General Hospital
General Hospital's Maurice Benard Posts Special Video Message To Fans!
Courtesy/MBYouTube
Today on his You Tube Channel, General Hospital’s Daytime Emmy winning actor, Maurice Benard (Sonny Cortinhos) has posted a very special message to his fans for their strong support about his latest storyline where Sonny has been off his meds for bipolar disorder, and encouraging people that if you see anyone with the signs or symptoms to get them the help they need!
Over the past several episodes. Sonny has really been on downward spiral which has also given viewers another wonderful opportunity to see some stellar performance from Benard, which come Emmy time, just could be in the running! It all started after his fiancee’ Connie was killed, and Sonny went off his meds and contemplated suicide, and from there his erratic behavior culminated in Monday’s episode where Sonny had a public meltdown at Kiki and Morgan’s Party.
In the video message Benard relates: ”I want to thank everybody for their support during this Sonny off his meds/bipolar storyline. It was pretty difficult but fun at the same time. Soaps do a really good job at bringing awareness to these kinds of causes because you can do it on a soap in real time. So, if you know anybody, who you think is suffering from any kind of mental illness, all you have to do is call your local mental health association. Some of the symptoms are racing thoughts, not sleeping, crying, anger, different things like that … a lot of things you saw Sonny doing on TV. But it’s very important that someone get treatment and get help, and with treatment and help you can live a productive life, as you see I have. I have been on my medication straight for 20 years and everything’s been fine. So thank you again, and on to the next!”
Watch Maurice’s message to his fans on his recent storyline below! Let us know what you thought of his performances and the thoughts conveyed in his video.
I love Sonny/Maurice!!
He has given his all, most his life to GH and his fans!!
A great actor and man!!
Thank you, Maurice, for having the courage to speak out through your character of Sonny and through your own life of how vital it is for people who exhibit these symptoms to seek out the help of mental
health professionals before it’s too late to save a life from either suicide or homelessness. I admire
how you’ve taken control of your life and have been pro-active in helping others with this debilitating
mental illness.
Boise, Idaho……
he was A W E S O M E
i love how he has always been so open about his own personal struggle and i must say maurice did an awesome job with this story line……..
he’s so great, I’m gushing.
I think he has been superb in this storyline. Also, sharing his personal struggle so openly for so long really helps break the stigma of mental illness and I am sure has encouraged others to seek help. Very inspiring.
WELL , SONNY YOUR STORY LINE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE AND THERE CHILDREN . MY GRANDSON HAS THIS PROBLEM AND IT WASN’T A PRETTY SIGHT IN FACT DOWN RIGHT SCARY TO WATCH . OVER THE YEARS NOW THEY CAN LIVE A NORMAL LIFE , SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT ROLE ON THIS SICKNESS…./////
Emmy winning performance. Doesnt get much better than that.
Well at least GH treats the subject realistically and with respect unlike Y&R who uses the condition as a gimmick to get a character like Sharon to do things she would not normally do because the writers have no imagination. Thanks for treating the topic seriously GH and for MB for using it as teaching moment to help others.
i have to post again….
Sharon….. Sharon Case.
it’s alarming… in your face…. this shouldn’t be happening….
Where is the Sharon… who… like… Maurice Benard… and countless others… who have given their lives… careers… making daytime their home… with us…
Sharon… was not atypical… was so relevant… and moved; us, in the audience…. that the wrong side of the tracks… crossed… and she found love… made a life with… and questionable… OK it’s serial… but… she persevered… endured… and I related to
I just can’t believe the writers at Y&R think this is OK…
which is my cross.. but… the Newmans’ be damned… the men are allowed to lord over…
come home Sharon
the perfect scenario… would be that Adam and Sharon… reign supreme… and these two, truly… are… and should be Genoa City dynasty
I didn’t for one second… appreciate or like the ghost of… her beloved Cassie… “helping” along… her mother…. which was clearly the opposite… and in the end… it’ll be…. poor sharon…. needed help
anyway… MarySF
I’m glad that posts are sharing… points of view… that, are on queue…
relative
which was my first… thought… upon reading your’
MB is a class act no doubt about it. Love him. Great story line for him but then he is always the best.
I for one knows what its like…i have struggled off and on with depression for years(have gotten help)…several family members have too!!! Maurice is doing a wonderful job!!!
Jim.
you are an integral part of this site….
it wouldn’t be … without your sense of humor and storyline ideas.
honestly… most vent, praise, are up in arms… livid… angst ridden….
and it’s theirs…
thank you for sharing… that it’s OK to have trials and tribulations…
the stigma… differences shed… are not unlike
Thank you, Patrick…this site wouldnt be the same if you werent a part of it…always love reading your comments!!!
I HATE Sonny, never ever liked him. But I have ALWAYS liked Maurice. He’s always come across as such a giving, gracious and grateful actor. I applaud his courage in speaking out for bi-polar and mental illnesses. There is still so much stigma attached to bi-polar disease and other mental health disorders and I really admire his bravery in putting a face and being one of the first to give a voice for the illness and providing hope to people who are suffering. I don’t know what’s going on with Sonny and I don’t think I could care less if I tried, but great on Maurice for continuing to send messages like these to the public.
@Jules.
I just read yours… after already posting to jim… above…
well said…
putting out their… words… help
Thank you, Maurice, for being so open and honest in your portrayal and sharing information on this disease. It has to be difficult and taxing. Mental illness still needs to have light shed on it to bring it to the forefront, especially for young adults; it is rampant. There is always hope and help to be found. I applaud your courage, and am happy you are healthy!! You are a fabulous role model and actor!
He is doing a great service with this message and his openness and honesty about his situation and his very strong performances with his bi-polar disorder. Well done Maurice!!!
Maurice is so great with what he does.He’s letting people know about His disease and to help people going through it.Love you as your actor and love you with your life.Keep up the good work.
I to am bipolar. Sonny leaves such an impression on me. I know how it is. You get to feeling better and you think you don’t need the meds, then the world falls out from under you. Hang in there and lets both continue to do what we know we need to do. I love General Hospital!
Don’t give up or let go, Betty. You’re not alone in this struggle. Someone close to me has been struggling with this for more than twenty years. He’s lost to us;but we still hold onto the hope he will return to us some day. It’s my hope you’ll be one of those bi-polars who really does know what “we need to do.” Best wishes for a healthy and happy life now and always.
Maurice Benard is an amazing actor! I have loved him since his short stint on All My Children as Nico Kelly. As much as I think (part of ) the storyline was ridiculous, the dumb Michael, Kiki/Starr, nuMorgan part, everything else was well-written and well-acted, beyond my expectations. Maurice has chemistry with every talented person on the show, to name a few, Laura Wright, Maura West, Kelly Sullivan, Tony Geary. He brings his “all” to each and every scene. From someone who also struggles with depression issues and medication issues, the highs and lows really hit home. Thank you, Maurice!
Good night, all, and sweet dreams.
Enjoyed every comment on bi-polar issues. Well done!
Thanks for the opportunity to read all of these comments. Very helpful. educational and compelling.
Even when I can’t stand some of the things his character does, MB always comes across as a class act. He’s been doing a really good job with this current storyline.
I thin u are a great actor! I often wondered how this story line was effecting you. I’m glad it didn’t . There is a rumor that you are leaving G.H.!!!!!!! hope not!! I for one would not want to watch it!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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.
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.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
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.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
