Is the end truly nigh for Sonny Corinthos? For fans of "General Hospital," the recent developments surrounding Maurice Benard, the actor who embodies the iconic mob boss, have sparked a whirlwind of speculation and concern, with rumors swirling about his potential retirement and the future of his character.

For years, whispers have circulated within the "General Hospital" cast and fanbase, with Maurice Benard (Sonny) playfully hinting at retirement and the eventual "handing over of the crown" to his longtime castmate, Steve Burton (Jason). These pronouncements, coupled with the recent storyline developments, have fueled intense discussions about the character's fate.

Adding to the intrigue, recent episodes have seen Sonny Corinthos undergoing open-heart surgery, a plot point that has further intensified the speculation. The timing of this medical crisis has led many to wonder if the show's writers are paving the way for Sonny's exit, either through recovery or a more dramatic departure.

The rumors surrounding Maurice Benard's potential retirement have gained considerable traction. A significant figure in the world of daytime television, Benard has portrayed Sonny Corinthos since 1993, making him a mainstay of "General Hospital" for over three decades. His portrayal of the complex and often ruthless mob boss has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. With an official announcement of his departure from "General Hospital" in 2025 and his character, Sonny Corinthos, will meet a tragic end, it's understandable why fans are worried.

Benard is an American actor best known for his role as Sonny Corinthos on the ABC soap opera, "General Hospital," since 1993. He created the original character in 1993 and has been at the forefront of the show ever since, he has won three Daytime Emmy Awards. He is also an advocate for bipolar disorder, a condition he has been diagnosed with since 1987. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health, sharing his personal experiences with bipolar disorder. He uses his "State of Mind" YouTube series, as a platform to interview guests and share the same platform to share his issues.

Here is more information on the star:

Category	Details
Full Name	Maurice Benard
Date of Birth	March 1, 1963
Place of Birth	San Francisco, California, USA
Marital Status	Married to Paula Smith
Children	Four
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1987 Present
Known For	Portraying Sonny Corinthos on "General Hospital"
Awards	3 Daytime Emmy Awards
Advocacy	Bipolar Disorder Awareness
Notable Works	"General Hospital," "Dark Justice," "Mi Vida Loca"
Bipolar Diagnosis	1987
YouTube Channel	State of Mind with Maurice Benard
Reference Website	ABC - General Hospital