Crime Pays: ‘General Hospital’’s Maurice Benard on 23 Years as the Godfather of Port Charles
It’s good to be king. Mob king, that is. Emmy Award winner Maurice Benard has spent 23 years on ABC’s General Hospital playing underworld heartthrob—and sperminator extraordinaire—Michael “Sonny” Corinthos Jr. The fan adoration has never stopped. Neither have the complaints.
For a guy who is GH’s No. 1 star, you sure get a lot of gripes!
I’ve heard all the audience criticism: “Sonny never pays for his crimes! They’re trying to make him a saint! Sonny has too many kids!” Hey, you can’t please everybody and maybe some of that is true. There are times when I pick up a script and just know I’m gonna get crucified. [In superhero voice] “Here comes Sonny to save the day!”
Give us some examples. When do you think the show went too far to make Sonny a hero?
Oh, like when he went to jail for murder but got pardoned because he saved the governor’s daughter. I’m sorry they did that. It would have been interesting to see Sonny in prison, having to deal with people cutting him down to size. I’d like to know what he’d do if he was truly stripped of his power.
But they’ve disempowered him in other ways, no? Like with his bipolar disorder, and when he was paralyzed in that wheelchair.
And then he hopped out of the wheelchair and attacked the gunman who was holding everybody hostage at the [Alexis-Julian] wedding. [Laughs] Then I knew for sure that we had gone too far. But lately it’s been…fine.
How do you respond to the fans who say Sonny never pays?
I think he has paid. A lot. Maybe not by being behind bars, but he has suffered a lot of personal loss because of what he does for a living. People very close to him have died or very nearly died. I still get flack that Sonny shot his own son, Dante, through the chest. But Sonny didn’t know Dante was his kid at that point. And Dante was a rat! In the mob world, you shoot a rat. That whole sequence was one of my all-time favorites. It was as true to the mob as you can be on daytime TV. But I can see why some people feel my character never pays. Sonny should be in prison. Actually, he should be dead. You know, back when I started on GH and Sonny was running a club with underage strippers and supplying drugs, the role was only supposed to last six months. Then I agreed to a year. At the end of that deal, I had decided that I really liked being at GH, and really liked the people, so I wanted to stay—but how the hell could I do that when Sonny kept doing these horrible things? It was then I realized that I would have to start playing up his personal pain if I wanted to have a long run.
What, in your mind, is Sonny’s worst crime?
Shooting Michael’s father, A.J. Quartermaine. It was the absolute worst thing Sonny ever did. But even that he managed to justify in his head. And then, after the funeral, Sonny and Ava had sex in the Quartermaine crypt. Now that was pushing the envelope. But it was good.
Has it been tough finding formidable foes to go up against Sonny?
They come, they go, but right now Sonny is scared—really, truly scared—for the first time in his life because of Julian Jerome. But it’s not like Sonny admits it. We just finished shooting scenes that had me thinking, “Wow. This is serious s–t. This Julian guy is a psychopath!” I think he’d slit Sonny’s throat—and probably his eyeballs—if he ever got the chance.
RELATED: Nancy Lee Grahn Addresses the “Julexis” Controversy
Why doesn’t Sonny just eliminate him?
Well, he probably should, but you can’t be making idle threats. [Laughs] You gotta do it! How many times can you say “I’m gonna take you out!” and still be saying it to the same guy two years later? You have to follow through, otherwise you look like a fool.
Just about every incoming head writer says they’re going to lighten up on the mob activity—and the network has consistently claimed this, too—but the mob drama has actually escalated, so much so that the heavily criticized Bob Guza era now looks fairly benign. Thoughts?
What else are you going to do with Sonny? People are going to hate me for saying this but I want to do even more gangster stuff. It’s what Sonny has done for 23 years and you have to honor that. Of course, we need balance. I like being able to show the lighter side of Sonny—the dad, the husband, the man who cares about his family more than anything else. But the mob stories, if done well, are what keep you on the edge of your seat. We need some of that dark, scary stuff. That’s why I’m crazy about [the Showtime series] Ray Donovan, which shows a guy heavy into criminal activity who is still trying to be a good husband, father, brother. I think the mob part of GH works really well right now. You can have Sonny the gangster and Sonny the man. It doesn’t have to be either/or.
It’s the mob stuff that recently brought Sonny and Alexis closer together. Plus they share a kid. Do you see any chance of a romance there, especially now that GH done everything possible to destroy Julexis?
