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WATCH: GH's Maurice Benard Talks Life In Front Of The Camera & Behind It On OPRAH's: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/OWN

Courtesy/OWN

Last night, General Hospital star Maurice Benard (Sonny) appeared in a follow-up interview and segment on OWN’s Oprah: Where Are They Now? The popular actor has been very public over the years about his battle with bipolar disorder and how it has affected his personal and professional life, at times.

In this newly aired segment with Benard, the cameras take you on the set of General Hospital where Maurice reveals even though he plays a tough guy mobster, growing up he was always the guy who would stand up for the underdog.  Later, the cameras sit down with Maurice and his wife Paula and their four children for some spirited conversation.

Finally, Maurice discusses his bipolar disorder and his latest film, The Ghost and the Whale which addresses the issue through the main character played by the soap star!

After the jump, watch three clips from last night’s Oprah’s: Where Are They Now? with Maurice! Then, let us know what was your most favorite or most touching part of Benard’s segment?

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I for one knows what he suffers from…ive struggled for years with off and on irritablitity, mood swings, night cries and overwhelming sadness, depression…in my younger years ive attempted suicide it got so bad(too much detail to why i went there)…and many threads ago i had an episode which im certain many commenters remain aware of…i had a lot of family issues and medical crises(just recently two more family members ended up at the hospital one was serious but this happen after i had that episode) so i got so upset i lashed out on my soaps and got some nasty hurtful replies for it…none apologized but i moved on from that…winter is when im at my worse but with help one can find there is hope…stay positive if you can which is difficult when too much happens but getting help often works!!!

Jim kudos to you, you are such a nice guy and very open. I admire your honesty and openess, my sister suffers from depression and is also bi polar. She finally is on the right medication, but sometimes she gets nasty with our family, because my sister wants to be left alone. Last night she visited me, and she told me that she loves me very much. We cried together, and she told me thank you for being by my side and not judging me, GOD bless you jim, Also I love reading your comments on this site. Some of them are hilarious, and you make good funny predictions in whats going to happen on our soaps. Take care jim.

Thanks, you perked me up and i really needed it!!!

I hurt for you, jimh. I have never gone into a deep depression, but I went through the “winter blues” with this last pregnancy. For some reason, I just hated winter. I felt aches and pains all over…mostly psychological.
It is so weird because it is October and I already dread winter, something which I had never before experienced. It isn’t as bad as last year, thank goodness, but I am so afraid I’ll feel those weird pangs again. I am lucky to have a loving family and friends around.
I knew about Maurices’s bouts with deep, clinical depression….really sad…but, he is coping with it. His character on GH aside, I wish the actor the best.
And you, jimh. You’ve come this far…it only speaks of your strength and endurance…much love.

Strange, me too is dreading winter and its just the beginning of October…Jan to March is my usual winter blues months…recent family health scares might have been the cause for me to experience it earlier but i usually love this time of year of fall colors, apple cider and pumpkin pie…hopelfully ill get through it…actually watching soaps is helpfull now that my shows have improved and i find them more entertaining of late…thanks for the reply!!!

Well Jim, I enjoy your posts and it is brave of you to be so open about your struggles. I hope and pray you remain upbeat and realize that you are important to people and people on this site enjoy your sense of humor and insight. Stay standing, Timmm!

Thanks Timmm i enjoy yours too…this site has been a Godsend…thanks to Micheal Fairmen and all of you!!!

Thanks Donny, CeeCee, and Timmm for your kind words…its people like you we need more of…it meant a lot to me and i love you all for it!!!

jimh…You’re never alone and people are always thinking about you…just write your way through the lows and always know tomorrow will be a brighter day!

I come from a family of Psychiatrists..
(try growing with a mother who sees through you and a father who can tell all.. Mental health was monitored always with that look, you might know the one lol .. :
Anyways.. now is time for a group {{{{{{HUG}}}}}}} 🙂

Maurice’s segment was amazing, wish it was longer. I loved the family stuff the most. They are very inspiring to those of us who has mental illness in our families. Thank you Maurice for all you do!!!

I’ve hated Sonny for over 20 years. He’s always been the worst part of the show for me, along with his cohorts Carly and Jason. Nothing about this character is redeemable.

But I have always loved and have had so much respect for Maurice. He is generous with his fans and fellow actors, he speaks so thoughtfully and honestly. His candor about his mental illness is remarkable and truly brave. Of course, we know where he’s been all this time, but it’s nice that Oprah gave him a segment.

Agree with you 110 percent about the Sonny character.

.
I and a million others have always love the Sonny character !!

I wish him the best with his movie, and hope it gets a good response. Mental illness & depression has been in the forefront of many news stories lately, with Robin Williams suicide and high-profile crimes being perpetrated by people who needed, but didn’t receive, treatment. Bringing more attention to it can only help IMO because for so long, people have been written off as “crazy loons” because their problem is “all in their head.” Even if someone becomes more compassionate to those with PTSD, bi-polar syndrome, or depression, that’s a step in the right direction.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

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General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

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Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ 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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