The last weekend of October, 2022 featured a special fan event for the cast of General Hospital held at Elvis Presley’s beloved Graceland. Maurice Benard took the opportunity to reunite with three former guests from his video podcast show, State Of Mind. Cameron Mathison, Laura Wright, and Dominic Zamprogna joined the host on stage in front of a live audience to look back on how far they have come since their appearances on his show, and they teamed up with Benard’s wife, Paula, for a very emotional surprise for the host at the end.
General Hospital: Four Actors, Shared Grief
The GH castmates and friends share more than just employment. In this unique episode of State Of Mind recorded at Graceland, which was set to air on what would have been Elvis Presley’s 87th birthday, loss loomed large over the co-stars. In 2018, Wright (Carly Spencer) lost both of her parents within two months of each other. Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri), who is still reeling from the loss of his mother nine years ago, lost his beloved uncle two weeks before the event. In 2021, Mathison (Drew Cain) lost his mother, and Benard (Sonny Corinthos) lost his father.
They shared advice on coping with loss. Zamprogna talked about filling the void of the daily phone calls from his uncle that he was missing. “He didn’t have kids, and I was like his son. We talked every day. I walked the dog and called my uncle. I drove to work, and I called my uncle.” It was his wife, Linda, who suggested learning meditation to place him on the path of healing.
For Wright, who spoke of her divorce on her previous visit to SOM, the overwhelming loss of both parents changed her outlook on life and her feelings about her ex-husband, John Wright. “I think when you watch someone pass away like I watched both my parents die,” she explained, “I think that changed something in my situation with my ex because you see how fragile life is and what is the point of holding a grudge. We are all going one day, why not live as big as we can? And love as big as we can?”
Family and fans’ support was a big factor in Mathison’s healing. The actor had brought his father and aunt to the Graceland event and ended up being comforted along the way. While making scheduled appearances, fans posted selfies with his dad. “I got to thank you for doing that,” he said as he looked out to the audience. “Because I haven’t seen him that happy in a long time. That is so cool.”
Benard liked to visualize his father in his happy place. “I know my dad is in heaven, and he is having the greatest time. He’s singing, ‘They call me Cuban Pete…’”
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Maurice Benard: Checking In
Benard spent a little bit of time with each guest, highlighting what they had discussed on their last visit to SOM and taking the temperature of where they are now. He asked what the fans’ reaction had been. The conversation turned to the audience’s favorite topic: behind the scenes of their favorite daytime dramas. Mathison and Wright dished on their now-famous Drew and Carly behind-the-scenes shoot on the beach. The trio of actors teased about falling in love with their co-stars. Find out who and why!
Mathison gave an update on his cancer diagnosis and had some very uplifting life tips. Zamprogna talked about his friendship with fellow Canadian, Ryan Gosling, and competing for roles. Wright revealed her celebrity crushes and family secrets. Fans will want to hang out until the end when Benard’s wife, Paula, teams up with his guests to surprise the dimpled host with an emotional blast from the past that made the actor cry. Get your own tissues ready!
Every week Soap Hub teases how special the episode was, and it is true, but this episode has something for everyone. Whether the audience is dealing with mental health issues (there are plenty of helpful morsels to ponder on!), grieving, relationship issues, anxiety, or you just want to find out what your favorite actors are up to, don’t miss this episode.
State Of Mind is nearing the 100K subscriber mark; will you be the one to put him over the top? Check it out and follow Maurice Benard on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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