General Hospital

GH's Maurice Benard Talks Sonny Drama, Modeling To Acting & Mental Health On A Spoonful Of Paolo!

November 29, 2016

Photo: 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!

Related Topics:A Spoonful Of Paolo abc General Hospital Maurice Benard Paolo Presta Sonny Corinthos

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Guest

su0000

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 »

Guest

Ashley

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.

Guest

Violet Lemm

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

Guest

Ashley

Thanks for the reply friend. Maurice is awesome and still has a irresistible smile.

Guest

Toni Idowu

Great interview with Maurice Benard. Love seeing him out of character. Paolo was great too. So enthusiastic . Loved it❤️

Guest

Dylan

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.

Guest

Dan S

completely agree

Guest

Tea

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!!!!

Guest

Tania Oakley

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!

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

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 »

Guest

Dan

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 »

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

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,,,

Guest

Rebecca1

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…

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

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 »

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

sorry about typos and misplaced words…pain was suppose to come after my arm injury…its the stress

Guest

Tomas Torquemada

Be well. My thoughts and prayers attend.

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

Thank you…

Guest

Joann Garner

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.

Guest

Violet Lemm

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?

Guest

cooks7570

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.

Guest

Ashley

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 »

Guest

Kein

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!!

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Joseph Behar was heavyweight director in daytime drama having worked on both Days of our Lives and General Hospital and now comes word of his passing. Behar passed away on June 26th at the age of 94.

According to his obit, he died at his home in Manhattan Beach, California.

Joe spent the the bulk of his career directing Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. He actually directed the pilot episode of General Hospital back in 1963, then came back the ABC daytime drama series 30 years later to direct it for more than 10 more years,.

Along the way, he won 5 Daytime Emmys for his work on GH, and had won six overall throughout his career. He continued directing until his retirement back in 2005.

Behar’s career started on the Ernie Kovacs Show and he also directed Let’s Make a Deal. and more.

Photo: JPI

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and his sons, Jeffrey, Steven and Greg Behar and his grandchildren, Alex, Mallory, Niko and Lydia.

Watch an interview with Joe via the TV Academy on his career including working with Frances Reid (Ex-Alice, DAYS), the pace of directing in daytime and more below.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Joe and his family in the comment section.

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Photo: japastuTwitter

Fans of General Hospital, always love when James performs at the Nurses Ball’ but now here, Stuart delivers several original songs with his unique vocal style that make it unmistakable JPS.

Check out a preview of the album below.

Now, let us know if you will be adding “Clean Slate” to your playlists and more via the comment section below.

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For weeks, Austin has seemed to be fixated on Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) and the Q’s and now with this cliffhanger of a reveal we know why.

At a key family business meeting at the Q’s, Scott (Kin Shriner) who now seems in cahoots with Austin for a piece of the Quartermaine pie, brings Austin to the gathering.

When Austin arrives, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) looks none-to-pleased! She clearly knows the guy. When Michael struts up to Austin asking who he is and what is he doing here … Austin introduced himself as Austin Gaitlin-Holt. Michael and everyone else look a bit perplexed as we fade to black.

However, GH history buffs know that Jimmy Lee Holt was the son of Edward Quartermaine and his mistress Beatrice LeSuer. Jimmy Lee did some pretty reprehensible things while he was in Port Charles. When he left he married Charity Gaitlin. Upon the death of Edward Q. back in 2012, Jimmy Lee was left out of his inheritance. Therein must lie some of the story…. and now Roger Howarth fans eagerly await to see how this new doctor in town and Quartermaine turns out to be. Will he be a bad boy, or a misunderstood good guy? We shall see.

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