The General Hospital family and millions of fans worldwide are reeling after beloved soap icon Maurice Benard—known for three decades as mob boss Sonny Corinthos—revealed he is battling liver cancer.

The devastating announcement came during a deeply emotional episode of Benard’s State of Mind podcast, where the 62-year-old actor opened up about his shocking diagnosis, already made heavier by his lifelong fight with bipolar disorder.

“About a month ago, anxiety came knocking… I couldn’t tell the triggers. Now I know why,” Benard shared, his voice breaking.

📺 A Legacy That Changed Daytime TV

Since 1993, Maurice Benard has been the heartbeat of General Hospital. His groundbreaking portrayal of Sonny—a mob boss who openly lives with bipolar disorder—shattered stigma and won him three Daytime Emmy Awards.

Unlike most TV storylines, Sonny’s mental health struggles weren’t fictional. Benard himself was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at just 22. His advocacy for authenticity led to Sonny’s storyline becoming one of daytime television’s most important depictions of mental illness.

⚡ Life Imitating Art on General Hospital

Fans are now connecting the dots: recent episodes showed Sonny grappling with chest pains and mysterious health scares. Sources hint that writers were already preparing transformative storylines that may now echo Benard’s real-life battle.

“Sonny will be hit with an existential crisis, forcing him to re-examine everything,” teased the show’s writers.

This leaves fans anxiously speculating: Will Sonny Corinthos leave Port Charles for good?

🕊️ Double Heartbreak: Mourning Tristan Rogers

Benard’s news comes just days after General Hospital lost another legend. Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) passed away on August 15, 2025, at 79 after a private battle with lung cancer.

In a tearful tribute podcast, Benard honored his late friend, calling Rogers “a brother in life and on screen.” The back-to-back blows have left the soap community devastated.

💪 A Fighter’s Spirit

Despite the heavy diagnosis, Benard vows to keep using his platform for mental health awareness. His State of Mind podcast—featuring raw, honest conversations with celebrities and advocates—has become a beacon of hope for countless fans.

Behind the scenes, he leans on his wife Paula and their four children, his “unshakable rock”.

🌍 Fans Unite in Support

The outpouring has been immediate and overwhelming. Social media is flooded with love, prayers, and gratitude:

💬 “Maurice saved my life by sharing his bipolar journey. Now it’s our turn to stand with him.”

💬 “Sonny Corinthos IS General Hospital. We’re praying for Maurice.”

🔮 What’s Next for Sonny—and Maurice?

With his future on the show uncertain, rumors swirl that writers may either give Sonny a temporary exit to allow Benard treatment time, or craft a permanent farewell storyline.

Whatever happens, one truth remains: Maurice Benard’s courage, honesty, and vulnerability have left a permanent mark on television and in the hearts of millions.

As he faces his greatest battle yet, the General Hospital family—and the entire soap opera world—stand united behind their leading man.

✨ Stay tuned for updates on Maurice Benard’s health and the dramatic twists coming to Port Charles.