Maurice Benard: General Hospital’s Maurice Benard teases dream guests for State of Mind, including Vanessa Marcil and Finola Hughes

Laura Collins (Genie Francis) is barely catching her breath on General Hospital after Sonny (Maurice Benard) helped her deal with the horror of finding Professor Dalton (Daniel Goddard) stuffed in her trunk — one of those weeks where Port Charles feels like it’s leaning sideways. Meanwhile, Benard is out here dropping little glimpses of what’s coming next for State of Mind. He talked recently about who’s watching, who he hopes to bring in next, and why this whole chapter of his life feels strangely clear.

When General Hospital history loops back around

General Hospital's Sonny reflecting. | Image Source: ABC

Benard spoke with TV Insider about the moment he realized Anthony Geary (ex-Luke) had tuned in from Amsterdam to watch his interview with Genie Francis (Laura). Someone sent him the clip, he said, and he laughed about how he and his wife went digging to confirm it wasn’t edited or a prank. When he saw it was real, the first thought that hit him was, “That’s maybe the sweetest thing I’ve seen.” There was something about Geary watching Francis’ episode that just… made sense to him, like a loop quietly closing.

He talked about how they don’t stay in close contact these days — life, geography, the usual drift — but said the respect hasn’t gone anywhere. He mentioned that the only time they’ve really crossed paths lately was a quick comment Geary left on Instagram, but even that seemed to stick with him. The way he talked about it, you could hear there’s still an ease between them — that old sense that they just got each other, even without the constant back-and-forth.

And if they ever shared the screen again? Benard didn’t hesitate. “Oh, I would work with him in three seconds,” he said, and went on about a one-man play Geary once did that knocked him flat. (Rewind to Luke and Laura’s iconic wedding.)

The wishlist, the Future, and the Peace He’s Protecting

General Hospital's Sonny, Jacinda, and Michael. | Image Source: ABC

He also opened up about his dream guests — the ones still floating just out of reach. Vanessa Marcil (Brenda) sits near the top, and he joked about nudging her gently, never hard, because he knows she’ll come when she’s ready. He said she’s a big fan of Genie’s episodes and tends to respond to anything he posts about her. It’s the kind of soft yes that just needs the right week.

Finola Hughes (Anna) is another. He didn’t guard it or dress it up — just said, “I really want to talk to her.” And while he’s waiting, he has three booked that he’s genuinely excited about, including Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Chris McKenna (Jack), with McKenna planning to share something he’s never talked about publicly.

Benard also addressed the constant retirement speculation, and laughed about it — but only a little. He said people may grab onto throwaway comments he makes at appearances, but he still has a year on his contract and figures he’ll reassess around age 65. What matters more, he said, is that he’s clear for the first time in a long time. He talked about the heaviness that used to creep into his acting when his bipolar symptoms were rough, and how the last several months have felt lighter, steadier.

The way he put it was simple: “If I have peace within, nothing can penetrate that.” And in a town like Port Charles, that might be the most grounded thing anyone’s said all year.

General Hospital can be seen weekdays on ABC and Hulu.