Maurice Benard
Port Charles Presence
Sonny Corinthos (August 13, 1993 to September 24, 1997; December 18, 1998 to Present)
At a Glance
Actor Maurice Benard, born Mauricio Morales, brings his own deeply personal experiences, both high and low, to the portrayal of Sonny, adding color, menace and seduction to an already intricate character. He first appeared in the role on August 13, 1993.
Mr. Benard's multi-cultural upbringing began in San Francisco, where he was born to parents from Nicaragua and San Salvador. Uninspired by the traditional education route, he gleaned an education in the open job market after high school. He began modeling in his early twenties. Following that, Mr. Benard took up acting in numerous theatrical productions in the Bay area.
After auditioning for a role on the ABC drama All My Children, Mr. Benard was cast as Nico Kelly. Two years later, he struck out to find new challenges and moved to Los Angeles, where he was cast as the lead in the much-publicized TV movie, Lucy and Desi: Before the Laughter. He later added a pivotal role in the feature film Ruby to several other prominent film and television credits.
Mr. Benard has been a popular voice in the battle against bipolar disorder. He has been very open about his personal battle with the illness, appearing on television programs such as The View, Entertainment Tonight, and Oprah. He has also been featured in People and LA Life magazines. He also began working with the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) on the "Bipolar Disorder: Do You Know It?" campaign to help educate Americans about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Mr. Benard lives in the Hollywood Hills area of Southern California. He enjoys the martial arts, working out and playing host to a menagerie of dogs and cats. He and his wife, Paula, are the proud parents of daughters Cailey Sofia and Cassidy Rose and son Joshua James.
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
Port Charles
Sonny Corinthos
2000
General Hospital
Sonny Corinthos
August 13, 1993 to September 24, 1997; December 18, 1998 to Present
To Face Her Past
Jesse Molina
1996
Dark Justice
Kelly's mob boyfriend
Ep: "Anniversary" (1992)
Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter
Desi Arnaz
1991
Lethal Charm
Steve
1991
All My Children
Nico Kelly
1987-1989
Acting Portfolio
FILM
Crystal Clear
Steven
2000
We Married Margo
Himself
2000
Operation Splitsville
Frank
1999
Restraining Order
1999
Mi vida loca
Creeper
1993
Ruby
Diego
1992
Awards & Acclaim
Daytime Emmys Winner, Outstanding Lead Actor (2003)
Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor (1996, 2004, 2006)
Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actor (1997)
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009)
Soap Opera Award Winner, Outstanding Lead Actor (2003)
Soap Opera Award Winner, Outstanding Lead Actor (1996)
ALMA Awards Nominee, Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama (2000, 2001, 2002)
Vital Statistics
PLACE OF BIRTH: San Francisco, CA
DATE OF BIRTH: March 1, 1963
HEIGHT: 5'9"
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown
MARITAL STATUS: Married, Paula Smith (August 11th, 1990)
CHILDREN: Daughter, Cailey Sophia [Sep 18, 1994]; Daughter, Cassidy Rose [Apr 18, 1999]; Son, Joshua James [Dec 5, 2004]
News Archives
News Archive: Rumors circulating question Benard's future with GH. [Oct 2, 2000]
News Archive: GH writers plan to bring in Sonny's family. [Oct 1, 2001]
News Archive: Benard named Outstanding Lead Actor at Daytime Emmys. [May 16, 2003]
News Archive: GH spokesperson confirms that Benard has re-signed with the show. [Oct 15, 2004]
