Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

'General Hospital' Airing "What If" Sonny Episode on November 12

What if… Sonny Corinthos never got wrapped up in a life of organized crime? What if… he never took a single life?

ABC soap opera General Hospital will explore that provocative scenario with a special episode airing Monday, Nov. 12, as teased in a newly released promo.

The Bensonhurst, Brooklyn-raised Sonny (aka Michael Corinthos Jr.) endured a difficult childhood during which he was abandoned at a very young age by his father, Mike, and later abused by stepfather/police officer Deke Woods. Ultimately urged by his mother, Adela, to leave home for his own safety, teenage Sonny was taken under the wing of local crime boss Joe Scully. And thus began his "career."

Conceived to celebrate cast member Maurice Benard's 25th anniversary as Sonny, the "What If…?" episode features Dominic Zamprogna reprising his role as Dante — Sonny's son via Olivia Falconeri (Quartermaine) — while Benard's 13-year-old son, Joshua, plays a young Sonny (as seen in the video below).

'General Hospital' Partners with The SCAN Foundation & Next Avenue to Offer Alzheimer's Resources & Support

The Corinthos family has something in common with millions of American families — the desire to provide quality care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia.

General Hopsital partnering with The SCAN Foundation and Next Avenue to offer resources and support.



Find out more at nextavenue.org/caring.

'General Hospital' Celebrates 25 Years of Maurice Benard as Sonny Corinthos

ABC7 in Los Angeles stopped by the set of General Hospital on Monday for the 25th anniversary celebration of Maurice Benard playing the character of Sonny Corinthos.

"You make it fun for me, coming to work," an emotional Benard told the GH cast and crew, who were decked out in anniversary t-shirts.

Added co-star Laura Wright, "Maurice has given his heart and soul, and shown so much of show he is through the character of Sonny. So this is truly his family."

"He's just such a mentor to everybody," enthuses co-star Steve Burton (Jason), "because of his work ethic, and his professionalism, and how much he gives to other actors."

Check out ABC7's report below.

Interview Archive: Maurice Benard (2010, 2011, 2013)

We Love Soaps has always enjoyed speaking with Emmy Award-winning actor Maurice Benard, who has played Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital since August 13, 1993. Below are links to three separate interviews conducted with Benard: December 2010, June 2011, and April 2013.

December 2010
Part 1 - Benard discussed performing live, how he got into acting, playing comedy, working on All My Children and landing the role of Sonny.

Part 2 - Benard shared memories from his General Hospital career, working on his latest indie film, being an animal love, and learning to "live in the moment."

June 2011
Part 1 - Benard discussed Sonny's evolution on GH, and his ongoing struggles maintaining symptoms of Bipolar.

Part 2 - Benard shared more about his experience of portraying Sonny, keeping the role fresh, dealing with Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo (Brenda) leaving the show, as well as his own future aspirations.

March 2013
GH50 - Benard said it was "an honor to be on the show as long as I have been on" at General Hospital's 50th Anniversary event at the Paley Center. He also previewed his upcoming movie The Ghost and The Whale.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez debuted as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

Today in Soap Opera History (August 13)

1982: Days of our Lives' Jessica and Joshua were married.
1984: A Martinez made his first appearance as Cruz on Santa Barbara.
1993: Maurice Benard debuted as Sonny on General Hospital.
2001: Bold and the Beautiful's Tony told Kristen he was HIV+.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, Adam (Robert Rodan) vowed to kill Victoria, the woman Barnabas loved, unless Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) made someone for him to love.

1980: On The Edge of Night, April (Terry Davis) confronted Emily (Margo McKenna) with the fact that "Kirk Michaels" was dead.

Michael Sutton Bringing Stone Cates Back to 'General Hospital' in August

Emmy nominated ator Michael Sutton will be reprising his role as Stone Cates on General Hospital in August.

