As Port Charles prepares for a seismic shift in its balance of power, daytime legend Maurice Benard is breaking his silence on what lies ahead for Sonny Corinthos now that he has officially walked away from organized crime. The General Hospital icon recently sat down for an in-depth interview on Ty Butler’s YouTube channel (from ESPN Radio New York), opening up about Sonny’s transition into an ex-mobster, his future contract status with the ABC soap, his ideal dream exit scenario, and the legendary former co-stars he wishes could return to the canvas.
Transitioning From Mob Boss to Business Titan
Reflecting on the bold decision to pull Sonny out of mob life, Benard revealed he was completely onboard when writers pitched the shift. “When the writers informed me that I was out of the mob, I wasn’t surprised. I thought, let’s see what I can do with this,” Benard recalled. He noted that during peak gangster eras on General Hospital, some viewers complained about excessive violence and screen time.
However, Benard made one thing abundantly clear: his primary concern isn’t whether Sonny operates inside or outside the mob, provided the character maintains his signature strength. “My primary concern is not what I’m involved in, as long as Sonny retains his power and influence,” Benard emphasized. “And that power and influence doesn’t have to involve violence or criminal activities; there are numerous ways to wield power in the business world.”
Benard promised that the show is successfully executing this strategic pivot, teasing a massive plotline on the horizon. “I am aware of the upcoming storyline, and while I can’t divulge too many details, I can assure you it’s truly remarkable. When I first learned about it, my reaction was, ‘Oh, wow!'”
Contract Status, Retirement Rumors, and Celebrating 33 Years
The candid interview comes as Benard celebrates an incredible milestone: 33 years playing Sonny Corinthos, a role he originated on August 13, 1993. Naturally, fans are eager to know how much longer the soap opera icon intends to grace Port Charles.
Benard directly addressed his current contract and retirement plans, confirming that his contract runs through February or March 2027. “Until then, I can tell you that I’m really pleased with the upcoming storyline,” he shared. “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon, but I’ve reached a point where I could if I chose to. However, as long as I’m enjoying my time at GH, which I have been for quite some time, I don’t want to. They’ll have to push me out—they’ll have to say, ‘No more, we’ve had enough. Get out of here!'”
A Dramatic Dream Exit and Pitching Iconic Returns
When host Ty Butler asked how Benard would envision his ultimate exit from General Hospital whenever that day arrives, the actor pitched a haunting, explosive cliffhanger. In Benard’s ideal exit scenario, something catastrophic happens to one of Sonny’s children due to his own fault. Unable to live with the devastating guilt, Sonny returns home, pours himself a glass of whiskey, and walks upstairs.
“All you hear is BOOM; it cuts to black—in a movie, that would be perfect,” Benard explained. “But this is a soap opera; you don’t know if Sonny did it or if someone else set him up—there’s a huge story there, right?”
When asked which past cast members he would love to see return to Port Charles, Benard pointed to three crucial figures from Sonny’s history: Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil), Luke Spencer (played by the late Anthony Geary, whom Benard expressed missing dearly), and Sonny’s late son, Morgan Corinthos (last portrayed by Bryan Craig).
What’s Next for Sonny Corinthos?
As Sonny leaves mob violence behind, his tactical focus turns toward corporate supremacy—specifically aiming to secure Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) valuable assets before his fierce rival Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) can lay claim to them.
With Benard firmly committed to the show through at least 2027 and thrilled with his new direction, fans can look forward to watching a renewed Sonny Corinthos wield his influence in entirely new ways.
Do you think Sonny can maintain his reign over Port Charles without the mob behind him, or will Drew Cain outmaneuver him for Sidwell’s empire? Share your thoughts below!