Not really, but I always love playing the affection Sonny has for Alexis, I guess because Nancy Grahn seems like my older sister.
Ooh, she’s gonna love that!
[Laughs] I can’t help it. When I work with Nancy I feel like I want to take care of her, which is funny because she’s not someone who needs taking care of. You know how some women want that? Well, that’s not Nancy. But when I do scenes with her I still feel that way, and Sonny feels that way about Alexis.
Sonny the hothead was remarkably cool when he caught his supposedly straight daughter Kristina having an affair with a lady college professor. Was he really that understanding?
The truth? I think Sonny does have a problem with it—a big problem—but the love he feels for his little girl outweighs everything. I tried to play both things. I thought those scenes were very well written but I just wish we’d done more with it and had Sonny push for an in-depth father-daughter discussion about whether Kristina is gay, bi or whatever. It would have been really interesting. [Laughs] Though, for Kristina, probably pretty embarrassing.
What didn’t ring true was Sonny’s reaction when he found out Kristina had tried to trade sex for a better grade. That was the disturbing part of the hot-for-teacher story, and it should have alarmed the hell out of him. It was kind of psycho.
Yeah, but she’s his little girl and, like a lot of dads, you’re a lot tougher on your sons than on your daughters. [Laughs] And I’ll tell you what: That’s the way it is in my real life at home, too!
For several years you and Tony Geary shared the MVP throne at GH. In fact, it was you—not Genie Francis—that he played his final scenes with when he left the show.
I love Tony. I get emotional just thinking about him. Whatever the lines were in that last scene didn’t matter. All I was playing was, “Damn, I’m gonna miss you, man. And I love you.” And Tony was playing the same thing. I think about him all the time. It’s weird, it’s funny, but I do.
RELATED: GH’s Jane Elliot Dishes Her 50-Year Run in Soaps
What’s your proudest moment on GH?
I think we did a really good job with Sonny’s bipolar illness. The producers and the writers and ABC didn’t have to do that story, but they did, and it was brave and a really important issue to get out there. Then the decision to have [Sonny’s son] Morgan also be bipolar made it even better and more powerful. And Bryan Craig! The way that kid attacked that story was astonishing. He’s a great actor.
It’s been 13 years since you won your Emmy. Feeling the need for bookends?
Naw, I stay out of the Emmy thing. It’s not my game anymore.
Let’s get back to romance. Would you say Brenda Barrett was Sonny’s great love?
Well, my stock answer is “Love the one you’re with.”
And your non-stock answer?
I think it’s possible to have more than one big love in your life. In my own life, I have had two big loves. You could say that Brenda was Sonny’s first big love, and that Carly is his last. There you go.
Vanessa Marcil sure as hell wouldn’t play it that way if she ever came back to GH. Brenda would not be second fiddle to Carly.
[Laughs] No, she would not! Look, if Vanessa shows up some day then we have a real battle on our hands, and that battle would be really fun to act. It would be good for the show.
So Carly is it for the rest of Sonny’s life? You seriously believe that?
Working with Laura Wright this time around has been incredible for me. We’re having a great time—in fact, I’m having the best time working with her since we met. Now they’re writing Carly and Sonny more happy, happy, happy, though it seems like maybe that’s just for the time being. But it works. They have a lot of history together. They’re comfortable together.
And, as an actor, that’s enough for you?
I would have had a problem with that when I was younger, but I don’t feel that need anymore. I feel like I’ve been down so many roads with Sonny that I’m kind of content with what is, as opposed to what could be. So this is cool. There’s less stress. In the past, I would have fought tooth and nail for more. But this works, so let’s get on with it.
Are you mellowing with age? There’s no more fire in your belly?
With acting as with boxing, which I’ve been doing for 20 years, the key to success is relaxation. That’s where I’m at now. When you’re younger, you think you have to do everything harder, longer, faster. But, when you get to a certain age, you realize you don’t need to do that. You don’t need to prove anything. You just are.
What got you to this point?
A lot of anxiety attacks. Finally, you just go, “Enough.” As you get older, you have to stop hanging on so tight. Of course, nobody can tell you that when you’re young. You have to figure it all out for yourself.
But doesn’t Sonny need another red-hot, earth-shattering romance—just one more electric, dynamic pairing before it all wraps up? His current marriage to Carly—their fourth—just seems like a placeholder.
