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!
22 Leave a Reply
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 from a family of Psychiatrists. (mother, sister, aunt/psychologist and a close uncle)
((I suffered alot growing up LOL))
My favorite; masochists sopapers , luvin to feel the pain .. ahaa!
Anyways.. I miss Ron! I laughed, I had a good time watching..
I am bored to near death with J&S pity parties and doom & gloom ..
I want a good Agatha Christie type mystery that actually has a climatic end.
I’ll take anything that even resembles a surprise shocker cliffhanger. a climatic, anything… Something intriguing!
Guess I’d be wishing in one and — in the other waiting for excitement of a lighter note, and one, just one, good laugh.
Long Live GH !!
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 …i dont get much meds so some days its hard to cope and there have been some more recent stressful situations that havent been helpful…if you know someone who struggles with any form of depression make sure they get help…i wish some of the help and meds they have today was around when i was younger..how much different my life might had been.
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 sort of thing. Nothing wrong with reaching out for some help. Keep your head up, stay strong and keep fighting the good fight, brother!
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 and injured my arm and im in…my neice ex boyfriend came to our house and caused a disturbance and i had to call the police,,,its worse than it sounds…im so stressed ive been warned i could have a stroke…now you see why im struggling with depression…
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 much I don’t like a character I am still respectful towards the actor who portrays them, and there fans. There have recently been many important storlines on GH that don’t include Sonny.
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!!
Breaking News
General Hospital Heading To Elvis Presley’s Graceland For Fan Celebration Weekend
Big news for GH fans! For the first time ever, Elvis Presley’s Graceland will host a special “General Hospital”- themed fan celebration. The event kicks off Friday, January. 18, and will include numerous exclusive events held in various locations throughout the Graceland Campus; including: Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex, and the AAA-rated Four Diamond luxury resort, The Guest House at Graceland.
Beginning today, Friday November 16th fans can log on to Graceland.com/GeneralHospital and purchase tickets several GH-themed parties, such as “The Live Nurses Ball” and the “Metro Court Hotel Lounge Party, ” as well as catch screenings of classic episodes, blooper reels and never-before-seen content.
Additionally, several stars of the series will appear including: Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos Jr.), Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), Briana Nicole Henry (Jordan Ashford), Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), Wes Ramsey (Peter August), James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine), Josh Swickard (Detective Harrison Chase), Donnell Turner (Curtis Ashford), Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos) and executive producer Frank Valentini. The cast and EP will share their favorite memories from the show, answer questions from the audience, and participate in autograph signings and exclusive photo opportunities.
Photo: ABC
Valentini said in a statement on the event: “I’m excited to meet with the fans and have them spend the weekend with the extremely talented cast of ‘General Hospital.’ It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a historic location.:
Various levels of packages are available for immediate purchase. For more information and details, please visit Graceland.com/GeneralHospital.
In addition to all the GH-themed events, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Graceland. Fans will be invited to visit the iconic mansion that Elvis called home; Elvis Presley’s Memphis – a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex filled with museum exhibits, shops and restaurants; and Elvis’ custom jets. Guests in attendance will also have the option to purchase exclusive General Hospital merchandise only available to attendees.
So will you be heading to Graceland in January to see the stars of GH and participate in this one-of-a-kind fan experience? Comment below. But first check out this just released promo for the event!
ATTN: #GH SUPER FANS: We’re invading #Graceland for a one-of-a-kind celebration, Jan. 18th-20th, 2019! @VisitGraceland
CLICK FOR TICKETS: https://t.co/J0sIDrb4Vx #GH55 pic.twitter.com/VQ1u23gizr— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) November 16, 2018
Days Of Our Lives
LISTEN NOW: Soap Nation Live! With Jon Lindstrom, Beth Maitland, Freddie Smith & Linda Dano
Tonight on the November episode of Soap Nation Live! with Michael Fairman, get ready for a dynamic line-up of some of your favorite soap stars.
Join Michael and his special guests: GH’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin), Y&R’s Beth Maitland (Traci), DAYS’ Freddie Smith (Sonny) and soap icon, Linda Dano (Ex-Felicia – AW, ex-Gretel – OLTL, GH, AMC, Port Charles, and ex-Cynthia, ATWT) for this 90-minute broadcast, plus you never know who might pop up during the show!
Make sure to listen in for our trivia game show segment, when one lucky caller has the chance to win a Days of our Lives goodie/swag bag, and a personalized autograph picture from our guest, Freddie Smith.
To call-in and pose a question, or a comment to any of our guests, dial the exclusive listener-line at 818-295-2130.
