Maurice Benard has captivated daytime audiences for decades as Sonny Corinthos, the brooding mobster he first brought to life on General Hospital in 1993.

He began his career as a model in his early 20s before making his acting debut as Nico Kelly on All My Children from 1987 to 1989. After leaving Pine Valley, Benard moved

to Los Angeles and starred in the 1991 TV movie Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, while also appearing in films like Ruby, Mi Vida Loca, The Ghost and the Whale and portrayed John Gotti

in Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter. Off-screen, he and his wife Paula are proud parents to four children: Cailey, Cassidy, Heather, and Joshua.

Key Takeaways

• Maurice Benard’s early modeling career and Nicaraguan–Salvadoran heritage shaped his rise from San Francisco to daytime TV stardom.
• Benard’s breakout as Nico Kelly on All My Children showcased a gripping redemption arc and his fan-favorite pairing with Cecily Davidson.
• He delivered a standout performance as Desi Arnaz in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, tracing the iconic couple’s groundbreaking impact on television.
• Best known as Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, Benard is a three-time Emmy winner and a leading mental-health advocate through his podcast State of Mind and bestselling memoir.

A Star Is Born

Born Mauricio Morales on March 1, Maurice Benard grew up in San Francisco with proud Nicaraguan and Salvadoran roots. Before becoming a fan-favorite actor, he launched his career in his early 20s as a model—opening the door to the on-screen success that would later make him a household name.

From Bad Boy To Leading Man

Benard, burst onto All My Children as Nico Kelly in 1987, a troubled young man with a criminal past tied to his dangerous uncle, Creed Kelly (James Horan). Introduced as a street-hardened “bad boy” involved in drugs, scams, and prostitution, Nico began turning his life around after protecting Julie Chandler (Lauren Holly) from one of Creed’s violent schemes. His journey toward redemption took a surprising turn when he met Cecily Davidson (Rosa Nevin), a wealthy but troubled teenager desperate to access her trust fund. What began as a marriage of convenience slowly evolved into a genuine romance, transforming them into one of Pine Valley’s most memorable late-1980s couples. Eventually, Nico and Cecily left town together.

I Love Lucy

In 1991, Benard starred alongside Frances Fisher (who played Suzette on Guiding Light), as Desi and Lucy Arnaz, in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter. The made-for-TV biopic charts the extraordinary rise—and unraveling—of the couple. Beginning with their first spark in the 1930s at RKO Studios, the film chronicles their soaring Hollywood careers, their passionate yet turbulent marriage, and the creation of the groundbreaking, history-making series “I Love Lucy.” By the time their story reaches its emotional conclusion in 1960, viewers get a front-row seat to how this iconic duo changed television forever.

Mobster With A Heart

Benard originated the role of Sonny Corinthos on GH on August 13, 1993. Before he was cast, the show was considering him for two roles — Sonny and Damian Smith (which ultimately went to actor Leigh McCloskey). Benard chose Sonny because it was supposed to be a short-term role. Benard has won three Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series – in 2003, 2019, and 2021.

Mental Health Advocate

Benard was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 22, is very vocal about his struggles with his mental health. He hosts a weekly podcast, State of Mind, where he has his co-stars, other actors, and other voices in the mental health space as guests. In 2020, his book, Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital ,was released.