General Hospital
GH's Maurice Benard Talks Sonny Drama, Modeling To Acting & Mental Health On A Spoonful Of Paolo!
Photo: A Spoonful of Paolo
Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has continued to rack up rave reviews for his performances over the last few months as Sonny attempts to cope with the death of his son Morgan.
The storyline has provided Benard with material worthy of his talents. Now, in a brand new sit-down video interview at his home, Maurice talks with Paolo Presta on his online series, A Spoonful of Paolo!
Presta, whose life changed in 2005 thanks to Oprah Winfrey when his dream came true to come to Hollywood, and got a part on General Hospital. shared a throwback moment with Benard, when he recalls Maurice delivering the news that he would get to be on the ABC soap opera.
Years later, Paolo now interviews Maurice and a wide variety of topics are discussed. From Benard’s 23 years as Sonny, to his early years as a model-turned-actor, to bringing attention to mental health issues, in particular bipolar disorder, and more, Maurice offers more insight to the man who has played the loveable mobster on and off the screen.
At the end of the episode, Presta tests Maurice’s knowledge with some rapid-fire questions. Watch the interview after the jump. Then. let us know what you thought of it, and your favorite moment contained in it, via the comment section below!
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GH has been too morbid and depressing, not a good thing to bring all that downtrodden overly sad and junk into one’s life, daily for months. It is not entertaining it is depressing and not all that mentally healthy to be tapped with dark emotions over and over again, every day for a length of time. GH has not balance– no lightness, happiness, laughter it has been total mentally draining and filled with dark.. My family can’t believe I watch this stuff lol .. I am the Only one to ever watch soaps. I’m usually getting feedback because I come… Read more »
Wow that was a great interview with Maurice. He was very down to earth and humble. He is also entertaining/funny to watch. I have always said that I admire him for being an advocate spokesperson for mental health. This interview makes me adore him even more (if that was possible). I also can’t get enough of that gorgeous smile.
I agree with you totally. He is so real, just as he is on the show. Would sure like to have him send some of those dimples my way, but I’ll have to be satisfied in getting them via the TV screen. We love you Maurice/Sonny
Thanks for the reply friend. Maurice is awesome and still has a irresistible smile.
Great interview with Maurice Benard. Love seeing him out of character. Paolo was great too. So enthusiastic . Loved it❤️
The character of Sonny needs to go. He has overstayed his welcome by about 20 years. Nothing against MB…who does what is asked of him. Serial killers like Sonny, Jason, Franco etc. are not entertaining in the least. While on topic…Billy Miller as Jason is a complete and epic fail on every level…from the writing…to his lackluster marbles in mouth portrayal….to the complete lack of chemistry with Kelly Monaco. I cant see Miller sticking around much longer.
completely agree
OMG… I loved this interview!!! Maurice Benard is so awesome! Sonny is my favorite character and has been for over 20 years. Hoping for 20 more years of this awesome character. Can’t wait for Sonny and Carson to reunite. btw… I love the mob!!!!
I LOVED THIS INTERVIEW SOOOOO MUCH MICHAEL!!! Thank you for sharing. It made my day and I love how the host gave you a shout out!
I only come back because bipolor disorder is something i have in common with BM plus we were both born in March…i have struggled with depression much of my life…recent stressful events involving a near death of a family member. illnesses. my father becoming bedridden and early stages of dementia and too much more to mention and the possibility i may end up homeless is a major cause of my struggle with my bipolor disorder-i stopped commenting taking time to deal with all this anf hopefully turn things around-my biggest fear is the homeless part buhopefully i can prevent thatt… Read more »
My mom has bipolar, so I know what you’re going through and sympathize with you, Jim. The meds do help her stay regulated, but it’s a constant roller coaster ride and battle every day. Unless a person has it themselves or knows someone that does, they have no clue how bad it is. It’s another reason, aside from the fact that he’s a great actor, why I respect and admire Maurice Benard. All the best to you, Jim. I hope you’re able to get the meds you need. If you’re not, there are programs out there to help with that… Read more »
i try to stay positive but then something else happens and even on meds the stress is overpowering and i have very little hope left,,,
Jim…do you see a therapist? I assume you consult with a psychiatrist who dispenses your meds…but it would be great to have frequent visits with a psychologist or social worker to discuss your worries. Just speaking about things is cathartic. And while they can’t change your life it’s a place to be heard, unburden yourself, release the thoughts that go round and round in your mind. Perhaps a support group, too. Not sure if up you have insurance but their are sliding scale places and probably free clinics, etc. feel better…
Yes…i do but so much keeps happening with our family its been a struggle…and i could even end up homeless if we dont get thinggs straighten out…too loose everything i couldnt take it…id rather not be around great pain most days…hopefully me and my sister will work things out-she keeps getting ill and nearly died a few months ago…her husband and son and she all had heart surgeries…their dog died..my dad had to replace his car…water in the basement destroyed stuff…i briefly thought i had a brain tumor because of a month long headache…my dad fell and is bedridden..i fell… Read more »
sorry about typos and misplaced words…pain was suppose to come after my arm injury…its the stress
Be well. My thoughts and prayers attend.
Thank you…
I love the interview with Sonny. I really love him on GH, he is one of my most favorite. He does seem so down to earth. Thanks for sharing.
Just a little note to the Sonny haters. Don’t watch the show if you dislike the characters so much. Maybe the green eyed monster has gotten you , do you think?
I hate to be told not to watch something if I hate it. I think some of the viewers have a right to complain about the unevenness of the storylines and the uneveness of airtime of characters. And shouldn’t be told what to do.