Over the years, they’ve put me with a lot of different actresses and only Laura and Vanessa have really stuck with the viewers. It’s a bitch making it work, OK? I’m not saying we shouldn’t try, but the audience is like Sonny’s mother. [Laughs] Nobody is ever good enough!
The Doctor Is In
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There's way too much Sonny on the show. And way too much mob. And we all know MB is behind the scenes pulling some strings.
The proof is in the ratings. Since Sonny's become the moral center of the show the ratings have NOT improved. "You can't please everyone" is a BS excuse. You can try to write --and act--a better story. You can NOT make Sonny the hero every damn day.
And if they ever put Sonny with Anna, I will stop watching the show altogether
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Paranoia will destroy ya
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If I could, I'd up vote yours and scoma60's comments a million times.
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Yeah, I agree, get 'em, Lucy D!!! They go way too far trying to make Sonny the main character AND the hero. The day they realize that Sonny ain't no hero will be at least a day worth watching. He's done some great things, sure, but like Luke he is hella dark, and it's ridiculous to pretend he's not. Also, I wonder if Anna's weak a$$ story was one of the reasons behind her extended break. Maybe she's hoping by the time that she comes back that they will have got this silly fantasy out of their head that Anna would ever even look Sonny's way, because she abhors everything he stands for, and Duke was a gangster but he definitely wasn't Sonny, he at least appeared to have a soul, even when he hired the hit on Jordan he at least called it off, I think, lol. The way they loosely write the story Sonny could be gettin' with Monica, or even Tracy, two women that I KNOW hate him, and deservedly so. You would think they would find a way to keep Sonny front burner, if they must, relevant, but keep the mob to a minimum? Bring back his extended family, like Ric, so that he'll be more bearable on screen, always liked their dynamic.
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This guy is a true @$$hole, and that is not a compliment. Calling NLG his 'older' sister? Yes, she has 5 years, but that's a lousy thing to say about a woman. And they wonder why we all gripe about Sonny and the mob....
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thanks
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yes--I wondered about Finola staying away longer myself. Seems like she would hate the story--too OOC
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I think that showed MB is NOT a nice guy. Saying that about NLG is a dick move
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Wow really calling him names because he referred to Nancy as his big sis is ridiculous. Both Vanessa Marcil and Steve burton have referred to him as their big brother or father figure and he's only about 7 or 8 years older than them. He is terrible person for helping teach others the craft of acting and being a spokesperson for mental healthness. You should be more respectful because I don't believe he meant that comment in a mean or malicious way.
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Who knew he was teaching others the "Craft of acting"? maybe he could start by memorizing his lines
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Let's see if he's been one of the top actors on a show for 23 years I would say he is a pretty good actor. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks that or he wouldn't have stayed employed as long as he has. The problem with most of you anti Maurice Benard viewers is the fact that you can't tell the difference between the actor and the character he portrays. Sonny has many flaws and at times is dislikable but Maurice is an amazing man and has earned my respect. Yes he has taught many actors how to act that is a fact. I believe he was referring to Nancy as a family member showing how close they are and I found nothing disrespectful with what he said.
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By the way why do you anti Maurice viewers always feel the need to post on articles that are written about him? All of you look very immature especially when you start the name calling.
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I agree Ashley. WHATEVER he says, people will find SOMETHING and attack him! These are the same hippos who tear down a security rope to get an autograph or a hug!
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I'm dead!! I love you for this Lucy.
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Because I can.
And I'm not worried about you thinking I"m immature
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You know me better than that. I wouldn't want an MB autograph and would never seek or ask for one.
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Thanks Mel 😉
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See, this is a matter of opinion. I'm entitled to mine, as you are entitled to yours. I'm not here bashing other posters, as you are so I would say the immature label is being tossed the wrong way
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Your hilarious, I bet you aren't worried that's why you responded to my comment. You proved my point perfectly.
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No your just bashing an actor because you dislike the character he plays on TV. If you don't want to be called immature than don't act the part. You can leave your opinion without being disrespectful.
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Thanks Chunkles, it's crazy some of these comments are disrespectful on another level. Like they really just post to spread negativity.
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Ashley, I don't know you and you don't know me. TV is there for my entertainment. I don't hold actors to a higher regard than other people. I don't think MB does a good job and he sure as hell doesn't entertain me. That's my truth--and I'm entitled to it.
It would be disrespectful perhaps if it sent him the message, but I didn't. I posted it on a board which allows people to share perspectives--all perspectives--not just the ones that worship certain people.
