The Truth Behind the Tears: Maurice Benard Sets the Record Straight on His General Hospital Future

General Hospital Spoilers

The world of Port Charles nearly stopped spinning this week after persistent rumors about beloved star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) and his possible exit from General Hospital sent a wave of panic and heartbreak across the fandom. For over 30 years, Benard has been the beating heart of the show, and the thought of Sonny Corinthos leaving the canvas was enough to make loyal viewers cry.

But now, Benard himself has shared an update that will have fans both relieved and emotional about what the future holds for the daytime legend.

 The Rumors That Made Fans’ Hearts Sink

For months, speculation has swirled about Benard considering retirement. The rumors gained steam after the actor, who has been openly vocal about his journey with mental health, mentioned in a past interview that the intense demands of the show are “mentally taxing.”

More recently, the chatter turned darker, with false and cruel allegations circulating that Benard was dealing with a serious illness. The fear of losing the iconic mob boss was palpable online, with fans pouring out their grief and worry. The very idea of an exit felt like a “heartbreaking news” spoiler that no one wanted to read.

 Maurice Benard’s Clarification: “I’m Not Leaving”

In an exclusive clip from a recent podcast appearance, Benard confronted the rumors head-on, delivering the update fans desperately needed: “No, I’m not leaving.”

Speaking about the wild speculation, he added, “There have always been a lot of people [saying that]. I think they’re saying I’m dying, too, like I have cancer or something.”

While shutting down the immediate exit and health rumors—which is a massive relief for the GH family—Benard did speak candidly about his longer-term plans, acknowledging that his time on the show won’t last forever.

 “Look, I’m going to retire, but I don’t think it’s going to be before I’m 65.”

The actor, currently 62, confirmed he has about a year left on his current contract, securing Sonny’s place in Port Charles for the foreseeable future.

 The Emotional Truth Behind His Future

While the immediate danger has passed, Benard’s honest reflection about his ultimate departure is what continues to resonate deeply with fans.

He reiterated that any future decision to step back will be for his well-being, specifically his mental health. He confessed that he’s unsure if he can sustain the grueling schedule for as long as some of his fellow soap veterans, explaining: “I don’t think, mentally, I can keep going that long, and I don’t know if I could act on GH if I’m not at least at 90 percent. That’s the truth.”

This profoundly honest insight, shared by a star who has championed mental health advocacy, explains the emotional outpouring from fans. They aren’t just crying over a character; they are crying in empathy and support for the man behind the mobster, wishing him all the peace and happiness he deserves.

Benard’s primary plan for his eventual retirement is to focus more on his popular mental health podcast, State of Mind.

For now, Port Charles can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Sonny Corinthos is here to stay for the moment, and we’re cherishing every second we have left with the one and only Maurice Benard.

What are your thoughts on Maurice Benard’s update? Share your messages of support for the actor in the comments below!

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