This makes it one of the longest-running soap operas on television.
Sonny is a beloved regular who originally appeared on the show as Frank Smith’s young footman.
However, Benard’s character was initially intended to be just a brief cameo.
The soap opera star told theNew York Post, “It was actually a six-month contract.
What did Maurice Benard do before General Hospital?
So, after graduating from high school, he went straight into the workforce.
Benard began modeling and performing with local theatres before making his way to film.
By 1987, Benard auditioned for his childhood favorite, “All My Children.”
By 1993, Benard was stepping onto the set of “General Hospital.”
For instance, when Benard was 22, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
For a long time, he kept this diagnosis to himself to avoid any workplace discrimination.
However, when heopened up about having bipolar disorder, the show wove this experience into Sonny’s storyline.
Another instance where Sonny’s experiences matched Benard’s is when his father had Alzheimer’s disease.
On the show, Sonny’s father experienced Alzheimer’s for three years before he died.
My dad had Alzheimer’s at the same time, and he died a little bit later.”
