When Maurice Benard, the well-known actor from General Hospital, walked into the Tamron Hall Show for an interview, he was blissfully unaware of the emotional rollercoaster he was about to embark upon. Known for his compelling portrayal of Sonny Corinthos, a complex mob boss with bipolar disorder, Maurice found himself the focus of an interview that would allow viewers to see him in a very different, deeply personal light.
A Household Name in American Soap Opera
For 60 years, General Hospital has held a cherished place in American television history, making it the longest-running American soap opera still in production, according to Guinness World Records. Maurice Benard, now 60 himself, has devoted half of his life to the show, adding depth to his character since 1993. His poignant performance has earned him three Daytime Emmy awards and the unwavering admiration of the show’s loyal audience.
Being Bipolar and Playing a Bipolar Character
Yet, Maurice’s journey extends beyond the applause and the accolades. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 22, he has faced the unique challenge of portraying a character that shares his own struggles. “Being bipolar and playing a person with bipolar disorder has been challenging, sometimes taking a toll on me emotionally,” Maurice admitted to Tamron. Despite the potential risk to his career, he chose to share his personal journey with bipolar disorder, demonstrating a commitment to raising awareness that matches his dedication to his craft.
The Surprise Reunion
The interview, however, made an unexpected turn when Tamron paused for a break, only to return with photos of Maurice’s adorable 3-year-old granddaughter and his 28-year-old daughter, Cailee. Maurice and his wife, Paula, had stepped in to adopt Heather Andreson, Paula’s half-sister, back in 2008 after the sudden and unfortunate passing of Heather’s mother.
It had been several months since Maurice last saw Heather — not since October 2022. Moreover, he had never had the opportunity to see her donned in her U.S. Air Force uniform. Overwhelmed with emotion, Maurice was visibly moved when Heather joined him on the set. He proudly shared a heartwarming memory of when Heather had asked Paula if she could call her “mom.” Both Maurice and Tamron were tearing up by this point.
Tamron concluded the segment by praising Maurice, saying, “We just wanted to share this moment because you are a remarkable person, not only an actor that we’ve fallen in love with for over 30 years but a good soul, a good human.”
As Maurice Benard wrapped up his appearance on the show, it was clear that the tough exterior of his on-screen persona, Sonny Corinthos, belied a man with a heart of gold. While viewers may love to hate Sonny, they undoubtedly love Maurice Benard, for he is not just an award-winning actor but a compassionate human being who openly shares his struggles and joys. This touching moment on the Tamron Hall Show reminded us all that behind the characters we see on screen are real people with their own stories of resilience, strength, and love.
