General Hospital (GH) cast and crew surprised Maurice Benard with an on-set party to celebrate his 25 years as Port Charles’ favorite mobster.
The show pulled out all the stops to celebrate the momentous occasion. First, they released an amazing promo in celebration that showed amazing photos of Sonny through the years.
It goes back to his time with Brenda (Vanessa Marcil), Sam (Kelly Monaco), all of the Carlys, and of course, Sonny’s kids.
The cast then gathered on the set and waited for Benard to come forward before they yelled surprise and presented him with a huge cake as flashbulbs flashed in his face.
Even more shocking for the actor was seeing everyone wearing T-shirts that celebrated his 25-year anniversary.
Of course, when you’re the center of attention like that on a set and everyone is there to celebrate you, you have to make a speech, right? Well, his did not disappoint.
“You’ve got the bipolar egomaniac method actor who had to win an Emmy. And I’m going to tell you why I had to win that Emmy. Because of one person. His name is Steve Burton [Jason]. Because he called me the male Susan Lucci of soap operas.” The cast and crew burst into laughter at this point.
Burton then runs into the frame right next to Benard, donning one of those special T-shirts, grabbing his arm and simply said to the camera recording the video, “That’s true.” He then quickly runs out of frame again, leaving Benard laughing heartily.
Congratulations from current and former co-stars continue to come in for Benard. You can see a some of those, along with a some memorable videos, below.
General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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