Maurice Benard has become so much more than his General Hospital character Sonny Corinthos. He’s become a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental illness. He was honored for his hard work in expanding mental health awareness. At a fan event at The Picture House in Pelham, New York, he opened up about his award, as well as playing Sonny and what he’s gleaned from that iconic role that he’s played since 1993.
He’s a mental health guru
Digital Journal reported on the in-person event that Maurice Benard attended. He explained that his mission in life is to spread mental health awareness, and when asked about it, he incredulously stated, “It was amazing. Mental health has become bigger than myself and the acting world. I can do things to help other people.”
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His character on General Hospital, Sonny, is known as a mobster with a heart of gold because he protects Port Charles from more villainous and nefarious organizations. According to the outlet, he also ruminated about what the role has taught him, remarking, “Playing Sonny taught me that no matter how much chaos is inside my mind and my gut, I can still do it. That I know now with positivity.”
Fans may be surprised to learn that during the first few weeks of being on General Hospital, the actor suffered a mental breakdown and almost quit the show. He would eventually create his YouTube series called State of Mind, in which he talks about mental illness with various guests and finds it cathartic.
At the fan event, he also described what lesson he’s gleaned from hosting that show, explaining, “What State of Mind has taught me is that it’s all about relaxation. You need to be relaxed and in [a] ‘State of Mind.’ I want to make my guests the stars, and not me.” He then admitted that he only talks about himself if he finds it to be necessary for his conversations.
He’s had several past and present General Hospital actors on his show, including Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), Kimberly McCullough (Robin Scorpio), Chad Duell (Michael Corinthos), Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), and the late Tyler Christopher (ex-Nikolas Cassadine). At the event, Benard touched upon his relationship with Christopher, referring to him as a “gentle soul and a talented actor.”
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“Tyler did State of Mind and he was so raw,” Benard stated, adding that Christopher admitted to being homeless a couple of years after he won his Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work on General Hospital in 2016. Sadly, alcohol addiction was responsible for Christopher’s demise; Benard continues to hold his friend in his memory.
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