Shockwaves have erupted across the General Hospital fan base as longtime star Maurice Benard, who has portrayed the iconic Sonny Corinthos for over 31 years, has candidly admitted that his time

in Port Charles may be drawing to a close. In a startling revelation during a recent podcast interview, Benard confessed that retirement is no longer a distant concept but a looming reality —

one that could arrive much sooner than his devoted fans are prepared for. For decades, Benard has been the face of General Hospital, embodying Sonny Corinthos —

a character equal parts feared mob boss and tortured family man. His portrayal has earned him Emmys, a devoted following, and a permanent place in the legacy of daytime television. But now, the man behind the role is openly acknowledging what viewers have long dreaded: the possibility of an early exit.

“I Don’t Know If I Can Go On That Long”

When asked on the Soapie podcast if he could see himself playing Sonny until his 80s, like some of his soap contemporaries, Benard’s response was honest and raw.

“I don’t know in all honesty if I can last that long — and not because I don’t want to,” he admitted. “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 90%. That’s the truth.”

Now 62 years old, Benard offered fans a timeline that was as heartbreaking as it was precise: “Maybe another couple of years, three years — and then we’ll see what happens.”

That statement alone has fueled intense speculation that November 2025 — a critical sweeps period in the soap world — could be his final curtain call.

A Journey Marked by Triumph and Struggle

Benard’s relationship with General Hospital has never been a simple one. He revealed during the interview that just two weeks into his debut in 1993, he nearly quit the show altogether. The reason was deeply personal: he suffered his third nervous breakdown and believed he could not continue.

The producers stood by him, however, cementing a loyalty that has kept him with the series for more than three decades. In return, Benard has been extraordinarily open about his lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder and mental health challenges — a vulnerability that has shaped Sonny’s layered character and connected with countless fans on a deeply personal level.

“I’ll know from mental health when it’s time to retire,” he explained. His decision, he emphasizes, will not be about money or fame, but about his well-being.

This transparency was echoed when he recalled one of his most difficult periods in 2024, when he was forced to call in sick for two weeks — a first in his career. “I didn’t sleep at all. I was full of anxiety. It was physical as well as emotional. I didn’t know if I’d ever act again,” he admitted.

Storylines That Mirror Reality

Interestingly, Sonny Corinthos’ current arc on General Hospital almost feels like a mirror of Benard’s real-life considerations. Sonny has recently faced mob warfare, family betrayals, and even health scares, often clutching his chest in tense moments that suggest possible heart problems. Fans have already noticed how these plots could serve as exit ramps for the character.

“People joke that Sonny could go out with a heart attack or in a mob hit,” Benard said with a laugh, but viewers know better: soap operas rarely set up this kind of foreshadowing without purpose.

The parallels between actor and character have only deepened fan concern, and speculation is rampant that Sonny may soon meet his fate in a dramatic storyline designed to match Benard’s potential retirement.

Life After Port Charles

So what comes after General Hospital for Maurice Benard? Surprisingly, he already has ideas.

“I’d say a boxer or a lawyer. I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he revealed, highlighting his passion for crime stories and investigative shows like Dateline.

But the true passion project for Benard is his State of Mind podcast and YouTube channel, dedicated to mental health awareness. Through heartfelt conversations, he has created a safe space for fans and celebrities alike to share their struggles. “If I ever left, I’d want State of Mind to be in a place where I can make a good living doing just that,” he said back in 2022 — and it appears he is still considering that path.

Family Ties On and Off Screen

Adding another layer to this unfolding story is the presence of his son, Joshua Benard, who joined General Hospital in 2022 as Adam Wright. Their on-set dynamic has thrilled fans and sparked speculation that the Corinthos legacy could continue through Joshua if Maurice departs.

This father-son connection has even led Maurice to imagine collaborating on outside projects. He has jokingly suggested everything from joint acting ventures to carpool karaoke segments. But beneath the humor lies a truth: Benard seems eager to slow down and spend more time with his family.

The Legacy of Sonny Corinthos

For more than 30 years, Maurice Benard has defined Sonny Corinthos — and by extension, General Hospital itself. From mob showdowns to tragic love stories, Sonny has been at the center of some of the soap’s most iconic plots.

Equally important, Benard has used Sonny’s storylines about bipolar disorder to raise awareness and destigmatize mental illness, turning his fictional role into a platform for real-world advocacy. This unique legacy ensures that whether Sonny exits in a blaze of glory or a quiet retirement, his impact on daytime television will endure.

Industry Buzz and Fan Reaction

The soap world is buzzing with speculation about how Benard’s exit might unfold. November 2025 has emerged as the most likely timeframe, allowing the writers to craft a sweeps-worthy farewell — possibly involving a heroic sacrifice, a bittersweet retirement, or even an open-ended disappearance that leaves the door ajar for future cameos.

Fans, meanwhile, are conflicted. Social media has been flooded with posts equal parts supportive and devastated. Many applaud Benard for prioritizing mental health, while others lament the loss of an actor who has been the heart of Port Charles for three decades.

The uncertainty is only heightened by recent exits from the show, including Chad Duell’s shocking departure as Michael Corinthos earlier this year, which left the Corinthos family storyline already shaken.

A Farewell Worthy of an Icon

If Benard does follow through with his retirement timeline, it would mark the end of an era. Since August 1993, Sonny Corinthos has dominated the General Hospital landscape. For the show’s writers and producers, the challenge will be monumental: how do you say goodbye to a character so deeply woven into the fabric of the series?

Whether Sonny dies a hero, retires in peace, or simply vanishes into the shadows of Port Charles, one thing is certain — his departure will be one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments in soap opera history.

Closing Thoughts

Maurice Benard’s possible retirement isn’t just about losing a character. It’s about saying goodbye to an actor whose personal journey has been as inspiring and dramatic as the stories he’s brought to life on screen.

As fans brace for what could be Sonny Corinthos’ final chapter, one truth remains clear: Maurice Benard has already left an indelible mark on daytime television. And whether his next role is as a mental health advocate, a podcast host, or simply a father enjoying more time with his family, his loyal viewers will follow him — even beyond Port Charles.