General Hospital spoilers and updates reveal Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) is having open heart surgery this week on the show.
Fans are speculating whether the show intends to eliminate the mob boss character, fueled by rumors that Maurice Benard, who plays the role, is considering retirement after a long career in the industry.
Maurice Benard Debuted As Sonny Corinthos In 1993
Maurice Benard made his debut on General Hospital as the notorious mob boss Sonny Corinthos in 1993-prior to this role, he portrayed Nico Kelly on All My Children from 1987 to 1990.
During the 1990s, Sonny’s mob-related tales were pivotal to the soap opera’s plot, while over the years, he faced numerous shootouts and harrowing life-or-death situations.
In a significant 2006 plotline, Sonny was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a reflection of Maurice Benard’s own real-world battle with the condition.
While Sonny continues his life in the mob, the emphasis of the storyline has shifted to his mental health challenges rather than his criminal undertakings.
Sonny has recently faced some heart issues, having had atrial fibrilation earlier this year; he is now preparing to have open heart surgery.
Is Maurice Retiring?
There have been many rumors in recent years suggesting that Maurice Benard might be considering retirement from acting.
He is known for promoting mental health through his State Of Mind YouTube vlog, where he often features soap opera actors discussing their own mental health challenges.
Previously, Benard has dismissed any speculation about retiring; however, a recent Instagram video seemed to indicate a change.
In a touching message, he expressed his appreciation for General Hospital fans who have supported him for over 30 years.
Maurice Didn’t Deny Questions About Retiring In His Post
Maurice wrote while he was deciding what to say he realized something. “After portraying a character for over 32 years, which is more than half my life, all I can think about is the immense love and the feeling of it being my second home.”
A fan commented that the video message seemed like a farewell-Maurice Benard replied with several emojis but did not clarify whether he is leaving the show to retire.
As far as the character of Sonny dying, he goes for open heart surgery at the end of this coming week on the show. Considering someone who shouldn’t know the details and is an enemy knows the details of his surgery and where, it’s possible, since Sonny would be an irreplaceable character.
Maurice Is Going On A Meet And Greet Tour
If the rumors about Maurice Benard departing from the show are accurate, fans will still have a chance to meet him in person; he is scheduled for a summer tour on select dates. The actor has teamed up with Coastal Entertainment for “an evening of inspiration and reflection.”
The tour will also include a Q&A session where Maurice will discuss his experiences on GH-it begins in Texas on July 8 and concludes in Virginia a few weeks later.
With Sonny facing surgery this week and Maurice’s heartfelt post, do you think General Hospital is planning to kill off Sonny Corinthos-share your thoughts in the comments.
