Maurice Benard is a soap opera star, notably appearing as Sonny Corinthos in General Hospital. However, that is just part of his storied career as an actor. Thanks to this, fans are wondering just what Benard’s net worth could be with his soap opera success.
General Hospital Would Give Maurice Benard His Most Iconic Role In 1993
Maurice Benard, born Mauricio José Morales, is a California native of Nicaraguan and Salvadoran descent. After finishing high school, he decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Initially, he worked as a model before breaking into acting.
In 1987, Benard joined the cast of All My Children, taking on the role of Nico Kelly. He would continue in this role well until 1990.
With the new decade, Benard would be cast as Sonny Corinthos in General Hospital. Originally intended for a few months, Benard was initially hesitant committing to another soap following All My Children.
The Actor Has Also Appeared On A Few General Hospital Spin-Offs
However, Benard would end up continuing to play the character over the following decades. Notably, Benard would also reprise the role in Port Charles and General Hospital: Night Shift.
Outside of his work on soaps, the actor has appeared in projects like Her Wicked Ways, To Face Her Past, and The Ghost and the Whale. Notably, he portrayed Desi Arnaz in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter.
Outside of his work as an actor, Benard has created a second career for himself online. He is also known for hosting the “State of Mind” podcast series, where he often speaks with other soap opera alumni.
As the podcast’s website notes, “For over 30 years, Maurice has been sharing his personal journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, in an effort to break down the stigma and support others who may be struggling.” Benard is also a New York Times bestseller for his book, Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital.
Regarding his personal life, in 1990, Benard also married Paula Smith. The couple has four children together.
Notably, Benard’s son Joshua has appeared on General Hospital as a younger version of his father’s character, Sonny. In addition, Benard and his wife adopted Paula’s younger sister, Heather, after the death of their mother.
Banard’s work on the soap has come with various accolades. He has been nominated for ten Daytime Emmy Awards. Notably, he won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Award for three years, in 2003, 2019, and 2021.
Banard’s work has also earned him quite the income. Notably, Benard and his wife purchased a $1.25 million home in 2007. The couple later sold the house in 2011 for $1.386 million. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Benard has an estimated net worth of $2 million.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.