‘General Hospital’ Maurice Benard Teases Sonny’s Future, Is He Leaving Soon?

General Hospital fans have seen some pretty big shakeups in recent months on their favorite soap. Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) left the mob life behind. Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) finally got arrested and is barely on screen, while Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) was killed. Then, sadly, Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) also met an untimely fate, although his body has yet to be recovered. Fans are not loving the new and improved Jason and Sonny, which makes everyone wonder if Benard is getting closer to retirement. Could leaving the mob be the first step toward that big step?

General Hospital: Sonny Leaves the Mob Life Behind

General Hospital just wouldn’t be the same without mobster Sonny Corinthos. He has been a staple on the soap for many years. He took on the role of Sonny in 1993 and never looked back. In recent months, fans have seen a softer side to Sonny. In fact, after Jason announced he was leaving the mob, Sonny thought it sounded like a great idea. Plus, if he was a legitimate businessman, then maybe Justine would want to go public with their secret fling. 

However, with Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) playing dirty to try and buy the piers at the upcoming auction, Sonny may decide being on the good side of the law isn’t so great. When the news came out that Sonny and Jason were both leaving the mob, fans worried it would make their soap boring. Benard commented at the time, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with doing another profession or change as long as both characters still have power. And that is the plan.” He went on to say, “I can tell you right now what they have planned in the future is absolutely beautiful.”

With all the changes happening, could the daytime drama be slowly preparing for Sonny’s retirement?

Sonny Corinthos-Maurice Benard-General Hospital-YouTube

Does Maurice Benard Have Plans To Retire Soon?

Thankfully, unless the writers do something incredibly crazy, it seems like Sonny Corinthos isn’t going anywhere for at least a few more years. In one of his podcasts featuring Kelly Thiebaud, Benard said that when he leaves, he will become an acting teacher. Of course, he had to follow that up with a few more details. 

At the time, Benard said that he didn’t see himself retiring before he was 65. That gives fans a few more years with Sonny. It’s hard to imagine Port Charles without Sonny. Who could ever take his place?

When do you think Maurice Benard will hang up his hat for good? What do you think about the storyline with him and Jason leaving the mob?

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