Maurice Benard

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 to 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 , 2019 , 2021 ) Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor ( 1996 , 2003 , 2004 , 2006 , 2011, 2019 , 2021 , 2023 ) Daytime Emmys Nomination, Outstanding Supporting Actor (1997) Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 ) 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 11, 1990)

CHILDREN: Daughter, Cailey Sophia [Sep 18, 1994]; Daughter, Cassidy Rose [Apr 18, 1999]; Son, Joshua James [Dec 5, 2004]