Sutton played Stone from 1993-1995. The character was diagnosed with HIV and ultimately died of an AIDS-related illness. TV Line is reporting that Sutton will return to GH for a brief return sometime in August.

Stone’s romance with Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough) was beloved by fans at the time, and Sutton even returned for a few episodes in 2010 when the character returned as a vision to Robin, who was being held captive in a well to urge her to stay alive and fight. The couple came in at #41 on the We Love Soops "50 Greatest Soap Couples" countdown in 2012.

[Warning: Spoilers ahead...]

Ston's return is part of Sonny Corinthos' upcoming storyline as the mobster goes through a particularly rough patch.

“Sonny and Stone once again like the good old days!” Sutton posted to Instagram. “Always a pleasure to work with my brother, Maurice Benard (Sonny).”

RELATED:
- We Love Soaps World AIDS Day Interview With Michael Sutton
- We Love Soaps TV 2.06 Kimberly McCullough & Michael Sutton

'General Hospital' Sneak Peek: Will Jason Be Sonny's Successor?

This week on ABC soap opera General Hospital, Sonny (Maurice Benard) wants to make things work with Carly for the long haul. The first step in making this happen seems like retirement. He has a drink with Jason (Billy Miller) to discuss the details.

"You need a successor," Jason responds, "someone you can install who's not going to screw things up. More importantly, someone who's not going to come back after you."

Jason wonders if he is Sonny's choice.

"Is that why I'm here?" he asks. "Do you want me to do it?"

Watch a sneak peek of their conversation at ABC.com.

'General Hospital' Star Maurice Benard Included in "Deconstructing Stigma" Exhibit at Logan Airport

Maurice, 53

A photograph of General Hospital Emmy winning actor Maurice Benard is one of 34 pictures lining the 235-foot-long hallway between Terminals B and C at Logan Airport in Boston, part of an exhibit that debuted last week called "Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life." Superimposed on each photograph is text describing the person’s struggle with mental illness.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 22, Benard (Sonny Corinthos on GH) remembers being hospitalized —at times being so manic, he suffered from psychosis. Like many people, Maurice has to take medication daily to remain healthy.

"I have been on medication for the last 30 years, and I learned a long time ago that those medications are what help me stay balanced. Otherwise, bipolar takes hold and I become someone I don’t want to be. When I take my medication, everything is great. When I don’t, it’s a problem."

Watch Maurice Benard's 'Spoonful of Paolo' Interview

Paolo Presta and Maurice Benard

General Hospital Emmy winner Maurice Benard sat down with A Spoonful of Paolo's Paolo Presta for a new interview to talk about his career, including 23 years playing Sonny Corinthos. Check it out below.

ABC Wants You to Catch the 'General Hospital' Fever in New Promos

"Catch the fever, the GH fever," says ABC's new promos for General Hospital. Using iconic song, "Fever," ABC shows off its female and males casts in new fall promos. Watch them below.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (March 14-18, 2016)

Lulu and Laura listen as Scott tells them they are in for some big surprises.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of March 14-18, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, March 14
Helena (Constance Towers) sends enduring words and emblematic gifts to everyone from her grave; Anna (Finola Hughes) discovers Griffin's (Matt Cohen) real identity and his reason for spying on her; Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) learns the truth about "Claudette."

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Returning to 'General Hospital'

Stephen A. Smith tweeted a photo with GH star Laura Wright on Monday.  "Damn, I'm a lucky man," he wrote. "On the set of @GeneralHospital right now and look who decided to take a pic with Me?#Haaaaa!!"

Stephen A. Smith, co-host of ESPN2's First Take will be making another appearance on his favorite soap opera, ABC's General Hopsital. GH star Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) posted a video with Smith on Monday, with the following caption: "I had the best time working with @stephenasmith today. He's truly a natural. Not Denzel yet, but getting there." Watch below.