It's pretty obvious to me & plenty of others that MB's interference got Ron fired. And since Sonny is back at the center of PC worship the ratings continue to tank. Those are facts. Not opinion.
You can like or dislike whatever actor you want, but you don't get to tell other people what actors they need to like as well.
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I never said you had to like Maurice. What I said was show respect in the way you post comments. Doing things such as name calling is not necessary. You shouldn't hold someone to a higher regard because their an actor. The reasons I respect him are outside of his acting. Yes once again you can like whoever you want but my point is why post comments on the interviews he does if you know everything you have to say is so negative. If I personally disliked an actor the way you do when it comes to Maurice then I just wouldn't read anything regarding him or post any comments. The fact that you consistently do makes me thank you do it for attention. I also don't know where your proof is with Maurice getting Ron fired its all speculation. The ratings may not be great but GH did win Outstanding Drama Series and several other emmy's this year. One actor alone couldn't possibly be the only reason GH ratings aren't great. Once again liking someone and showing respect not only to them but the fans who leave comments on this board are two completely different things. The fact that you don't know that is the issue.
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I don't need attention.
They won an Emmy for special episodes created by Ron.
It's pretty much accepted that he had a lot to do with Ron's firing--and he was quite disrespectful to Ron at last year's fan weekend.
When Ron first came to the show he took a lot of emphasis off the Corinthos' and the ratings went up. Then several years later the ratings started dropping, esp in the demos. Ron gets fired, they blamed the ratings. Then miraculously Sonny becomes the moral compass of the show--and surprise--the ratings are worse.
I really don't want to talk about this anymore. Boards are made to comment on. And that's what I did
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Once again all speculation, even if for some reason he did get someone fired doesn't give you the right to be so rude on articles written about him. That further makes him look great and you immature. By the way there are other actors who openly admitted to not liking Ron. Of course if he is fired it has to be Maurice Benards fault that's the only explanation. Let's not forget you started this debate by responding to one of my comments and tried to discredit it. So maybe next time you don't do that because as you can see I don't bow down to nobody. Post your comments for now on with class, leave the name calling out of it. I would really appreciate it if you don't respond to any more of my comments.
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Okay, maybe a chunk of his hair then!
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I dont get into pissing contests anymore. I realize that being on these sites, Twitter or Facebook, you can be as nasty as you want and suffer very little consequences! Face to face, most of these haters would crumble!
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You have me laughing so hard.
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GOOD! Thats the way I roll and its FRIDAY!
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I know, why do they comment on his interviews to say the same thing over and over again (we hate sonny/or maurice). At the end of the day Maurice has played this character for years and probably isn't going anywhere until he decides to. These haters aren't effecting his job security, money, or fame all there doing is further annoy his fans.
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So, we bonded over Maurice, IF you have the same passion for Eric Braeden over at Y&R we are life long poster buddies!
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I love Maurice Benard, and Sonny too. It was Anthony Geary, that got Ron fired, not Maurice Benard. He is a wonderful man, in real life, and a spokes person, for Mental illness. He has a wonderful wife Paula, who absolutely loves him, and his kids are out spoken, about what a great father he is, so why such disrespect, for an actor, who has never done anything, to hurt anybody. He is always there, for all the newbies, and he thinks of Nancy Lee Grahn, as family, and therefore, wants to protect her, in their scenes together. I don't think, what he said, was to hurt Nancy, but was to show, how close he is with her instead. Some people, might not like his character, but I am not one of those people. I can't imagine, GH, without Sonny in it. I love Sonny, and many fans love him too.
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Thanks Susan, your right he is an amazing man who deserves more respect than some viewers are giving him. I think alot of this hostility towards him comes more from the character he portrays on GH verse the man he actually is. His wife who he has been with forever and children have nothing but good things to say about him. Most of the actors that have worked with him also respect him. I think it's awesome that he has been very vocal about mental illness.
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Ron deserved everything he got from the actors and more. He basically ruined their characters along with the franchise with his nonsensical camp and plot twists that were so incoherent as to be garbage. Yeah, he wrote a couple of good scenes here and there, and one good anniversary show. But it doesn't make up for the damage to the show of other stuff that was downright insulting to viewers. There were too many times when it felt completely embarrassing to even be watching the show under his writing.
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As opposed to now when all must worship Saint Sonny?
