Maurice Benard reveals he has cancer, forced to leave | General Hospital in November
Maurice Benard’s Health Crisis Shakes General Hospital: Cancer Diagnosis, Departure, and a Legacy of Advocacy
General Hospital fans around the world are reeling after the heartbreaking announcement that longtime star Maurice Benard—beloved for his portrayal of mob boss Sonny Corinthos for over 30 years—has been diagnosed with cancer and is stepping away from the show to focus on treatment and recovery.
Benard, 62, has recently faced mounting health challenges, including his lifelong battle with bipolar disorder, a struggle he’s openly shared through both his real life and Sonny’s storyline. His recent diagnosis came at an early stage, which doctors say offers strong chances of recovery. However, the combination of physical and mental health complications has forced Benard and producers to make a tough but necessary decision: a temporary exit from General Hospital for the first time since he joined in 1993.
In a vulnerable moment, Benard admitted, “I didn’t know if I’d ever act again.” Earlier this year, he called in sick for two weeks due to anxiety—something he had never done in his entire career.
His departure will leave a significant void in Port Charles. Sonny Corinthos isn’t just a character—he’s the soul of the show. Writers have begun crafting storylines to explain Sonny’s absence, hinting at serious health issues in recent episodes. Producers are reportedly weighing two options: temporarily recasting the role or writing Sonny out with an in-universe health-related exit.
Meanwhile, Benard’s impact off-screen is equally powerful. Through his “State of Mind” podcast and his advocacy, he has become a beacon for mental health awareness in daytime television. Colleagues like Steve Burton and Jonathan Jackson have offered their support, as has his wife Paula and their children.
As Benard focuses on recovery, the General Hospital community—cast, crew, and fans—stands united behind him. Social media has been flooded with tributes, many thanking him for bringing awareness to bipolar disorder through Sonny’s story.
A Year of Tribute and Transformation at General Hospital
Benard’s departure is only one of many seismic shifts hitting General Hospital in 2025. The show is also mourning the real-life losses of soap legends Leslie Charleson (Monica Quartermaine), Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio), Denise Alexander (Lesley Webber), and Chris Robinson (Rick Webber). Writers have promised deeply emotional, multi-episode tributes to honor their legacies—turning character exits into launching pads for new story arcs.
Charleson’s passing on January 12 has inspired a powerful storyline involving Monica’s diaries and long-hidden family secrets. Rogers’ final episodes introduced new Scorpio family members, laying the groundwork for a tribute episode full of espionage flashbacks and family revelations.
New Faces and Bold Plotlines Redefine Port Charles
Despite the heavy year, General Hospital is charging forward with revitalized storytelling. The return of Erika Slezak from One Life to Live has introduced fresh mystery and nostalgia, while fan-favorite characters like Nina Reeves and Trina Robinson are at the center of high-stakes drama.
Plotlines involving attempted murders, hidden blackmail, and tangled family loyalties have pushed characters like Dante Falconeri, Willow Tait, Carly Spencer, and Elizabeth Webber into the spotlight. Upcoming episodes promise explosive confrontations, dramatic twists, and long-overdue secrets coming to light.
Looking Ahead
As General Hospital enters the final months of 2025, it’s clear the show is balancing heartache with reinvention. Maurice Benard’s health crisis has brought the cast and fans closer than ever, while the loss of veteran actors has inspired storytelling that blends grief with growth.
Through it all, the spirit of Port Charles remains strong—anchored by a legacy of resilience, reinvention, and unforgettable drama.
