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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Must Say Goodbye to Mike As Maurice Benard Delivers Heartbreaking Performance

By Michael Fairman

Published

8 years ago

on

Photo Credit: ABC

Any of us who has watched their loved one slip further away from Alzheimer’s disease could relate to exactly what Sonny Corinthos (Mauice Benard) was feeling on Tuesday’s episode of General Hospital.

It is always a tough and horrific decision when families contemplate what to do with (in this case) a parent, and where is the best place for them to live out the remainder of their days.  Sometimes, it’s clear cut and easy, and sometimes it’s difficult.

In the case of Mike Corbin (Max Gail), Sonny and Carly (Laura Wright) gave him a home and safe place to be, but as the disease progressed and as Mike’s reality becomes his own, and has he has been losing more self-control. it becomes apparent that they need to be able to give him the best life they can now.

In story, Griffin (Matt Cohen) points this out to Sonny and Carly when they discuss the progression of the disease on Mike.  It is apparent that Mike wants to go live with, and be with his “girlfriend’ Yvonne at Turning Woods.  Sonny and Carly struggle to come to term with that fact, but know they must let him go.   It is tough for them to put Mike permanently at the care facility.  Sonny thinks he may have been too selfish by keeping Mike with them so long.  Ultimately, he arranges a room for his father at the facility.

Mike comes downstairs after packing his bags, and thanks them for taking him in.  Hey says, that they are nice people, but that Yvonne is waiting for him, so he is moving in with her.  Sonny tells his dad, he has a room at the Corinthos’ home any time he wants it.

In the most touching moment, Carly offers to drive Mike to get to Yvonne faster.  He really appreciates it, and Sonny decides to just let Carly do this alone, because it would be too difficult on him to watch his father check-in and have to leave him behind.

Before he heads out, Mike forgets his gloves and he goes upstairs to look for them.  Sonny decides to check Mike’s suitcase to see if they are in there, and begins to break down.  He sees the framed photo of himself and his father from the Nurses’ Ball last year, and packs it in Mike’s suitcase.  After Carly drives off with Mike, Sonny begins to cry.

We have to give kudos to Maurice Benard in these scenes.  Anyone who has been witness to watching a parent go through this most dreadful disease, could feel his pain.  It was a heartbreaking and raw performance.

So, what did you think of the scenes where Sonny must let his father leave his home and move into the care facility?  Share your thoughts via the comment section below.  And in case you missed some of the scenes, check them out here.

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Max and Maurice have been brilliant in this storyline.

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I think the three of them did a fantastic job yesterday with Mike’s move!

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Great performance from Max and Maurice they brought tears to my eyes.

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Me too

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This has been one of the most real and heartbreaking storylines GH has done in a number of years. Kudos to everyone involved.

Max Gail deserves all the praise and accolades headed his way. Look forward to seeing him on that Emmy stage. Maurice Benard gets more criticism than perhaps any actor in daytime today. People say he always plays the same roles, the same stories. His performance in this story has been anything but the same. He’s been excellent. Of course, some people would rather walk over broken glass barefoot than ever give Maurice credit for anything.

Honorable mention to Laura Wright, Vernee Watson, Nigel Gibbs as Marcus and Janet Hubert as Yvonne for their roles in the story, as well. It’s been riveting to watch, particularly for anyone that has lost someone to Alzheimer’s.

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I agree Dan, Maurice could cure cancer and his naysayers would still bitch!

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I agree with both you and Dan, T…..Maurice’s performance has risen tenfold.
TPTB have given Sonny a heart; which is a complete oxymoron if you ask me. One cannot have a heart and be a killer.
The criticism fits the actions—Sonny is a murderer. How does the viewer reconcile himself/herself with that fact? The criticism is warranted—-the same for Carly. They constantly point fingers at Ava, as some inept mother and hortible perdon……okay, she has done “b.b.baaad to the bone” stuff—-And, what has Sonny done? Serve as a choir boy? Hypocrites…. Clearly Sonny is transforming….isn’t he? If he is, then Sonny can no longer exist in Prt Charles. Once Max is gone, Sonny’s fangs will come out again.
Sonny loves his father. The tears are real. The pain is real. Maurice really stepped up.
However, regardless of this display of a loving son; Sonny is still a murderer.
Max has completely stolen my heart……yet, I can’t stand Aunt Stella–nothing spectacular–she has a secret. That interests me–Curtis is Marcus’ son….
Janet Hubert? Fantastique!!
Methinks “Ye gods” are doing their best to score points for Sonny. I love Maurice….But, I still despise Sonny. What are TPTB trying to do? To use Su0000 infamous words: “they’re trying to sissify Sonny”.❤️

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I have a love/hate relationship with Maurice of which he is blissfully unaware. That said, I think it’s important to point out when he pulls in a poignantly powerful performance. Yes, sometimes I think he mugs it up too much but when he stops trying and allows the pure hush of the emotions run through him, it’s a beautiful thing. He did this with his farewell scene with his father and it should be noted and appreciated. Yes, he was good.

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Hi I’m agreeing with u about Maurice but those who criticize him know he does not write the story lines and his character has changed tremendously in my book, he is a lot more forgiven, back in the day Ava, Julian, Franco would be gone. And as far as I’m concerned I don’t want his character to change I like Sonny Corinthos just the way he is, and as for Maurice in my opinion I think he is the greatest actor of my time, he’s right up there with Charlton Heston.

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You are so right, Bren. I am so sick of the Sonny bashing. Maurice does not control his story lines; I’m sure there were a few that he would have preferred not to do, but he is not a prima donna like Tony Geary. If they took Sonny off GH, I would stop watching.

