5 Shocking Reasons The 'Sonny On GH Leaving' Rumors Won't Die (And The Definitive Answer)

The question of whether Maurice Benard is leaving General Hospital (GH) and his iconic role as Sonny Corinthos is, as of December 2025, the most persistent and anxiety-inducing rumor in the soap opera world. Despite countless online claims and dramatic YouTube videos suggesting an imminent exit, the current, definitive answer is a massive sigh of relief for fans: Maurice Benard is NOT leaving General Hospital in the immediate future.

The constant speculation, however, is fueled by a perfect storm of real-life comments from the actor, his evolving career goals, and a dramatic, high-stakes storyline currently unfolding in Port Charles that has the mob boss facing his deepest personal demons. This article breaks down the five key reasons the "Sonny is leaving GH" rumors continue to swirl and what the actor has actually confirmed about his future.

Maurice Benard: A Complete Biography and Profile

Maurice Benard, the actor who has brought the complex character of Sonny Corinthos to life for over three decades, is a cornerstone of daytime television. His personal story and advocacy work are as compelling as his on-screen drama.

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• Full Name: Mauricio José Morales
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1963
• Birthplace: Martinez, California, U.S.
• Parents: Humberto Morales (baking superintendent) and Martha Morales (bank employee)
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Multicultural upbringing with parents from Nicaragua and El Salvador.
• Major Roles: Nico Kelly on All My Children (1987–1990); Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital (1993–Present).
• Awards: Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
• Advocacy: Vocal mental health advocate, diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder at age 22.
• Podcast: Host of the popular mental health podcast, State of Mind.

The 5 Reasons The GH Exit Rumors Are Exploding Right Now

The anxiety surrounding Sonny Corinthos’s fate is not baseless. The current wave of speculation is a direct result of several converging factors, both professional and fictional, that have led viewers to believe the mob boss's time in Port Charles is nearing its end.

1. The In-Show 'Existential Crisis' Storyline

The most immediate trigger for the latest round of rumors is the current direction of the General Hospital storyline. Spoilers have confirmed that Sonny is facing a profound "existential crisis" that is forcing him to re-examine his entire life—both his personal relationships and his professional path as a mob boss.

This kind of storyline—where a major character questions their core identity and purpose—often signals a major shift or even an exit on a soap opera. The writers have stated that this dilemma will force Sonny to make a "big decision," which fans immediately interpret as a decision to leave Port Charles or retire from the mob life entirely.

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2. Maurice Benard’s Open Discussion of Retirement Plans

In a series of candid interviews and podcast appearances, Maurice Benard has been transparent about his future, which is the primary source of the rumors. He has confirmed that he does plan to retire, but he has set a clear timeline: not before he turns 65.

While this is still years away, any mention of the word "retirement" by a legacy actor like Benard is immediately amplified across fan communities, leading to headlines that prematurely announce his departure. He has had to repeatedly clarify his comments, stating emphatically, "No, I'm not leaving," to reassure the fanbase.

3. The Focus on His Mental Health Advocacy and Podcast

Benard's passion for mental health awareness has grown into a major second career. His award-winning podcast, State of Mind, where he interviews celebrities and experts about their own struggles with anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and other conditions, takes up a significant portion of his time.

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He has stated that a key reason for his eventual retirement is to focus entirely on this advocacy work, which he views as a critical mission. The more successful his podcast becomes, the more fans speculate that his focus has shifted away from the demanding daily schedule of General Hospital.

4. Vague Contract Status Reports

Contract negotiations for soap opera stars are notoriously private, yet they are a constant source of fan anxiety. During a summer 2025 podcast interview, Benard mentioned that he had "a year left" on his current contract at the time.

While this was meant to reassure fans that his immediate future was secure, the mention of a contract end date immediately triggered speculation about whether he would choose to re-sign or walk away when the time came, especially given his comments about retiring at 65. The lack of a confirmed, long-term contract extension keeps the rumor mill churning.

5. The Legacy of Past Exits and Recasts

General Hospital fans have a long memory, and they know that even the most pivotal characters can and do leave. The character of Sonny Corinthos is a legacy role, and while Benard has played him since 1993, the possibility of a recast or a dramatic off-screen death is always on the table in the soap world.

The recurring nature of these "Sonny is leaving" rumors is a reflection of how integral the character is to the fabric of Port Charles. Fans are simply preparing themselves for what they view as the inevitable departure of a long-running star, even if the actor himself has confirmed he is committed to the role for the present.

The Definitive Answer: Is Maurice Benard Staying on GH?

For fans worried about the disappearance of the Port Charles mob boss, the news is overwhelmingly positive and comes directly from the source. Maurice Benard is staying on General Hospital.

In his most recent clarifications, Benard has put the rumors to rest, confirming his commitment to the show and his character. The "Sonny on GH leaving" headlines are largely based on misinterpretations of his long-term retirement goals and the dramatic tension of the current "existential crisis" storyline.

While he maintains that he will eventually retire after he reaches the age of 65 to focus on his mental health advocacy through the State of Mind podcast, that day is not today. Fans can expect to see Sonny Corinthos navigate his current emotional turmoil and continue to be a central figure in the dramatic landscape of Port Charles for the foreseeable future.

The constant stream of rumors serves as a testament to the powerful connection viewers have with the character and the actor. Until an official announcement is made from ABC or Maurice Benard himself, the mob boss is not going anywhere.