ABC’s General Hospital is no stranger to shocking twists, but this one marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter for both the show and one of its most iconic stars. According to newly revealed General Hospital spoilers, the beloved Maurice Benard, who has portrayed mob boss Sonny Corinthos for over three decades, has officially stepped away from his on-screen role. But don’t be mistaken—this isn’t goodbye. In a groundbreaking and emotional twist, Maurice Benard is transitioning into a pivotal behind-the-scenes role that will forever alter the landscape of GH.
Sources from the set confirm that Sonny Corinthos’ journey comes to a heartbreaking end during a critical heart surgery. Despite years of surviving threats from enemies, betrayals, gunfire, and countless life-or-death scenarios, it’s Sonny’s own body that ultimately leads to his demise. The surgery scene—filmed in close consultation with medical professionals to ensure accuracy—is described as deeply emotional and hauntingly realistic. Sonny’s final moments are expected to resonate powerfully with fans, marking one of the most profound character exits in soap opera history.
Maurice Benard’s decision to leave the role wasn’t sudden. Insiders say the choice came after long discussions with ABC executives, during which Benard expressed his desire to slow down, pursue personal projects, and spend more time with family. While stepping away from portraying Sonny Corinthos, Benard will now serve as a Senior Creative Consultant, offering his expertise and guiding the show’s narrative behind the scenes.
This new position is a first for General Hospital and perhaps even for daytime dramas as a whole. After playing a character for over 30 years, Maurice Benard now has the rare opportunity to help shape the stories that will follow his own. In fact, he’s already been involved in high-level meetings with writers and producers to ensure Sonny’s legacy lives on—just offscreen. As he puts it, this isn’t an end—it’s a transformation.
The writers are gearing up for a seismic shift in storytelling. The loss of Sonny sends shockwaves through Port Charles. Jason Morgan is expected to inherit much of Sonny’s business empire, forcing him to navigate the delicate balance between loyalty and leadership. Carly Corinthos embarks on a soul-searching emotional arc, torn between grief and a fierce desire to protect what Sonny built. And then there’s the Corinthos children—Michael, Dante, Kristina, and Avery—each of whom will process their father’s death in vastly different ways. From emotional fallout to future feuds, Sonny’s absence will ripple through the narrative for months, if not years.
Michael, in particular, is said to experience a powerful emotional reckoning. Long plagued by unresolved issues with his father, Sonny’s sudden decline and death push Michael into a state of deep introspection. For him, it becomes a race against time to reconcile with the man who shaped him—often harshly—but always with love. Dante, as the oldest, shoulders the responsibility of holding the family together, while Kristina wrestles with returning to self-destructive patterns. Avery may be too young to fully understand what’s happening, but the emotional tension gripping her family is impossible to ignore.
Behind the scenes, Maurice Benard’s departure is stirring heartfelt responses across the cast and crew. Longtime co-stars like Steve Burton (Jason) and Laura Wright (Carly) were reportedly overwhelmed with emotion while filming final scenes. One crew member described the mood on set as “a real funeral,” a testament to how deeply intertwined Benard had become with his GH family. ABC is already planning a special tribute to Sonny Corinthos, complete with retrospectives and cast interviews, underscoring just how integral both the character and actor have been to the show’s legacy.
The decision to kill off Sonny wasn’t made lightly. According to insiders, Benard was adamant that Sonny’s exit be meaningful and true to the essence of the character. Over the years, Sonny’s struggles with bipolar disorder—a real-life condition Maurice Benard also lives with—added incredible depth to the role. His final storyline reflects that reality in a powerful and poignant way, tying together the personal and the fictional in a rare, respectful fashion.
Now, with Sonny gone, Port Charles is left wide open for power shifts, personal reckonings, and fresh storylines. The vacuum created by Sonny’s death may lead to rival factions rising to seize control, long-simmering feuds reigniting, and surprising alliances forming. This shake-up offers General Hospital a unique opportunity to evolve, and Maurice Benard will still be right there—just off-screen—helping steer that evolution.
Fans have taken to social media in droves, flooding timelines with the hashtags #FarewellSonny and #ThankYouMaurice, sharing memories, classic clips, and heartfelt messages. While many longtime viewers are devastated by the loss, there’s a palpable sense of gratitude for the way the transition is being handled—with grace, care, and immense respect.
Ultimately, while viewers won’t see Maurice Benard in front of the camera anymore, his influence will remain stronger than ever. As General Hospital faces its next era, fans can find comfort in knowing the man who gave life to Sonny Corinthos for 30 years is still part of the heartbeat of Port Charles—just in a whole new way.
One chapter closes, but another—arguably just as important—begins. Maurice Benard’s new role signals not just the end of Sonny Corinthos but the beginning of a new legacy, written not only with ink and screen time, but with heart, memory, and vision for what comes next.
