General Hospital fans are buzzing again after Maurice Benard casually revealed a surprising post-retirement plan. His future has been a hot topic for months, and his latest tease adds fresh fuel. The actor isn’t stepping away yet, but his next chapter already sounds very different from Port Charles.
Maurice Benard Opens Up About Life After Port Charles
Benard has spent years hinting that he plans to retire eventually, even though he insists he’s not leaving any time soon. His contract still has time left, and he has reassured fans that he won’t walk before age 65. Still, his recent comments show he’s thinking seriously about what comes next.
During a candid discussion on State of Mind, Benard shifted the conversation toward a future beyond Sonny Corinthos. He spoke openly about the mental pressure that comes with decades of playing one character. He said he wants to stay sharp and present, even as he grows older. His honesty struck a chord with fans because he’s never hidden the fact that mental health guides his decisions.
He explained that he once hit a point in 2024 where he feared he wouldn’t return to work. That period changed how he sees the long game. The vulnerability hasn’t faded, and he continues to build his post-GH identity with those lessons in mind.
Maurice’s New Passion Project: Teaching Acting
The biggest surprise came during a chat with Kelly Thiebaud. As they discussed growth and training, Benard teased a new direction. He asked her if she’d attend his acting class someday. When she reacted with confusion, he calmly confirmed the plan.
Benard said he wants to teach acting once he steps away from General Hospital. The idea wasn’t tossed in as a joke. He said it with intention and pride. Teaching aligns with his long-standing love for helping others understand their emotions, especially through art. It also pairs naturally with his mental-health work on State of Mind.
He made it clear he will continue his podcast even after leaving GH. So fans should expect a version of Maurice who still appears on their screens, just in a new space. The community he built through the show and the podcast remains important to him, and he intends to nurture that connection long after he retires from daytime drama.
What This Means for General Hospital
Fans know GH has relied on Sonny Corinthos as its central power source for more than three decades. Any hint of change sends viewers scrambling. Benard’s future plans don’t confirm an exit, but they do signal that the countdown has begun.
Writers may soon face the reality of preparing for life without Sonny. That could push them to deepen his current stories or reposition the mob landscape before Benard eventually steps back. Viewers might see bolder moves, heavier emotional beats, and faster pacing as the show braces for a long-term shift.
But for now, Maurice Benard isn’t going anywhere. He’s simply sketching the next chapter of his life with the same honesty he brings to every interview. Fans may worry, but they also know he respects the character and the legacy too much to leave without giving General Hospital time to prepare.
Maurice Benard’s post-retirement plans add a new layer of curiosity for longtime General Hospital fans, and Soap Opera Daily will keep following every new hint he drops. Thanks for reading — until next time!