General Hospital Star Maurice Benard Celebrates His Birthday

On General Hospital, Sonny Corinthos is busy trying to figure out who is after him. In the real world, performer Maurice Benard is just as busy celebrating a major milestone.

Happy Birthday, Maurice Benard

That’s because he was born on March 1, 1963, in Martinez, California, which means that this veteran actor is turning 61 years old today! Christened Mauricio Jose Morales, Benard began his performing career in 1987 when he joined the cast of the ABC daytime drama All My Children.

He subsequently appeared in several television films — Her Wicked Ways, Lucy and Desi: Before The Laughter (as Desi Arnaz), Ruby and Mi Vida Loca — and in episodes of primetime programs — DEA, Stat, and Dark Justice.

On August 13, 1993, he debuted on GH as strip club-owning, Frank Smith underling, Sonny Corinthos, a character he has played ever since. The role garnered him nine Daytime Emmy Award nominations and three wins — Outstanding Lead Actor in 2003, 2019, and 2021.

Benard’s real-life bipolar disorder has been portrayed on-screen since the mid-90s when Sonny received the same diagnosis. He has been married to Paula Smith since August 11, 1990, and they are the parents of four children: three daughters and one son.

The actor’s other credits include To Face Her Past, Operation Splitsville, Restraining Order, Crystal Clear, Confession, The Penny, The Ghost and the Whale, and Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter. Off-screen, he has been giving hope to so many with his mental health video podcast show, State Of Mind.

Soap Hub would like to wish Maurice Benard a very happy birthday, and you can, too, by clicking on the X (formerly Twitter) link below. Also, share your favorite memory of him on the show or if you’ve met him personally in the comments section.