Maurice Benard, the beloved three-time Daytime Emmy winner who portrays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, has set the record straight on his future with the show and teased an exciting new love interest for his character. In a revealing appearance on Richard Taite’s ‘We’re Out of Time’ podcast, Benard discussed everything from a potential romance with ADA Ada Turner to his iconic past pairings and his plans for retirement, assuring fans he’s not leaving Port Charles anytime soon.
The world of daytime television is abuzz with the latest revelations from Maurice Benard, the formidable actor behind General Hospital’s enduring mob boss, Sonny Corinthos. Fans have eagerly awaited news of Sonny’s romantic future, especially after a noticeable dry spell for the character. Benard’s recent interview on Richard Taite’s ‘We’re Out of Time’ podcast not only addressed these curiosities but also debunked persistent rumors about his own health and tenure on the long-running ABC soap opera.
A New Romance on the Horizon: Sonny and Ada Turner
During his candid discussion with mental health and wellness advocate Richard Taite, Maurice Benard confirmed that Sonny’s love life is about to get a lot more interesting. “Her name is Nazneen Contractor and she plays a Ada (Justine) Turner,” Benard shared, “She’s the DA and I’m the mobster. It’s starting to get kind of interesting.” The tantalizing dynamic of a district attorney falling for a mob boss promises to deliver classic soap opera drama, a trope that has captivated audiences for decades.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Nazneen Contractor is the real-life wife of Carlo Rota, who portrays Jenz Sidwell, one of Sonny’s formidable nemeses. Sidwell is currently attempting to seize control of Port Charles territory and has been revealed to have ties to the supposedly deceased Cesar Faison. This meta-twist, with Contractor’s real-life connection to an on-screen rival, could fuel even more intense storylines and fan speculation.
Sonny’s Legacy of Love: Iconic Pairings Throughout the Decades
With over 32 years portraying Sonny Corinthos, Maurice Benard has been central to some of General Hospital’s most memorable love stories. Reflecting on his character’s romantic history, Benard highlighted the significance of key relationships:
- Sonny and Brenda (Vanessa Marcil): Often cited as one of the most passionate and tumultuous pairings in soap history, their story remains a fan favorite, remembered for emotional lines like “He always leave me standing in the rain.”
- Sonny and Carly (Sarah Brown, Tamara Braun, Laura Wright): The dynamic duo of Sonny and Carly has been a cornerstone of the show, enduring through multiple recasts of the Carly role. Benard acknowledged the challenge and success of maintaining that chemistry with different actresses.
Beyond these iconic duos, Sonny has had numerous other significant romantic links, including Nina Reeves (as Mike), Lily Rivera (Lilly Melgar), Claudia Zacchara (Sarah Brown), Kate Howard / Connie Falconeri (Megan Ward / Kelly Sullivan), Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco), and Reese Marshall (Kari Wuhrer). He also shares children with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), Ava Jerome (Maura West), and Lisa Locicero (Olivia), further cementing his entangled personal life in Port Charles.
When asked about his favorite actress to work with over the years, Benard humorously replied on the ‘We’re Out of Time’ podcast, “You know, I can never answer that, but I can say this. You got to love the one you’re with,” before adding with a laugh, “I’m not with anybody.” This quip, made before the reveal of Ada Turner, underscores the character’s long wait for a new primary love interest.
Fan Favorite Speculation: Could Sonny and Alexis Reignite?
Despite the excitement surrounding Ada Turner, dedicated fans and even Benard himself have pondered other past pairings. In a separate interview with Soap Opera Digest, Benard fondly recalled the brief romance between Sonny and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), a relationship that led to the birth of Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi). Benard stated, “Nancy’s very talented and she’s quick and she has a wicked sense of humor. I was really into that relationship.”
This admission has sparked discussions within the fan community about a potential reunion, especially with Kristina gaining more airtime. Scenarios like Kristina facing a car crash or navigating a complicated surrogacy for Molly Lansing-Davis (Brooke Anne Smith) and TJ Ashford (Tajh Bellow) could bring Sonny and Alexis closer, echoing Benard’s past enjoyment of their on-screen chemistry. While a reunion remains speculative, the idea resonates deeply with those who appreciate the show’s rich history and complex family dynamics.
Maurice Benard’s Future: Squashing Retirement Rumors and Embracing Wellness
Beyond his character’s storylines, Maurice Benard took the opportunity on Richard Taite’s podcast to address persistent online rumors about his health and impending retirement. When directly asked about leaving General Hospital, Benard firmly stated, “No. There’s always a lot of people, who say I’m dying too, like I have cancer or something.” He assured listeners that he is not dying and clarified his contract status.
Benard confirmed, “I have a year left in the contract. Look, I’m going to retire, but I don’t think it’s going to be before I’m 65.” Currently 62 years old, Benard indicated that mental taxation of the role is a factor he considers for future decisions. He also emphasized the importance of having other pursuits, such as his own ‘State of Mind’ podcast, highlighting the need for structure in his life, a sentiment echoed by Taite. Benard recently taped an episode with GH icon Genie Francis (Laura), promising a deep and engaging conversation for fans.
The ‘We’re Out of Time’ podcast, hosted by addiction recovery expert and entrepreneur Richard Taite, focuses on critical issues facing America, including the fentanyl crisis, mental health, parenting, and resilience. Its raw, real-story approach provides a platform for meaningful discussions with various guests, from celebrities to wellness advocates. Fans can find the full interview with Benard on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, offering deeper insights into his personal journey and professional outlook, as reported by Parade.
With Sonny Corinthos entering a compelling new romantic chapter and Maurice Benard continuing his vibrant career, both on and off screen, the future remains bright for General Hospital enthusiasts. The ongoing developments promise to keep fans engaged, speculating on the outcomes of these intricate storylines and the enduring legacy of Port Charles.
