Born: March 1, 1963
Age: 61
Birthplace: Martinez, California, U.S.A
Maurice Benard (born March 1, 1963) is an American actor. He is known primarily for his portrayal of romantic mobster Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr. on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital, a role he has portrayed since 1993.
Benard was born Mauricio Jose Morales in Martinez, California, the son of Martha, a bank employee, and Humberto Morales, a bakery superintendent. He grew up in San Francisco, California, and is of Salvadorian and Nicaraguan ethnicity. He started his acting career as Nico on the soap opera All My Children, from 1987 to 1990. In addition to guest spots on several television series during the early 1990s, Benard appeared in television movies including the CBS television movie Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter (1991), in which he portrayed Desi Arnaz. He also starred in the independent film entitled The Ghost and the Whale, executive produced by his wife Paula.
Benard married Paula Smith on August 11, 1990. They have four children: Heather Ann (adopted April 20, 2008), Cailey Sofia (born September 18, 1994), Cassidy Rose (born April 18, 1999), and Joshua James (born December 5, 2004). He and his wife adopted his wife's sister's daughter, after her mother's death. His cousin, Marvin Benard, played professional baseball.
Benard was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 22. He has since become a spokesperson for treatment of the disorder with Mental Health America. His character, Sonny Corinthos, also has the disorder.
Benard and his family live in Temecula, California along with their many pets.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | Her Wicked Ways | Steve | Television film |
1991 | Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter | Desi Arnaz | Television film |
1992 | Ruby | Diego | |
1993 | Mi Vida Loca | Creeper | |
1996 | To Face Her Past | Jesse Molina | Television film |
1999 | Operation Splitsville | Frank | |
1999 | Restraining Order | Sicko | |
2000 | Crystal Clear | Steven | |
2009 | Confession | Mitch | |
2010 | The Penny | The Penny | Voice |
2015 | The Ghost and the Whale | Joseph Hawthorne | Television film |
2015 | Joy | Jared |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1987-1990 | All My Children | Nico Kelly | 300 episodes Nominated — Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime |
1990 | DEA | Curro | Episode: "Bloodsport" |
1991 | Stat | Jorge Rosario | Episode: "Ladyfinger" |
1992 | Dark Justice | Kelly's Mob Boyfriend | Episode: "Anniversary" |
1993- | General Hospital | Sonny Corinthos Jerry Jacks (Masquerading as Sonny Corinthos) |
1698 episodes Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actor Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Actor Nominated — ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Soap Opera Nominated — ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Nominated — ALMA Award for Outstanding Performance in a Daytime Drama Series Nominated — Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated — Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Nominated — Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Soap Couple Nominated — Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple |
2000 | Port Charles | Sonny Corinthos | 2 episodes |
2007 | General Hospital: Night Shift | Sonny Corinthos | Episode: "Time Served" |
Year | Title | Award | Category | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1996 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated |
1996 | General Hospital | Soap Opera Digest Award | Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actor | Won |
1997 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated |
2003 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Won |
2003 | General Hospital | Soap Opera Digest Award | Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actor | Won |
2004 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated |
2005 | General Hospital | Soap Opera Digest Award | Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actor | Won |
2006 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated |
2011 | General Hospital | Daytime Emmy Award | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated |