General Hospital’s Maurice Benard celebrated Mother’s Day with a special episode of his podcast State of Mind, where he reflected on his mother’s love throughout his childhood, his successful career, and his mental health struggles.
The Best Actress
Sitting on his farm with his pal Buddy the Goat by his side, Benard opened up about his childhood, saying, “First off, I had great love, always, from my mother and father.” He went on to tell stories about getting in fights at school, referring to himself as a “pain in the ass.”
The actor recalled a moment in high school when his mischievous behavior got him sent to the vice principal’s office. “He looks at me and he says, ‘Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think you run this school?'” he remembered with a laugh.
Benard apologized for his behavior, but “Mr. C” didn’t back down this time, telling him, “You’re not graduating.” That was when his mother arrived at the school to speak with all of her son’s teachers and principal, in tears as she told them he had to graduate. “I think she was the best actress, you know what I mean?” Benard joked before saying, “And guess what? They let me graduate.”
Love And Patience
Benard also revealed how he got his start modeling, and then acting. “It was just something we both knew,” he spoke about himself and his mother believing he would succeed as an actor.
“And then I had my first nervous breakdown,” he continued. “My mom and dad… they truly did not know what the heck that was.” He recalled his stay in a mental institution and eight months of depression, but credits love and patience from his parents for getting him through. “If it wasn’t for my mom and dad, there’s no way I would have made it.”
Benard also teased some future episodes, naming GH co-stars Michael Easton, Eva LaRue (whose character Natalia has been getting closer to Benard’s Sonny), and, most anticipated, Steve Burton as upcoming guests.
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