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Thank you, finally someone who understands.

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Hi, Alic…..I think you are conflating the actor with the character. We fans, do not criticize the actor or the character’s storylines. We criticize the idea that Sonny is a murderer, yet he is idolized. That’s the crux of the matter—the behavior of the character is unacceptable to me ……it is as barbaric as killing babies. My opinion.

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Dear Celia, preach! You are much kinder to the actor than I have been, but I do take your point.

It all boils down to this, however: Sonny is a murderer. It was bad enough when Luke, a known rapist, was turned into a hero, which translated into unparalleled ratings. The writers and producers have thus tried in vain to turn the murderous Sonny into a hero as well, to make the audience feel empathy for him. They bound him to a wheelchair, they killed off his son, they gave him a father with Alzheimer’s disease, and they have devised other countless plot twists all in an effort, in part, to help the actor garner Emmy nominations and, further, to make the character of their anointed leading man more palatable, so that, maybe, just maybe, the viewers could overlook — or even forget — that the character is a dark, abusive, cold-blooded murderer.

I’m not buying it. I never have. I never will…

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Yeah, well, it’s a soap and I like Sonny and a few other murderers on GH too.

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Hello, James,
Believe me, my friend—-my sentiments for Maurice do concur with yours, as far as his acting goes.
His performance, as the doleful son, has been impressive, comparatively speaking. Having been exposed to stuttering, forgetting his lines, acutely lacking charisma etc., Maurice has been “spectacular”.
However, raising him to the stars ( pardon the pun) would be disingenuous.
When I say I love Maurice; I admire the man…..I respect any man who is true to his mate, his children, his family. ….From what I’ve read; Maurice is that man. Kudos.
Sonny, the character, is a horse of a different color.
Your soooo descriptive machinations, by the writers, endearing this character to the audience, may work for some……smoke and mirrors…..soft sell.—As yourself; I’m not buying it. I never have. I never will. ….LOL❤️

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Thanks for your further explanation, Celia! Glad to see we’re both “not buying it.” Best to you, Friend!

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LOL, James,
I felt I needed to further explain my words—-by no means did I want to obfuscate my true feelings for Sonny, the character…….it is so very clear that ‘ye gods’ have been trying to embellish………better word is “humanize” him. As I said, it “ain’t” working for some of us.
As an actor, Maurice is mediocre, at his best—Thus, I do get the recent accolades as he bares his heart and soul to the viewer where his father’s deteriorating mind (and dignity) is concerned. Hand-picked scenes from this storyline call for applause—-however, I do believe, in the grand scheme of GH, as a whole, that it will become an illusion, when we lose Mike—sadly, I must add!!
Yet, as a man, I respect his sense of honor—-he fits the criterion of a good, caring human being.❤️

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LOL, Alic—-God forbid!!….. I doubt Sonny or Maurice…… any “he-man” anywhere, would take to the appellation of “Prima Donna”!! No woman, he!!

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Dan…I agree about everyone in this story, including Sonny and Carly. And am glad you mentioned Nigel and Vernee. I really liked Vernee before the Mike story. In real life it is interesting to see there is controversy over a male partner of his famous wife who he has lost to, I believe alzheimers, now having a new live-in lady friend. He may have lost his wife on one hand, but he is getting support and help from the new lady, who also helps with his wife.

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Yes I fill what Sony going threw I lost my dad a year go to that disease every time sonny cried tears road down my eyes He played the hell out of that story line.

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great performances and so real. I cried when my mom went to a nursing home.

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All I have to say, about it–
Mike Corbin (Max Gail)is a treasure. I luv the guy..
He has brought much to GH and it will be sad sad sad day the day he exists GH..
It will be a great loss.

It will be quite soon, Max/Mike will exit 🙁 🙁

And- he’d best get an award !!

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Hey, you—SuzieQ…Where have you been? LOL…Right on, girl!! Max is da man!!

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Celia our CEE CEE!! :):)
I’m around but the soap news/going on is so not as it was in the old place 🙁 it had lots of stuff daily.
and the old board was warm and cuddly this one is colder and sterile .. haaa!!
I miss the old board, the atmosphere of it 🙁

Anyways.. good to hear from you!!!
I’ll make an effort to stop in more often..

and– Oliver will not die..
And it’s JT in the walls..
he somehow could hold his breath while buried alive for 20 minutes ahaa yah sure- he would have suffocated well before the last shovel full.

And- it’s time for everyone to switch lovers, their mates again.
same old revolving recycling of the couples- WHOOPIE!! ahaa

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Hi, my love, my friend….
Yeah, I miss the old boards, too…the atmosphere was definitely warmer…
I ‘visit’ here when I am a able—it’s an addiction…..
I agree with your deduction—-JT is alive, living in the walls…..and Oscar will live.
I think it was Satan who suggested a solution—enter; Drew and Jason.❤️

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I’m with Su and you, CeeCee….I’m still not accustomed to this new format either….I think my biggest issue is with the sheer number of threads…it’s difficult to keep up because there are more new topics introduced before we can even really respond and discuss the points made on previous posts…it all just gets lost in the mix! I suppose that is a plus for those afflicted with ADHD, but for those of us who actually appreciate a good conversation, that possibility is made more complicated by having to search for all those older threads where we had commented. Having said that, I did see your last reply to me, and will be posting. It’s been a busy week, so I’m still catching up…hope you’re having a good one!!!!

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

Published

11 hours ago

on

August 3, 2026

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

21 hours ago

on

August 2, 2026

By

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Published

2 days ago

on

August 1, 2026

By

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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