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C'mon, don't pretend you don't know me & my views. We "converse" almost daily on DC.
There is no part of MB I would want.
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I know. I enjoy you and others on DC. Back to your original comment, Maurice calling Nancy his older sister isnt a dick move. He loves and respects her. Nancy isnt a pushover! She can hold her own and wouldnt stand for any of Maurice's BS. By the way, I have a good friend who is younger than me and she refers to me as her older brother she never had and it doesnt offend me. I love her and I embrace her title she gave me.
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Yep. To me the Saint Sonny is ridiculous, but that element pales in comparison to the complete foolishness Ron forced on GH.
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I would take Ron's OTT perspective than the mostly boring repeat & rinse stories we get fed every day
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Well...... good on you. The vast majority of people who comment on Jelly versus Ron think the writing is an improvement. It certainly isn't as good as it has been in past years, but I agree with the sentiment that it is much better than it was. There is always the cartoon channel for people who miss Ron.
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Not on the board I'm on.
But whatever you enjoy Jelly as they write GH off the air
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I would be fine if GH went off the air. It isn't one-quarter of the show it was up until about the last five years. Thing is.... ABC has nothing to replace it with at this point. So I will watch it when I feel like, watch past episodes from earlier years if I feel like I want to see its former greatness, and move on when it is ultimately cancelled.
One of its biggest problems at this point is that FV wasn't fired along with Ron. But, you can pine away for Ron all you want. He was terrible and he got what he earned. You may not feel that way, but frankly, that makes no difference now does it.
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Lucy D ,,
give me a list of the active now mob characters
How many mobsters are there? One man, Sonny, is not a mob,,
And, tell us when the mob ''stories'' (not scenes) an actual mob story with mobsters (not just Julian and Sonny 2 men) but a mobster story was on GH..
Last I recall real mobsters and mob stories was under Guza..
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ALL of Sonny's power & ubiquity is derived from his being the head of the Mob. I don't need to see his men (who Brick is now among apparently) shaking down local businesses to know Sonny, without the Mob is a powerless, voiceless shell of a man.
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I have a Facebook page called General Hospital Unbiased and I think you should search for it and join us. We totally agree with you.
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GH has been sacrificed at the alter of the Mob. Thugs like Sonny,Jason,Julian are not romantic or heroic.The show would improve 100 fold if the Mob was obliterated.
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Those three have been written better though. I remember times they were all rootworthy because they were more than mobsters. Jason hasn't clicked with me since Steve Burton left the role, because instead of making a different Jason they are trying to make him Stone Cold and it's not working, he's coming off condescending and hypocritical to characters like Liz, and I'm not feeling his pairing with Sam, seems like they both limit each other when before with Steve they seemed more serious, like ride or die. I enjoyed seeing Sonny when his story started to develop, and up to a year or two ago, something changed. Julian appears to be thrown under the bus to make Sonny a hero again. In the interview he said that Julian was a psychopath, and I said, 'what separates Julian from Sonny?' What I'm saying is when they focus on their complexities as characters they interested me, but bad, shallow writing makes them look like card cut out gangsters, and each is more than that. I'd like to see how they functioned without the mob. What would each do? Jason would be doctor or an architect, Julian already has a business, or did with the newspaper, and Sonny I really wonder what he would do.
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And what wouold you write about? Nathans sore back! Kiki gets ANOTHER flat tire!
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Sonny would still be running a seedy strip club with underage strippers and dealing drugs. Carly would have no interest in him.
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Too true.
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Actual human relationships and behavior, maybe?
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I thought this was a great interview. I personally love the character of Sonny Corinthos. Maurice Benard has brought this character to life with all of his complexities and pain. Frankly, I would watch GH a lot less if and when Maurice decides to retire Sonny. I too would love to see more mob action on GH not for violence sake but because it adds to the drama and it's what Sonny does. All told, I am a big fan of Maurice Benard and appreciate the great entertainment he has given to the fans of GH for the past 23 years. I will be sad on the day Sonny Corinthos rides off into the sunset.
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I completely agree with you this was a great interview. Some people will complain no matter what. It's crazy they can't have respect enough to just say the actor is good at his job. Even Maurice admits in this interview that Sonny has moments he is praised to much. He also stated that Sonny has done some terrible things in the past especially with the AJ situation. I personally am a huge fan of Maurice Benard but at times dislike some things Sonny does. If an actor can make me love his charcter at some moments and dislike him at other moments then that actor is good at his job. This was probably one of the most honest interviews Maurice has done.
