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
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!!
Days Of Our Lives
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet Interviews
Breaking News
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Award Winners Interviews: Reactions and Heartfelt Moments
General Hospital
OLTL Favorite Susan Batten to Guest-Star on General Hospital
Rob Scott Wilson and Victoria Konefal to Exit DAYS as Ben & Ciara
Sal Stowers On Final DAYS Airdate Shares: “What An Incredible Journey These Past Seven Years Have Been”; Lamon Archey Adds, “Days fans, THANK YOU! We made a SUPERCOUPLE & a SUPERFAMILY #ELANI”
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet Interviews
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Award Winners Interviews: Reactions and Heartfelt Moments
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Chapter Two Trailer Unveiled
OLTL Favorite Susan Batten to Guest-Star on General Hospital
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)
49th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors
Peter Bergman Signs 5-Year Deal with The Young and the Restless
Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers Exit Days of our Lives
Peter Bergman Signs 5-Year Deal with The Young and the Restless
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors
OLTL Favorite Susan Batten to Guest-Star on General Hospital
49th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
GENERAL HOSPITAL 15000th Episode: Laura Faces Being Ousted as Mayor as Port Charles Bands Together in Support of Her
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Chapter Two Trailer Unveiled
Y&R Daytime Emmy Nominees, Jason Thompson and Melissa Ordway, Test Positive for Covid-19
Sal Stowers On Final DAYS Airdate Shares: “What An Incredible Journey These Past Seven Years Have Been”; Lamon Archey Adds, “Days fans, THANK YOU! We made a SUPERCOUPLE & a SUPERFAMILY #ELANI”
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet Interviews
(WATCH) 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Award Winners Interviews: Reactions and Heartfelt Moments
‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Chapter Two Trailer Unveiled
OLTL Favorite Susan Batten to Guest-Star on General Hospital
GH’s Finola Hughes, Marcus Coloma & Josh Swickard Talk On 15,000th Episode Milestone
General Hospital 15,000th Episode Milestone Promo
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Two Moms Unite To Keep Finn Alive … Or Will One Throw the Other Under the Bus?
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland’s Y&R 40th Anniversary Episode To Air
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Who Killed Abigail?
CBS Dusts Off 80’s ‘Feel The Heat’ Promo Campaign for Y&R and B&B and Their Daytime Line-Up
-
Breaking NewsJune 24, 2022Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers Exit Days of our Lives
-
NewsJune 25, 2022Peter Bergman Signs 5-Year Deal with The Young and the Restless
-
Breaking NewsJune 25, 202249th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)
-
Breaking NewsJune 25, 202249th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors
-
General HospitalJune 27, 2022OLTL Favorite Susan Batten to Guest-Star on General Hospital
-
Days Of Our LivesJune 25, 202249th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
-
General HospitalJune 23, 2022GENERAL HOSPITAL 15000th Episode: Laura Faces Being Ousted as Mayor as Port Charles Bands Together in Support of Her
-
Breaking NewsJune 28, 2022‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’ Chapter Two Trailer Unveiled