The season premiere begins its stream-live at 7PMPST/10PMEST. You can also head on over to the Soap Nation Live! page at Spreaker.com, if you have any trouble listening to the show here.
Portions of the broadcast can also be viewed at Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/michaelfairmanTV
Now, listen to Soap Nation Live’s all-new episode below in the player.
If you are tuning-in shortly before 7PMPST, you will hear some musical interludes before we go live for showtime. Make sure to press the play button on the player below and enjoy the show!
Days Of Our Lives
THURSDAY NIGHT: Soap Nation Live! With Special Guests: GH’s Jon Lindstrom, Y&R’s Beth Maitland, DAYS’ Freddie Smith & Soap Favorite, Linda Dano
AW and Y&R Alum Alicia Coppola To Recur On ‘Empire’
General Hospital Heading To Elvis Presley’s Graceland For Fan Celebration Weekend
LISTEN NOW: Soap Nation Live! With Jon Lindstrom, Beth Maitland, Freddie Smith & Linda Dano
‘The Bachelor’ New Key Art Revealed Playing Up Colton Underwood’s Virginity
THURSDAY NIGHT: Soap Nation Live! With Special Guests: GH’s Jon Lindstrom, Y&R’s Beth Maitland, DAYS’ Freddie Smith & Soap Favorite, Linda Dano
Robin Givens Tapped As Lead For OWN’s New Soapy Family Drama, ‘Ambitions’
Karla Mosley Back To Work At B&B; Hunter Tylo On The Way Too?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances
Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
GH Releases ‘The Sonny & Carly Collection’ Featuring 20 Pivotal Episodes With Three Carlys
Max Ehrich On Why He Was Not Back At Y&R To Reprise His Role As Fenmore Baldwin
Ex-Y&R Favorite Mishael Morgan Welcomes Second Child
Y&R Brings Back The Role Of Devon’s Sister, Ana Hamilton
GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances
GH Releases ‘The Sonny & Carly Collection’ Featuring 20 Pivotal Episodes With Three Carlys
DAYS Launches The DOOL App, A First For A Daytime Drama Series Featuring Exclusive Content With The Cast & More
Kimberly McCullough Directs Episode Of ‘The Conners’; Shares Pics From Show Night
Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
DAYS ‘Before The Year Ends’ Mega-Promo: Surprise Returns, Secrets Revealed & Tables Will Turn
Thia Megia Joins The Cast Of DAYS; Paul Telfer Set To Return
Y&R’s Tracy E. Bregman Shares Heartbreak Of Losing Her Home In Southern California Wildfires On ‘The Talk’
REPLAY: Days of our Lives 53rd Anniversary Facebook Live Event From The Set: A Special Tribute, Preview Of The DOOL App & Fun Moments with the Cast!
DAYS ‘Before The Year Ends’ Mega-Promo: Surprise Returns, Secrets Revealed & Tables Will Turn
WATCH: Live With Kelly And Ryan’s All My Children Halloween Reboot
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Who Will Die In Ryan’s Halloween Murder?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Special Halloween Episode On Tap With Some Very Spooky & Familiar Faces
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Abbott Family Drama Leaves Ashley To Make A Game-Changing Decision
Eileen Davidson Farewell Y&R Interview: From Her Exit Storyline, To Her Co-Stars, And Her Decision To Leave
Genie Francis Talks On Her Return To GH, Fans Outcry Of Support & Her All-Time Favorite Storylines
Eileen Davidson Looks Back At Ashley’s Life & Times As She Says Goodbye To Y&R
Breaking NewsNovember 9, 2018Max Ehrich On Why He Was Not Back At Y&R To Reprise His Role As Fenmore Baldwin
General HospitalNovember 4, 2018GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sasha and Valentin’s Secret Out Of The Bag: So Where Is Nina’s Real Daughter?
Breaking NewsNovember 3, 2018RATINGS: DAYS Moves Into #3 In Key Demos: 18-49 and 18-34; B&B Gains Most Total Viewers
Breaking NewsNovember 9, 2018Ex-Y&R Favorite Mishael Morgan Welcomes Second Child
Breaking NewsNovember 8, 2018Y&R Brings Back The Role Of Devon’s Sister, Ana Hamilton
General HospitalNovember 13, 2018GENERAL HOSPITAL Flips The Switch In Sonny-Centric Episode Featuring Standout Performances
Breaking NewsNovember 12, 2018GH Releases ‘The Sonny & Carly Collection’ Featuring 20 Pivotal Episodes With Three Carlys
Breaking NewsNovember 8, 2018DAYS Launches The DOOL App, A First For A Daytime Drama Series Featuring Exclusive Content With The Cast & More