From Port Charles To Personal Milestones: 5 Ways Maurice Benard Celebrated A Monumental Year (2024 Update)

Maurice Benard, the iconic actor who has embodied the complex mob boss Sonny Corinthos on *General Hospital* (GH) for three decades, has recently experienced a whirlwind of celebrations, marking both massive career milestones and deeply personal triumphs. As of December 11, 2025, the freshest and most touching news revolves around his enduring love story, which continues to inspire fans worldwide, alongside his pivotal role in daytime television history. The term "Maurice Benard anniversary celebration" is a dual-purpose phrase for fans, referring not only to his unprecedented run on the ABC soap opera but also to his profound commitment to his family. The actor has masterfully woven his on-screen legacy with his off-screen advocacy and personal life, creating a narrative of resilience, longevity, and success that is truly unique in the entertainment industry. This year, in particular, has been a testament to his staying power, celebrating a 30-year career peak and a 35-year personal commitment.

Maurice Benard: A Complete Biography and Profile

Maurice Benard is a three-time Emmy® Award-winning actor best known for his long-running and critically acclaimed role as Michael "Sonny" Corinthos Jr. on the daytime drama *General Hospital* (GH). His career is defined by his willingness to tackle complex, emotionally charged storylines, including his character's journey with bipolar disorder, which mirrors Benard's own life experience.

• Full Name: Maurice Benard
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1963
• Place of Birth: Martinez, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Paula Smith (m. August 11, 1989)
• Children: Cailey Sofia, Cassidy Rose, Joshua, and adopted daughter, Heather
• Major Role: Michael "Sonny" Corinthos Jr. on *General Hospital* (1993–Present)
• Daytime Emmy Awards: Three wins for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2003, 2019, 2021)
• Other Notable Roles: Nico Kelly on *All My Children* (1987–1989)
• Advocacy: Mental health advocate, specifically for bipolar disorder awareness.
• Podcast: Host of the popular YouTube show/podcast, *State of Mind with Maurice Benard*
• Book: Author of the memoir, *Nothing General About It: How I Survived Bipolar Disorder and Found My Voice*

The Most Recent Celebration: 35 Years of Love and Family

The most current and heart-warming "Maurice Benard anniversary celebration" is his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife, Paula Smith, which they celebrated on August 11, 2024. This monumental personal milestone garnered a massive outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, highlighting the stability and strength of their relationship in the often-turbulent world of Hollywood. Benard took to social media to share a loving tribute to Paula, his "longtime love," a common practice for the private actor when celebrating such key personal dates. He often shares rare family photos, giving fans a glimpse into his life as a dedicated husband and father outside of Port Charles. The public tribute emphasized his gratitude to Paula for her unwavering support, particularly in his journey managing bipolar disorder, making their bond a powerful symbol of partnership and resilience. Their enduring marriage, which began in 1989, is frequently cited by Benard as his rock, providing the foundation that allows him to thrive both personally and professionally. The celebration of their 35th anniversary serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the dramatic, often volatile relationships his character, Sonny Corinthos, navigates on *General Hospital*. It underscores the real-life grounding that keeps the actor centered, a theme that resonates deeply with his audience. Fans and colleagues alike poured congratulations into the comments, celebrating the couple's inspiring love story.

The Career Milestone: 30 Years as Sonny Corinthos

While the wedding anniversary is the newest personal celebration, the career highlight that defined Benard's 2023–2024 run was his 30th anniversary as Sonny Corinthos on *General Hospital*, which officially occurred on August 13, 2023. This achievement cemented his status as a daytime television legend. Thirty years in a single role, especially one as demanding and iconic as Sonny, is an almost unheard-of feat in modern television. The character of Sonny Corinthos has evolved from a volatile young mobster to a complex family patriarch, providing Benard with an unparalleled canvas to showcase his acting range. He has earned three Daytime Emmy Awards for the role, a testament to his consistent, high-caliber performance. The network and the show's producers acknowledged the 30th GH anniversary with special tributes, retrospective clips, and features that celebrated his most memorable storylines. Fan favorites often mentioned include the original Sonny and Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil) romance, his long-standing, tumultuous relationship with Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright), and his deeply moving mental health storylines. Benard himself has spoken about how the role is more than just a job; he considers the *General Hospital* set and cast to be his "second family." The celebration of this 30-year tenure is not just about time; it’s about the cultural impact of Sonny Corinthos. The character has become a cornerstone of the soap opera genre, driving ratings and providing a consistent emotional core for the show.

Advocacy and The 2024 "You're Stronger Than You Know" Tour

Beyond the traditional anniversaries, Benard’s greatest ongoing celebration is his commitment to mental health advocacy, primarily through his popular YouTube series, *State of Mind with Maurice Benard*, and his 2024 public appearances. The *State of Mind* podcast, which features candid interviews with celebrities, mental health experts, and public figures, has become a trusted resource for those struggling with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges. The show's mission is to destigmatize mental illness and promote wellness, offering a message of hope and strength. The podcast itself represents an anniversary of sorts—a continuous celebration of vulnerability and open dialogue. In 2024, Benard has been actively touring with his "You're Stronger Than You Know" events. This tour, which often includes meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions, serves as a celebration of his career milestones while focusing heavily on his role as an advocate. The tour's title, "You're Stronger Than You Know," is a direct and powerful message drawn from his own life experience and his memoir, encouraging fans to confront their own struggles with courage. During these tour stops, Benard connects directly with his audience, discussing the complexities of living with bipolar disorder and how he manages it while maintaining a high-profile, demanding career. The events are not merely fan appearances; they are deeply personal, therapeutic gatherings that celebrate the strength of the human spirit. The 2024 tour, therefore, is a rolling, year-long anniversary celebration of his dedication to helping others find their voice.

The Enduring Legacy of Maurice Benard

The collective "Maurice Benard anniversary celebration" over the past two years—encompassing his 35th wedding anniversary, his 30th GH anniversary, and his continued advocacy tour—paints a picture of a man whose real-life achievements are as compelling as his fictional character's. His longevity on *General Hospital* as Sonny Corinthos has provided him with the platform, but his transparency about his personal battle with bipolar disorder has given him a purpose far greater than acting. This combination of professional success and personal vulnerability has created a unique topical authority, making him a beloved figure both in the soap opera world and in the broader mental health community. As he moves forward, fans can anticipate more milestones, more powerful episodes of *State of Mind*, and more inspiring tributes to his family. Maurice Benard's story is a powerful reminder that true star power lies not just in the roles we play, but in the lives we touch.