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But he's NOT good at his job. He's been sleepwalking through this job for years. RH, NLG, and TG are well known for ad-libbing some of their lines and it's clear that MB tries to do it as well but he's God awful. Want to know what RH, NLG, and TG do that MB is clearly unable to do? THEY CAN AD-LIB WITHOUT UNNECESSARY AWKWARD PAUSES AND STAMMERING AROUND WHILE TRYING TO THINK OF THE NEXT THING TO SAY! If the man isn't trying to ad-lib then he should spend more time memorizing his damn lines.
The ratings are tanking. I don't think it's a coincidence that it's been SONNY! SONNY! SONNY! during the ratings free for all. It wasn't too long ago where the ratings were over 3 million and guess what, Sonny was nothing more than a glorified dayplayer during that run of higher ratings. We're all 'fanboys' for certain shows, characters, and actors, but you Sonny fanboys are absolutely killing this show with public cries for more Sonny.
I can appreciate the history of Sonny but he needs to have a seat and let the grownups take over.
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Well you have your opinion and I have mine. I personally think he is a great actor and once again if he wasn't THEN HE WOULDN'T BE EMPLOYED FOR 23 YEARS and if he is as terrible of an actor as you think then why is he considered one of the top male actors on GH and has been for years. Some of the best acting he does is when Sonny is having a breakdown or his children are in trouble, you can literally feel the raw emotions in a scene.
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He's a good actor when he's not stuttering and stammering around. I never once said he was a bad actor, he just needs to stop trying to ad-lib and actually memorize his lines.
Fans flocked to him back in the 90's. He was a fun character back then plus, let's be honest here, this was also the last time GH was "can't miss TV." I think the majority of viewers wouldn't have such disdain for Sonny if the show was more even. Sonny is being propped at the expense of other characters. Alexis and Julian for example are being nailed on the cross while Sonny skates. Sam and Lucas spit in the face of their father while Sonny's kids go on and on about how great he is. Sonny shoots Carly, Dante, and Robin, but it's OK because it's sweet little ol' Sonny. Julian kills Carlos and he must pay! Julian threatens to kill Alexis and he's dirt on the bottom of their shoes. Um, Sonny actually shot his wife and son. Hello?! Anna would NEVER work with Sonny for no reason! Duke or not. And in what world would a police department allow a known criminal, Sonny, into a precinct simply to tell the cops what they need to do. Come on.
The hate for this one-note character would ease if they would stop propping this character. Oh, and if he would memorize his lines.
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Stuttering and stammering around, I don't think I have ever witness him do these things but then again your entitled to your own opinion as I said. Your right he was more popular to watch in the 90s, but I think that has alot to do with his pairing with Vanessa Marcil. Those two together are dynamite, although I wasn't a big fan of her return in 2010 mainly because of bad writing. Even with the bad writing they still had great chemistry. I'm normally not a Sonny/Carly fan but even I have to admit the way Maurice and Laura have portrayed them lately has been great. Maybe it's because Carly and Sonny have finally matured into a loving adult relationship. Are you serious almost all of Sonny's kids have been mad at him at one point or a another. Dante hated Sonny for most of two years (2010-2012), and for good reason. Most of 2015 Michael was mad at Sonny to the point where he changed his name and took Avery. Julian tried to kill Alexis of course his kids are going to be upset. Next year they might forgive him who knows it's a soap. I'm tired of people saying Sonny is on too much. Maybe that was true about three years ago but not anymore. Another thing Maurice even stated in the interview that he thinks Sonny is praised too much.
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The bottom line is Sonny is a murderous thug who has a moral superiority complex. He judges others and he's in no position to judge.
And he stumbles over his lines at least once an episode
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If you read any of my comments I clearly state that Sonny is flawed and sometimes I like him other times I don't. I can tell the difference between Maurice and Sonny. I have stated that I am a Maurice fan. My issue with some of you is the name calling towards him for no reason, you crossed the line with that. You don't like Sonny fine, you can post anything you want about a fictional charcter. Just be respectful towards the actor.
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I don't respect him or his ability. And after reading the post on Michael Fairman's blog several weeks ago, I don't think he (MB) respects a lot of other people.
I'm happy you're a fan, I'm not. Not of the character or the actor. That's my right
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Yes it is your right, why continue to post on articles written about someone you dislike so much that makes no sense. I guess it gives you some satisfaction to always state how much you don't like him. That alone makes you look immature.
