Maurice Benard
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This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2009) |
| Maurice Benard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mauricio Jose Morales March 1, 1963 Martinez, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Spouse(s) | Paula Smith (1990–present) |
| Website | |
| www.mauricebenard.tv | |
Maurice Benard (born March 1, 1963) is an American actor. He is known primarily for his portrayal of romantic mobster Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr. on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital, a role he has portrayed since 1993.
Biography
Career
Born Mauricio Jose Morales in Martinez, California and growing up in San Francisco, California, Benard is of Salvadorian and Nicaraguan ethnicity. He started his acting career as Nico on the soap opera All My Children from 1987 to 1990. In addition to guest spots on several television series during the early 1990s, Benard also appeared in television movies including the 1991 CBS television movie Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter, in which he portrayed Desi Arnaz. He is now starring in an independent film entitled Confession. Filming began in June 2009.
Benard has also appeared in several feature films including Ruby (1992) and Mi Vida Loca.
Personal life
Benard married Paula Smith on August 11, 1990. They have three children; daughters Cailey Sofia (born September 18, 1994), Cassidy Rose (born April 18, 1999) and son, Joshua James (born December 5, 2004). He and his wife adopted his wife's adopted sister, after her mother's death. His cousin, Marvin Benard, played professional baseball.
Benard was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 22. He has since become a spokesperson for treatment of the disorder with Mental Health America.[1] His character, Sonny Corinthos, also suffers from the disorder.
Benard and his family live in Temecula, California along with their many pets.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 1992 | Ruby | Diego | |
| 1993 | Mi Vida Loca | Creeper | Alternative title: My Crazy Life |
| 1999 | Operation Splitsville | Frank | |
| Restraining Order | Sicko | ||
| 2000 | Crystal Clear | Steven | |
| 2009 | Confession | Mitch | |
| 2010 | The Penny | The Penny (voice) | Independent Film |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1987–1990 | All My Children | Nico Kelly | |
| 1990 | DEA | Curro | 1 episode |
| 1991 | Her Wicked Ways | Steve | Television movie Alternative title: Lethal Charm |
| Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter | Desi Arnaz | Television movie | |
| Stat | Jorge Rosario | 1 episode | |
| 1992 | Dark Justice | Kelly's Mob Boyfriend | 1 episode |
| 1993— | General Hospital | Sonny Corinthos | Role from: August 13, 1993 to September 24, 2007; Spring 1998; December 18, 1998 to present |
| 1996 | To Face Her Past | Jesse Molina | Television movie |
| 2000 | Port Charles | Sonny Corinthos | 2 episodes |
| 2007 | General Hospital: Night Shift | Sonny Corinthos | 1 episode |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Soap Opera Digest Awards | Nominated | Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime | All My Children |
| 1995 | Hottest Soap Couple | General Hospital (Shared with Vanessa Marcil) | ||
| 1996 | Won | Outstanding Lead Actor | General Hospital | |
| 2000 | Favorite Actor | |||
| 2001 | Nominated | Favorite Couple | General Hospital (Shared with Sarah Brown) | |
| 2003 | Won | Outstanding Lead Actor | General Hospital | |
| 2005 | Outstanding Lead Actor | |||
| 1996 | Daytime Emmy Award | Nominated | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | General Hospital |
| 1997 | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | |||
| 2003 | Won | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | ||
| 2004 | Nominated | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | ||
| 2006 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | |||
| 2000 | ALMA Award | Nominated | Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera | General Hospital |
| 2001 | Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama | |||
| 2002 | Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama | |||
| 2008 | Outstanding Performance in a Daytime Drama Series |
References
- ^ "Soap star Maurice Benard: This rebel has a cause". bphope.com. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
External links
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