Cooks, you have every right to your own opinion regarding a character on GH. I believe Violet was just stating that many of us long time Maurice fans are tired of anti Sonny viewers consistently stating how much they dislike him. Ask yourself why do viewers who dislike him so much continue to read articles written about him. Just so you or someone else can post over and over again how much you don’t like him. At times I don’t like Sonny’s actions, but I don’t make it my mission to leave negative comments all the time. No matter how… Read more »
I taught runway modeling classes in S.F. on Sutter Street at John Casablancas in the early 1980’s. One of the students was Maurice Bernard. I introduced a very young and very good looking Maurice to my agent, Jimmy Grimme. The Grimme Agency signed and represented Maurice where he began his modeling career and was very successful in the S.F. market. Who knew at the time he would play both Ricky Ricardo and Sonny Corinthos on television? Bravo, Maurice!!
General Hospital
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
Overnight, images began to circulate, as well as plenty of congratulations abound, for General Hospital’s Chad Duell (Michael) and The Young and the Restless’ Courtney Hope (Sally) as the two officially became husband and wife on Saturday night.
As we previously reported, the couple were set for their nuptials this weekend, and from what has been posted, Chad and Courtney had a steampunk-themed and styled wedding, and both wore red.
Many of their castmates and colleagues were in attendance including: General Hospital’s Maurice Benard (Sonny,), Laura Wright (Carly), Wes Ramsey (Peter), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), Katelyn MacMullen (Willow), and series executive producer, Frank Valentini, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Annika Noelle (Hope), Patrika Darbo (Ex-Shirley) and Katrina Bowden (Flo), and The Young and the Restless’ Tracey Bregman (Lauren), Hunter King (Ex-Summer), and more.
The outdoor evening nuptials held in Malibu, California were shares on Courtney Hope’s Instagram story, and Laura Wright also posted several photos of the attendees on her IG.
Photo: Pinterest/IG
Pictured with Eden McCoy and Wes Ramsey, Wright enthused on the big night for her TV son, Chad Duell: “Tonight was an amazing night #TilDeath #GHBaby #Dope #Daytimefamily #steampunk”
In addition, Katherine Kelly Lang posted the first dance of newlyweds, Chad and Courtney, on her IG.
Now, share your congratulations to Chad and Courtney via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
UPDATED: Over the last 24 hours, the entertainment world has been stunned, by the horrific incident that took place on the set of the western drama Rust, while it was shooting scenes in New Mexico.
What is known is that Alec Baldwin (Ex-The Doctors, Knots Landing) discharged a prop gun that killed Director of Photography, Halyna Hutchins and injured director, Joel Souza. The film also stars Frances Fisher (Ex-Edge of Night) and Jensen Ackles (Ex-Days of our Lives). Baldwin is also a producer on the film.
Photo: Getty
According to Variety, the prop gun contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.
On Friday, Alec Baldwin made a statement via Twitter on his Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation Twitter feed, expressing: “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Yesterday, The Sante Fe Sheriff’s Departments originally shared that “Hutchins, 42, and Souza, 48 were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin. Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he was undergoing treatment for his injuries. This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.”
This morning, Frances Fisher revealed in a twitter conversation with Patricia Arquette, that director Joel Souza had been released from the hospital. Meanwhile, photographs of a distraught Baldwin emerged following the shooting.
Photo: New Mexican
The news of the Baldwin prop gun incident, isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Jon-Erik Hexum was killed on October 18, 1984, on the set of the TV show Cover Up when he accidentally shot himself in the head with a gun loaded with blanks. Then, in 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died from a prop gun accident on the set of The Crow by a cast member.
As the news made its way through the entertainment community and mainstream news, several soap stars shared their reactions to the fatal shooting accident.
General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan) expressed: “Feeling so sad for everyone involved in the tragedy on the #RustMovie set. I do know the film was staffed with experienced, thoughtful professionals. Please, let’s wait until we have the facts. Nothing positive will come from passing judgement or casting aspersions before then.”
General Hospital and Dynasty’s Emma Samms (Holly, Fallon) shared on her friend Jon-Erik Hexum’s death: This AWFUL tragedy on #Rust is unfathomable to me. If all on-set protocols were being adhered to, how, on earth, could it have happened? After what happened to Brandon Lee and my dear friend Jon-Erik Hexam, the firearm protocols became incredibly strict. I was told (when I was with him at the hospital afterwards) that Jon-Erik had been working with a completely empty gun all morning. A blank (still very dangerous) was loaded and then immediately there was a delay. Exhausted, he was allowed to fall asleep – loaded gun in hand. hey woke him, but there was immediately another delay. Jon-Erik put the gun to his head, forgetting it now contained a blank, (because he had just woken up) and jokingly pulled the trigger. He was not the kind of person to play around with a loaded gun. #fortherecord”
We will continue to post reactions and update this story.
What are your thoughts on the fatal shooting on the set of Rust? Comment below. How can this not happen again, so everyone is safe in this working environment when ‘dangerous’ props are called for or used to make a movie or a TV show?
General Hospital
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General HospitalOctober 24, 2021GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
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NewsOctober 19, 2021Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
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Breaking NewsOctober 22, 2021Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
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General HospitalOctober 21, 2021Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 23, 2021DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
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Breaking NewsOctober 26, 2021Krista Allen is The Bold and the Beautiful’s New Taylor Hayes
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 22, 2021‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
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NewsOctober 18, 2021Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”