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Count me in as another former viewer of GH. I can't handle anymore of the "Sonny Hour". More balance on the show would have kept me but when you have a murdering thug as your moral center then all salvation is lost. Seriously. I just can't. Congrats pro-Sonny folks. You've rid the show of yet another viewer. The constant pro-Sonny tweeting, etc. has given the execs a false belief that people are clamoring for more Sonny, Next week when the ratings fall even further one of those missing numbers will be me. Feel free to pat yourself on the back when GH is no longer on TV.
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O
I really wish you would read my comment before responding. I clearly stated that I am not a fan of Sonny all the time but instead a fan of Maurice. Your right Sonny has done some unforgivable things and the worst was the AJ incident. Sonny is a fictional character and a mob boss he is not suppose to be a good guy. I do believe Sonny's likable qualities are proof of Maurice's acting abilites. I have always said the best part about Sonny is the family man and his unconditional love for his kids. I do enjoy watching him because he is entertaining and complex. I do personally like to watch GH show for more than just Sonny. I don't ever see myself disliking one charcter so much that I would stop watching a show entirely. There are plenty of characters that I don't like and that's the way it's suppose to be. Every movie or show has to have a villian or bad guy to make it interesting to watch. I am happy that other characters are front and center now and not just Sonny. To me it hasn't been the Sonny show for years we are actually able to see other storylines unfold which is great.
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R
I love Maurice too, but he does stutter a lot. My husband noticed, he doesn't watch. He only sees a few moments as he walks by.
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B
Good interview Michael. Maurice Benard seems to want GH to be more "gangster" though because it means more Sonny. His answer was all about how the mob means stories for Sonny not about how it actually effects the show or viewership. I appreciated the honesty though regarding his current pairing. I have to agree with Benard that having Sonny 's get out of jail free card be saving the mayor's dayplayer daughter was a major fail.
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O
To me, it's pretty easy for the showrunners to look at the ratings by demo, total audience by day and through story lines to as well as social media to easily understand what works, what doesn't. For me, TPTB are ignoring viewers feedback. The violence, lack of romance and poor storytelling are leading to demo low ratings, but that's on TPTB not the mostly excellent actors.
While I'm not a fan of many of the sonny stories, I greatly appreciate maurice's talents and hope they refresh his character in a way fans can truly enjoy. He handled the honestly but professional in this interview perfectly, I agree.
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O
Laura Wright is a gorgeous woman and seems to get more gorgeous every week. So I don't know what this placeholder stuff is. Anyway...I have no problem with the mob on GH, as long as there is balance. I like Sonny most of the time, and I always like MB so you won't hear me complaining. Too much complaining from the fans IMO. I don't go to the soapcentral board anymore because I'd finish watching a show, be excited about it, and go there and it was like Debbie Downer! Everyone complaining. It's so weird. I think the show has been fantastic lately. Sure I have some characters and actors I like better than others, so what? Keep it to yourself, enjoy what's yours, and leave the rest for other fans.
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C
FINALLY an interview that doesn't hold back, where there is no a$$ kissing! This is honestly the best interview by Michael Logan I've ever read, that is giving what I think the fans want to read, not what they think the brass needs to be said. I really love how Maurice stepped up to the plate with honest answers. I really thought that he loved every Sonny story as long as he was front burner, but that is NOT so. Something tells me had they had a little more input from the actor then some of these storylines may have never happened, like A.j.'s death, or a more in depth talk with his daughter about her sexuality, nor would the wheelchair story got as hokey as it did to make him a hero. I love how he not only has a feel for his character, but is not afraid to say when the writers go too far. I don't agree about more mob action. Less is better, or it's Mob wars, not GH, surprised he would say something like that. I don't know about anybody else but I am not feeling his five hundredth marriage to Carly, felt like it was done too soon just to cement a core family when there already was one, the Quartermaines. There are some aspects that are interesting, mainly Kristina, but I don't like most of Sonny's family that he has made over the years; most are overbearing like Morgan recently, and Michael forgiving Sonny AND renouncing his Quartermaine name was over the top. Why didn't he just become Michael Corinthos Quartermaine, or the other way around, so he didn't end up denying one of his fathers, that's what upsets me the most, A.J. deserved a hell of a lot more respect than what he got, and it almost made me stop watching, but Genie came back and ruined all that, lol. I hope in the future they show the Sonny that's passionate like when he was with Brenda, or the other wife who's name escapes me. I can't stand him with Carly I just realized. They are not rootworthy together, and have no right judging any of the other gangsters, like Ava, Carlos, or Julian for that matter. Sonny's other crime is letting Shawn go to jail for his secrets, that made me think 'what a punk that Sonny is for doing that, where's the loyalty?' Also, show Sonny's other family, like his brother Ric, that's a great dynamic there. Again, great interview.
