Friday, May 26, 2023

Feel-Good Interview Series: General Hospital's Daytime Legend Maurice Benard: 7 Things You May Not Know About Him


By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist 
Maurice Benard is the "King of Daytime Television." He has played the role of Sonny Corinthos on the Emmy award-winning daytime drama "General Hospital" for nearly three decades. Here is some of his favorite things, and interesting facts about the "Godfather of Port Charles."
Favorite Movie 
"I loved the new George Foreman movie, "Big George Foreman." "I didn’t think I was going to like it, but it got me. It spoke about God, faith, overcoming, and the acting is superb in it. What upsets it is that this great movie didn’t do so well,” states Bernard. 
Advice for Aspiring Actors 
For young and aspiring actors, Benard recommended that they do a lot of studying. “That’s what I did,” he said. “Study, study, study.”  
 
Longevity in Acting 
 
Benard shared that the key to longevity in the entertainment industry is "to take things seriously"… "That way, one can have a great life as well as a fulfilling career," he said.
 
Stage of his Life 
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Benard made a reference to his New York Times bestselling book, and said, “Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital, Part 2.” 



Sports to Watch and Play 
He revealed that his favorite sports to watch and to play are “boxing and football.” 
Daily Motivations  
On his daily motivations an actor, he shared, “I am inspired simply by feeling peace inside and balance.” “I am starting to feel joy. It has taken me nearly 60 years but it is finally happening,” he said.
His Plans for the Future
Benard revealed that his future plans are to watch his MB “State of Mind” podcast grow and thrive, especially since he is making such a huge impact with this podcast on mental health on many people’s lives on a regular basis. He also wants his son Joshua “JJ” Bernard and his career in the contemporary entertainment scene to grow and prosper. 
On Success 
The “Godfather of Port Charles” furnished his definition of the word success. “Success means peace of mind… having peace in myself.” “Without that, success doesn’t feel as good,” Benard acknowledged.