5 Shocking Reasons Why Fans Are Convinced Sonny Corinthos Is Leaving General Hospital (And The Truth)

The question of whether Sonny Corinthos is finally leaving General Hospital has become one of the most persistent and explosive rumors in the soap opera world, especially as we head into late 2025. The speculation surrounding the departure of the iconic mob boss, played by the legendary Maurice Benard since 1993, has reached a fever pitch, fueled by cryptic storylines and the actor’s own candid discussions about his future. As of this current date, December 11, 2025, the short answer is that the rumors are greatly exaggerated, but the reasons behind the fan anxiety are deeply rooted in recent, high-stakes plot developments and Benard's personal plans.

The character of Sonny Corinthos is the undisputed anchor of Port Charles, and his exit would fundamentally change the landscape of the ABC daytime drama. While fans are right to be concerned given the dramatic turns his life has taken, Maurice Benard himself has directly addressed the speculation, setting the record straight on his contract status and his immediate future with the show, even as his character faces one of his most challenging and introspective storylines yet.

Maurice Benard: The Man Behind The Mob Boss

Maurice Benard has become synonymous with the daytime drama genre, portraying one of the most complex and enduring characters in television history. His career is marked by critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for his work on General Hospital. Understanding the man behind the character, his professional history, and his personal life is key to understanding the current rumors.

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• Full Name: Mauricio Jose Morales
• Stage Name: Maurice Benard
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1963
• Place of Birth: Martinez, California, U.S.
• Current Age: 62 (as of late 2025)
• Spouse: Paula Benard (m. 1990)
• Children: Cailey Sophia, Cassidy Rose, Joshua, and adopted daughter Heather
• Notable Role: Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital (1993–present)
• Previous Soap Role: Nico Kelly on All My Children (1987–1990)
• Key Achievement: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2003)
• Mental Health Advocacy: Benard is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his lifelong struggle with Bipolar Disorder.
• Current Project: Host of the popular mental health podcast, State of Mind.

The 5 Biggest Rumors Fueling Sonny's Potential Exit

The persistent buzz about Sonny leaving Port Charles is not just random fan chatter. It stems from a combination of the actor's public statements and a dark, existential storyline that has put the mob boss’s life—and his very identity—in jeopardy. These are the five main reasons why fans are convinced an exit is imminent.

1. The Existential Crisis Storyline

The most immediate plot point fueling the rumors is the "existential crisis" storyline that show writers have confirmed will dominate Sonny’s narrative. General Hospital spoilers indicate that Sonny is being forced to re-examine his entire life—both his personal relationships and his professional life as a mobster. This deep introspection has led to him considering a drastic change, including potentially resigning from the mob business entirely. For a character whose identity is so tied to his power and criminal empire, this storyline suggests a profound, life-altering shift that could easily lead to an off-screen departure or a quiet retirement from Port Charles.

2. Maurice Benard’s Retirement Timeline

Maurice Benard himself has been very open about his future plans, which has inadvertently sparked the exit rumors. The actor has publicly stated that he plans to retire from acting when he turns 65. While this date is still a few years away, the discussion of retirement has led some fans to speculate that the show might be planning a major send-off for Sonny to align with Benard's personal timeline. He has expressed a desire to focus more on his successful podcast, State of Mind, which features candid interviews with fellow actors and public figures about mental health.

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3. The Current Contract Status

In a move to quell the mounting speculation, Maurice Benard confirmed that he is currently secured on the show. He revealed in a recent interview that he has "a year left" on his current General Hospital contract. While this news is a relief for fans, it also acts as a countdown clock. A one-year contract leaves the door open for a potential non-renewal, keeping the exit speculation alive and prompting fans to worry about what happens when that contract expires.

4. The War with Sidwell and Mob Violence

Sonny’s life has been anything but peaceful, and a recent escalation in his mob activities has put him in extreme danger. The storyline involving his war with rival mobster Sidwell has been violent and dramatic. A key event that terrified fans was a bomb explosion at Charlie's Pub, a location central to Sonny’s world and his family. High-stakes violence and near-death experiences are classic soap opera tropes used to write off major characters, leading many viewers to fear that the war with Sidwell will be the event that finally kills off the legendary mob boss.

5. Rumors of a Death or Farewell Plot

The internet, particularly YouTube channels and soap gossip sites, has been flooded with "confirmed" spoilers claiming a "Maurice Benard's farewell" plot, with some even alleging that "Sonny will die in January 2025". While these sensational claims often lack credible sourcing and are frequently used for clickbait, the sheer volume of these rumors has created a pervasive atmosphere of dread among the loyal fanbase. This constant stream of misinformation has amplified the underlying anxiety caused by the on-screen drama.

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The Definitive Truth: Is Sonny Corinthos Really Leaving GH?

Despite the high-octane drama in Port Charles and the swirling rumors, Maurice Benard has been unequivocal: No, he is not leaving General Hospital at this time.

The actor directly addressed the speculation surrounding a potential exit or death storyline, shutting down the rumors and confirming his commitment to the show and the character of Sonny Corinthos. While his contract status secures his presence for at least the next year, his public statements serve as the definitive answer for the immediate future of the show.

The current storyline, however, is designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Sonny’s existential crisis will force him to confront his life choices, which will have massive repercussions for his family, including his ex-wife Carly Spencer (Laura Wright), his son Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), and his current wife Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros). The possibility of Sonny choosing to step away from the mob life to finally find peace is a compelling narrative that could lead to a less-dramatic, but equally impactful, change in his role on the show.

For now, fans can rest assured that the mob boss remains firmly entrenched in Port Charles. The current drama is a masterclass in soap opera storytelling, using the threat of a character's departure to drive high-stakes emotional conflict. As long as Maurice Benard continues to renew his contract, the saga of Sonny Corinthos will continue to be the heart of General Hospital.