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Wow, ML tried like 5 times to discredit CarSon and Carly's place in Sonny' s life. Haha...but MB wasn't playing that game. Great interview from Maurice! He always has such great insight!
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B
No kidding! Odd...This was a good interview. I love Maurice!
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P
I am 59 and have watched soaps for over 40 years. How time flies. In all those years I've read soap magazines, articles, etc almost daily. And I have NEVER heard one bad comment about MB. Never. Everyone he works with has nothing but praise for him. When he kind of stutters over his words, I think that is an acting thing, to make the dialogue seem more genuine. He has been praised for years as one of the best actors in daytime period and I agree. But, it is true that they go way too far in making Sonny a saint. Even MB said it. Every actor wants his or her character to be front and center and there is nothing wrong with that. TPTB need to make the changes so the fans don't keep turning out.It is not up to the actors. If they don't, soaps will be no more.
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I completely agree with you Priscilla. I have never heard one bad thing about Maurice. Alot of actors he's come in contact with do express how good of an actor he is. Some have even stated that he generously taught them how to act. He has always been nice and respectful to fans. Just like you, at times I am not a Sonny fan. As of lately Sonny has been a better version of himself. That is mostly because he is seen more as a family man verses just a mobster. In the past thanks to writers Sonny has definitely done damage. One thing I do enjoy about maurice is the level of emotion he brings onscreen, IT'S CAPTIVATING. Hopefully if they write Sonny in a better light and without all the unnecessary praise some viewers will be more accepting of the character.
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R
I agree the stutter is for the role. I still don't like it. Love Maurice since AMC.
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G
I love Maurice Bernard and his character Sonny on GH. I have watched GH since I was a small girl and he never, never, never ceases to play his role to perfection. Love this dimpled, sexy man and the role he plays I enjoy the MOB portion of the soap as it is a part of life that I am not familiar with and therefore quite entertaining. Sonny, Carly, Jason and Sam are my favorite characters and I sincerely thank you for bringing them into my home daily. Please continue to visit me on a daily basis. Kudos to the entire cast.!!!!!.
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B
It's the old women, the grandmas that bitch about the mob.
I, and millions others love and want the mob..
It is complainers that voice their dislike, the ones who love the mob simply don't bitch about it because they love the mob therefor nothing to whine bitch and moan over with exception of wanting the mob back !
Sonny and the Corinthos family are the cornerstone family and the largest family, they will be center and upfront, and that is where they belong.
Sonny is the King of GH..
I want Sonny back doing what he does best, head of a real mob bringing us on the edge stories, once again,,
Lovin' Sonny and the mob !!
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P
They never listen to the fans. WE DON'T WANT THE EFFING MOB ALL THE TIME. It's like pepper - great to season a dish and add flavor, but not anything anyone wants to eat as a main dish five days a week.....
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G
great way to describe it
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O
Carly Corinthos and furthermore Laura Wright is nobodies place holder and to suggest otherwise ignores her history on the show and her history with Sonny and does a huge disservice to the character and actress.
Plus in what world would Laura Wright play second fiddle to Vanessa Marcil or Brenda. These Carly attacks were really crappy.
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O
Love maurice, but I wish we'd see interviews with Donnell Turner, Matt Cohen and vinessa antoine in the future. GH has some very exciting new talented actors who have recently invigorated the canvas, and while the writing's been VERY poor lately, I'd love to know more about the direction of these new characters since the future of GH should be bright.
Also, the interview didn't answer my main question about the sonny character. If he doesn't do drugs, sex trafficking or gun trafficking, what IS sonny's criminal activity?
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I love Sonny & Carly! I fell in love with them when Tamara Braun played the role of Carly, and I also really love Laura Wright's Carly with Sonny. They *get* each other and in mind, they belong together forever.
And I love the mob on GH. I'm with Maurice, I'd like even more of it. It's what makes GH more exciting than the other soaps.
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C
this interviewer is terrible.
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