In the high-stakes world of daytime television, where characters and storylines are intricately woven together, few individuals have made an impact as profound as Maurice Benard. For more than three decades, the veteran actor has brought Sonny Corinthos, the kingpin of Port Charles, to life on the screen of General Hospital. However, a shocking recent announcement from Benard has sent a wave of anxiety and speculation throughout the GH fanbase, revealing that his retirement could come much sooner than anyone anticipated, with the deep-seated reason lying in his own personal battle with mental health.

The stunning revelation came during a candid podcast interview where Benard, 62, spoke openly about his future with the ABC daytime drama. When asked if he could envision himself playing Sonny until age 80, like other soap opera veterans, his response was surprisingly and troublingly honest. “I don’t know, in all honesty, if I can last that long, and not because I don’t want to,” Benard confessed. “People are going to get mad at me for saying this, but I’m always just going to be honest. I don’t think, mentally, if 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%. That’s the truth.” This admission not only showcases a rare honesty but also signals a potential shift that could redefine the landscape of Port Charles for years to come.

A Troubling Timeline: Between Speculation and Prediction

Benard, who has portrayed the mob boss Sonny Corinthos since 1993, went on to reveal a timeline that has fans counting down the days. “Right now, I’m 62, maybe another couple of years, 3 years, and then we’ll see what happens.” This statement suggests that Benard could potentially leave General Hospital as early as November 2025. This timing aligns with industry speculation that major casting changes are often implemented during sweeps periods to maximize viewer impact. If he follows through, it would mark the end of an era that has spanned more than three decades, an era that has defined not just the character but General Hospital itself.

However, Benard’s relationship with General Hospital hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In the podcast, he revealed a startling detail about his early days on the show: he actually quit just two weeks after starting in 1993. The reason was deeply personal; he had suffered his third nervous breakdown and felt unable to continue. However, the show’s loyalty to him during that difficult time created a bond that has lasted three decades. Benard’s courage in being open about his mental health struggles throughout his career has both enhanced his portrayal of the complex Sonny Corinthos and created challenges in his personal life.

Mental Health as a Guiding Star: A Top Priority

Benard has been adamant that his mental health will be the guiding force in his decision to retire. “I’ll know from mental health when it’s time to retire,” he stated, showing his commitment to making decisions that prioritize his well-being. The year 2024 was particularly difficult for Benard. He had to call in sick for two weeks, something he had never done before. “I was in a really rough period where I didn’t sleep at all and had enormous anxiety,” he revealed to Women’s World magazine. “It was physical as well as emotional. I was in bad shape. I didn’t know if I’d ever act again.” These haunting admissions provide deep context as to why he is considering such a drastic career change. For an actor who must rely on mental acuity and emotional stability to portray a character as demanding as Sonny, prioritizing mental health is not just a choice but a necessity.

Current Storylines: Paving the Way for an Exit?

The timing of Benard’s retirement hints coincides with some of General Hospital’s most dramatic storylines for Sonny Corinthos. Recent episodes have featured the character dealing with the aftermath of Monica Quartermain’s death, ongoing mob conflicts, and family drama that has kept him at the center of Port Charles’s most explosive plots. General Hospital fans have noticed an increase in storylines that could serve as potential exit points for Sonny. The character has faced multiple near-death experiences recently, leading to speculation among viewers that the writers may be laying the groundwork for Benard’s departure.

“I’ve never seen so much buzz and worry from GH viewers that Sonny could meet his demise, either from a heart attack or work-related things,” Benard noted with amusement. “The current storylines have placed Sonny in increasingly dangerous situations, from mob warfare to health scares that have had him clutching his chest.” These dramatic moments have served not only as compelling television but as potential farewell setups should Benard decide to move forward with his retirement plans. The parallel between character and actor creates rich storytelling possibilities while potentially setting up the character’s exit from the canvas.

Life Beyond Port Charles: Aspirations and Passions

When asked about his post-acting career during the podcast interview, Benard revealed some surprising aspirations. “I’d say a boxer or a lawyer. I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he shared, noting his fascination with true crime shows like “Dateline” and “20/20.” This revelation shows a man who has given serious thought to life after soap opera stardom.

