Maurice Benard’sGeneral Hospital has entered Hulu’s US top ten at No. 3, according to the October 28 StreamScope ranking.
Meanwhile, its place in television history comes with a documented honor.
In December 2023, Variety ranked the ABC soap No. 88 among its 100 greatest TV shows of all time. Notably, it was the only daytime soap selected for that list.
Maurice Benard chose Sonny for a short stay
Initially, Benard joined General Hospital on August 13, 1993, expecting a shorter commitment than the one that followed. Instead of signing up for decades, he took a role intended to last roughly six months.
According to a retrospective shared by co-stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson, producers offered him two characters. However, he chose Sonny Corinthos over Damian Smith because Sonny’s planned run was shorter.
Today, that temporary job has stretched across 33 years. Consequently, Sonny became central to the show’s Port Charles community.
General Hospital brought Benard’s real diagnosis into his work
Beyond his acting career, Benard has spoken openly about living with bipolar disorder. After he publicly discussed his diagnosis, the writers gave Sonny the same condition.
Speaking to ABC11, Benard explained how closely that work could affect him.
“Not only am I bipolar, but now I have to play someone who is bipolar…it’s not great for my mental health,” he said.
Still, he has used his platform to discuss mental illness outside the soap. In 2020, he published Nothing General About It, a memoir about his life, treatment, family, and career.
Earlier, Benard told The Talk that he nearly left the series after a breakdown shortly after joining. However, he said the producers supported his return rather than replacing him.
Ultimately, his long connection to General Hospital reaches beyond familiar storylines. It also reflects the personal support that helped keep him working.
This story was originally published byMen’s Journalon Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Men’s Journal as aPreferred
