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Maurice Benard Clarifies Two-Week ‘General Hospital’ Exit and Sonny ‘Recast’ Rumors; Gives Props to Executive Producer Frank Valentini

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI

Back in July, General Hospital’s Maurice Benard opened up about his recent mental health struggle which kept him out for two weeks of taping all-new episodes on the ABC soap opera in his signature role of Sonny Corinthos.

In what was a dark time for Maurice as he described, things took a nosedive after his son, Joshua, and wife, Paula left for a trip to Europe. At the time of the taping of his special episode of State of Mind (where he just spoke to the cameras about what he had gone through), Benard revealed that if he had taken off another week of work from GH (he already been gone for two), the show would probably have had to recast.

At that time Benard shared, “If I had to stay away another week. They would have to recast. And I’ll tell you right now, if they had to recast I’d have been in really bad shape.” Now, on Tuesday, August 13th, Maurice took to his Instagram to clarify his statements and that in no way did GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini put any pressure on him to return or threaten him with a ‘recast.’

Photo” ABC

Benard expressed: “I want to clarify something. During a rough period recently, I spoke about being recast and I can’t tell you how generous and great, and amazing Frank Valentini was during that period. I guess it kind of seemed that some people thought that he was threatening me in in some kind of way to recast if I didn’t come back, and that wasn’t the case at all. He was exact opposite. Frank is very, very generous when it comes to that, forever, since I’ve known him. So, it all worked out.”

Accompanying the video post, Maurice wrote, “During one of my State of Mind’s, I mentioned that I could be temporarily recast if I didn’t get back to work. And I totally understood Frank Valentini and General Hospital were nothing less than incredible. Frank spoke to my wife, Paula every day, and spoke to me nothing but generous. 2 weeks is a long time, and I was so ready to get back to work!!!”

Since GH usually tapes about 6 weeks ahead of air, coming up, viewers will see a Sonny-less soap opera for some episodes, before Benard came back, and as he details on State of Mind , taped 8 episodes in a week to catch back up.

Photo: JPI

Benard, who suffers from bipolar disorder, shared that he leaned on many friends and family members during this harrowing time in his July video. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winner gave special thanks to: Jonathan Jackson (Lucky), Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda), Shelley Curtis, (ex-producer, GH), wife, Paula, son, Joshua, and daughters,  Cassidy and Cailey, among others.

So, glad to know things all worked out and Maurice will be back in action sooner than later, and that there was no Sonny recast during his time away? Comment below.

 

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No one could ever play the part of Sonny, only Maurice Bernard.

I’m glad you are doing well

I appreciate his honesty about his mental health. Also, that he cleared up any misconceptions.

Prayers for Maurice. I admire him for his honesty and for bringing awareness to others. I’m relieved he is loved by so many people and was able to get through this rough patch with their help.

Glad Sonny is “back” and feeling better but have to say his ordeal did not affect his performance , and as far as I was. concerned, probably made his scenes more believable, just sorry he was having a hard time of it getting through all the pain and angst.Am sure all his fans appreciate how much he had to put himself through to give us continued good performances.

Seems to be confusion over what scenes were taped when and how much of a gap there might be in Sonny actually appearing on screen, due to his absence. But according to what both Maurice & Bryan Craig said on the State of Mind episode which aired this past Sunday, the episode with Sonny & Morgan on the roof was actually taped on the first day Maurice came back from his unplanned “hiatus”.

Also, Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson on their Daily Drama podcast have indicated that – because GH production was on a scheduled shutdown for the entire month of July – that the turn around from taping to airdate is a much shorter time period than usual, and that they have both taped scenes since the beginning of August which have already aired. They also said – without getting into specifics – that they had also taped some scenes that were connected to other things originally taped BEFORE the July break, which to me sounds like writing changes might have forced some scenes to be redone.

So between those two different “inside” accounts of what’s going on at GH, I’m thinking there won’t be any extended absence of Sonny on screen. And thank all that’s unholy for that!

No one could replace Banard as Sonny and do such an amazing job. He fits the part perfectly.

I too have struggled my entire adult life with mental health issues. You are my inspiration.
I believe whatever the outcome it is God’s plan for your best interest. It’s funny to love someone you’ve never met but I genuinely feel love for you as Sonny and the man who has lived so courageously. God Bess you and your family.

I don’t trust him. He is using Carly for some plot.

I hope GH just never has someone tamper with Sonny’s medication again.

I find it very hard to watch knowing Maurice suffer the same condition in his real life.

Thanks goodness , Maurice is OK and it worked out with GH. It sounds like he has a GH family there

Glad he seems to be doing better. Mental illness is a b*tch (I have bipolar also)! I’m also glad Sonny is doing better. Now if Sonny and Carly could reunite I’d be ecstatic!

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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