I had the best time working with @stephenasmith today. He's truly a natural. Not Denzel yet, but getting there. pic.twitter.com/D7tbcLUgrp

— Maurice Benard (@MauriceBenard) March 8, 2016

'General Hospital' Emmy Winner Maurice Benard to Guest Star on 'Castle'

Jonathan Silverman, Maurice Benard and Nathan Fillion on the set of Castle.

General Hospital star Maurice Benard revealed on Instagram that he would be making a guest appearance in an upcoming episode of ABC primetime hit Castle.

"On my way to film @Castle_ABC Love the show excited to do something different," Benard posted on Instagram on Friday morning. Later in the day, he updated fans and posted a photo with Jonathan Silverman Castle star Nathan Fillion (ex-Joey Buchanan, One Life to Live). "It was a blast working with these two pros and the well oiled machine that is @abccastle @natefillion @jonnysilverman"

Benard's appearance on Castle has not yet been scheduled. We Love Soaps will post the air date in our Guest Star Guide when it becomes available.

Benard has played Sonny Corinthos on ABC's General Hospital since 1993. He recently opened up about his battle with bipolar disorder on an episode of The Dr. Oz Show. Watch below.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (March 7-11, 2016)

Helena has lasting words and symbolic gifts for all from her grave.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of March 7-11, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, March 7
Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Carly (Laura Wright) take a long, hard look at the direction of their relationship; Lulu's (Emme Rylan) declaration gives Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) new hope; Baxter (Tom Parker) covers when Sam (Kelly Monaco) starts asking too many probing questions about Hayden (Rebecca Budig); Griffin (Matt Cohen) is stumped by Tracy's (Jane Elliot) test results.

'General Hospital' Star Maurice Benard Discussed His Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Oz (Video)

Dr. Oz and Maurice Benard

General Hospital star Maurice Benard appeared Thursday on The Dr. Oz Show to discuss his struggle with bipolar disorder.

The Emmy winner told Dr. Oz that he kept it to himself early in his career.

“The reason I didn’t talk about it was a few people had told me if I tell people I’m bipolar, I’m not gonna get hired as an actor,” Benard said.

Bernard discussed his bipolar disorder in an interview, and was later moved when he received a letter from a boy who had found inspiration in his words after his brother killed himself.

“So I decided that’s more important than any directors hiring me,” Benard explained. “People need to know about these things because people do die.”

Benard also revealed he was put into a mental institution as a teenager where he found himself tied down with restraints and was desperate to escape. After pulling a latch off of the wall, he even considered slitting his wrists to end his life.

“And I started praying, 'God help me,'” he remembered. “And I took the latch, bent it and made it into a cross and put it by my bed.”

Watch Benard's segment below.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (February 29-March 4, 2016)

"Who is Claudette?" Maxie wants to know.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of February 29-March 4, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, February 29
Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) has second thoughts about her living arrangements; Anna (Finola Hughes) comes to a sad and unfortunate realization; after Maxie (Kirsten Storms) overhears Nathan (Ryan Paevey) mumble “Claudette”, he claims she was his childhood French poodle.

'General Hospital' Spoilers (February 22-26, 2016)

"Can we skip the part where you tell me Julian is reformed and I tell
you I don't believe it?" Sonny tells Alexis on her wedding day.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of February 22-26, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, February 22
Morgan (Bryan Craig) intentionally puts himself in the wrong place at the wrong time; Olivia (Lisa LoCicer) gets scared; Nina's (Michelle Stafford) persistence elicits a reaction from Franco (Roger Howarth).

'General Hospital' Spoilers (January 18-22, 2016)

Tristan Rogers stars as Robert Scorpio.

Check out the day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on ABC soap opera General Hospital during the week of January 18-22, 2016.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, January 18
Sam (Kelly Monaco), Jason (Billy Miller) and Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) struggle with their circumstances; Valerie (Brytni Sarpy) finds herself in a life-threatening situation; Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Jordan (Vinessa Antoine) piece together clues and come up with a theory; Kristina (Lexi Ainsworth) makes a confession.