Maurice Benard, a renowned actor, has made a lasting impact on the world of television, particularly in the role of Sonny Corinthos on the long-running soap opera General Hospital. His portrayal of the character earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2003, and he has been nominated for the prestigious award multiple times throughout his career.
Born in San Francisco to parents from Nicaragua and San Salvador, Benard's multicultural upbringing has undoubtedly influenced his perspective and approach to his craft. After dropping out of high school, he pursued an unconventional education through the open job market, eventually landing modeling gigs in his early twenties. This early exposure to the entertainment industry led him to pursue a career in acting, taking on numerous roles in theatrical productions in the Bay area.
Before joining the cast of General Hospital, Benard made a name for himself on the ABC drama All My Children, playing the role of Nico Kelly. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he landed the lead role in the TV movie Lucy and Desi: Before the Laughter, and went on to appear in several prominent film and television projects.
Benard has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in regards to bipolar disorder. He has been open about his own struggles with the illness, sharing his story on prominent television programs such as The View, Entertainment Tonight, and Oprah. He has also been featured in publications like People and LALife Magazines, and has worked with the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) on the "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" campaign to educate Americans about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Throughout his career, Benard has demonstrated his versatility as an actor, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to using his platform to raise awareness about important social issues.