‘General Hospital’ Star Gets Emotional About Mental Health: “I Feel Proud of Myself”
General Hospital” veteran Maurice Benard recently shared personal insights about his mental health journey during a powerful conversation on his State of Mind podcast. The 62-year-old actor, who has portrayed Sonny Corinthos for over three decades, opened up about the challenges he’s overcome while discussing his experiences with guests Genie Francis and Jonathan Frakes.
Benard’s candid discussion highlights his ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy, a cause he has championed publicly since revealing his bipolar diagnosis in 2000. The podcast conversation, which premiered on November 16 with a second part scheduled for November 23rd, showcases Benard’s growth as both an advocate and survivor.
Francis and Frakes, longtime “General Hospital” colleagues and real-life married couple, joined Benard for what became an introspective discussion about mental health, survival, and mutual support.
Finding Pride in Survival
During the podcast interview, Benard expressed a profound sense of accomplishment regarding his mental health journey. “When I talk to people about what I’ve gone through, a lot of people might not understand the pain we feel inside,” he shared. “And the thoughts are un-fricking-bearable.”
The actor emphasized how challenging it can be for others to understand the intensity of mental health struggles. “People don’t understand, I know you felt it, you feel like you can’t go another day. You just feel like there’s no way,” he continued. “And the fact that we do is incredible.”
Benard’s message centers on celebrating resilience rather than focusing solely on the difficulties of mental illness. “You should feel very proud of yourself. I can honestly say, I feel proud of myself that I can go through this when its that tough,” he explained.
Frakes acknowledged the strength required for such survival, telling both Benard and Francis during the conversation, “Without being too dramatic, both of you are survivors. In a way that is admirable, inspiring and helpful, frankly.”
Francis also shared her own experiences with anxiety during the podcast, describing how her husband provides crucial support during difficult moments. “I start to get panicky and cry and feel sick… my subconscious remembers I have an engagement that night before I consciously do,” she revealed.
She particularly emphasized Frakes’ consistent presence during her struggles. “When I go down the rabbit hole… he will never leave me alone,” Francis explained. “When it lifts, I can finally stand up straight, I can breathe. And I look at him and say, ‘Thank you for not leaving me alone.’”
Addressing Retirement Speculation
Beyond his mental health advocacy, Benard recently addressed widespread speculation about his future on “General Hospital.” He firmly denied rumors about leaving the show during an appearance on Richard Taite’s “We’re Out of Time” podcast.
“No, I’m not leaving,” Benard stated definitively when asked about his departure plans. He also addressed more concerning rumors, noting, “There have always been a lot of people [saying that]. I think they’re saying I’m dying, too, like I have cancer or something.”
The actor clarified his contract situation and future plans with the soap opera. “Look, I’m going to retire, but I don’t think it’s going to be before I’m 65,” he shared.
Benard acknowledged that “General Hospital” can be “mentally taxing,” particularly given his bipolar diagnosis, but emphasized his commitment to remaining with the series for now. The actor has about a year remaining on his current contract and appears open to renewal negotiations.
When he does eventually retire, Benard plans to maintain structure in his life through projects like his “State of Mind” podcast, which has gained significant popularity with over 155,000 YouTube subscribers. He continues his mental health advocacy work through his podcast and public speaking.