Furthermore, Benard’s passion project, his “State of Mind” YouTube podcast focusing on mental health awareness, has become increasingly important to him. The show allows him to connect with fans on a different level while addressing topics close to his heart. “If I ever left, I want to bring ‘State of Mind’ to a place where I can make a good enough living to just do this,” he revealed in a 2022 interview, showing that this transition has been in his thoughts for years. The success of “State of Mind” has given Benard a platform that extends far beyond the soap opera world, where through intimate conversations with guests about mental health struggles, he has found a new purpose that could easily fill the void left by stepping away from acting.

Family Connections and New Generations: Joshua Benard

Adding another layer of speculation about Benard’s future is the presence of his son, Joshua Benard, on the General Hospital canvas. Joshua joined the show in 2022 as Adam Wright, creating an interesting family dynamic both on and off-screen. This connection could provide storyline opportunities for a gradual transition, allowing Maurice to step back while maintaining family ties to the show. The father-son relationship has been a source of pride for Benard, who has spoken about the possibility of working on projects together, including references to “Carpool Karaoke calibrations.” These comments suggest that Benard is actively considering ventures that would allow him to spend more time with family while pursuing less demanding creative projects.

The Enduring Legacy of Sonny Corinthos

Maurice Benard’s portrayal of Sonny Corinthos has become one of daytime television’s most iconic performances. Over 31 years, he has earned three Daytime Emmy Awards and created a character that has become synonymous with General Hospital itself. Sonny’s journey from a dangerous mobster to a complex family man struggling with bipolar disorder has provided some of the show’s most compelling storylines. The character’s impact extends far beyond entertainment, as Benard has used Sonny’s mental health storylines to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and reduce stigma around mental illness. This advocacy work has become as important to Benard as his acting, representing another potential focus area for his post-GH career.

Recent episodes have shown Sonny contemplating retirement from mob life, mirroring his portrayer’s real-life considerations. This parallel between character and actor creates rich storytelling possibilities while potentially setting up the character’s exit from the canvas.

Industry Speculation and Fan Reactions

The soap opera industry has been buzzing with speculation about Benard’s future since his podcast revelations. Industry insiders suggest that November 2025 could indeed be a strategic departure time, coinciding with traditional sweeps periods when major storyline changes are implemented to maximize viewer impact. Fan reactions have been mixed, with longtime viewers expressing both understanding and devastation at the prospect of losing such an integral character. Social media has exploded with messages of support for Benard’s mental health priorities while also mourning the potential end of an era. The speculation has intensified due to recent departures of other longtime cast members, including Chad Duell’s shocking exit as Michael Corinthos in January 2025. These changes have created an atmosphere of uncertainty around the show’s future direction and cast stability.

What November Could Bring

If Benard follows through with his retirement timeline, November 2025 would mark the end of an era that began in August 1993. The strategic timing would allow the show’s writers to craft a meaningful farewell storyline during one of television’s most-watched periods. Potential exit scenarios being discussed include everything from a heroic sacrifice to protect his family to a peaceful retirement where Sonny finally escapes the mob life that has defined him for decades. The show’s writers have multiple options, including the possibility of leaving the door open for future special appearances, similar to other beloved soap veterans. The November timeline also provides sufficient notice for General Hospital’s production team to develop compelling storylines that honor both the character and Benard’s incredible contribution to daytime television.

Whether Sonny Corinthos rides off into the sunset or faces a more dramatic conclusion, fans can expect a sendoff worthy of three decades of unforgettable performances. As Maurice Benard continues to evaluate his future with General Hospital, one thing remains certain: his impact on daytime television is immeasurable. From his early struggles with mental health to becoming one of soap opera’s most beloved leading men, his journey has been as dramatic as any storyline his character has faced. The potential November 2025 departure would close a chapter that has defined not just General Hospital, but the entire landscape of daytime drama. Whether this marks the definitive end of Sonny Corinthos or simply a new beginning for Maurice Benard’s advocacy work, fans will undoubtedly continue to follow his journey long after the cameras stop rolling in Port Charles. For now, viewers can only wait and watch as both Sonny and Benard navigate the uncertain waters ahead, knowing that whatever decision is made will prioritize the mental health and well-being that the actor has fought so hard to maintain throughout his remarkable career.