” Benard said. “When the day comes, I want his last moment to be something that honors the character, the fans, and everything we’ve been through together.”

For viewers who have followed Sonny’s journey—from mob boss to devoted father, from villain to reluctant hero—the idea of an ending feels almost unthinkable. Benard admitted that it won’t be easy for him either. “I’m not just leaving a job,” he explained. “I’m leaving a family. The cast, the crew, the fans—they’ve been my life for decades.”

The decision to step away from General Hospital didn’t come overnight. Benard revealed he had been quietly considering retirement for years, weighing the demands of the role against his personal life and mental health. Known for speaking openly about his struggles with bipolar disorder, he emphasized that his well-being has always been a priority. “I’ve always said—if the work stops being fulfilling, or if it starts to take away from the things that matter most, it’s time to move on,” he said.

While no official date for his departure has been announced, the very thought of GH without Sonny Corinthos has already stirred deep reactions across social media. Fans have shared memories of their favorite Sonny storylines, from his tumultuous romance with Brenda to his complex relationships with his children and his battles to protect his territory. Many expressed gratitude for how Benard’s portrayal brought authenticity and depth to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional soap villain.

Benard’s legacy goes beyond his on-screen work. Over the years, he has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, often weaving his own experiences into Sonny’s storylines. “The letters I’ve received from people saying that Sonny’s struggles helped them get help themselves—that’s the kind of thing I’ll carry with me forever,” he said.

As for what comes next, Benard is keeping his options open. He hinted at possible new projects, from writing to producing, but admitted that a slower pace of life sounds appealing. “For years, I’ve been in this constant rhythm—memorizing lines, shooting scenes, doing press. I’m ready to take a breath and see what else life has for me,” he shared.

And Sonny’s farewell? Benard isn’t giving away spoilers, but promised it will be worth the wait. “I want people to feel something. Whether it’s heartbreak, hope, or a little bit of both—that’s up to the writers and me to deliver. All I can say is, when that final scene comes, it will be real. And it will be Sonny.”

For now, fans can continue to enjoy Sonny’s presence in Port Charles, knowing that each moment on screen is part of a closing chapter in soap opera history. When that final day comes, it will mark not just the end of a character, but the end of an era—one defined by passion, drama, and the unforgettable charisma of Maurice Benard.