Maurice Benard Breaks Down In Tears After Being Reunited With Daughter In The Air Force

May 22, 2023

In the vast landscape of daytime television, where emotions run high, and storylines captivate millions of viewers, one name that has remained synonymous with excellence and dedication is Maurice Benard. A seasoned actor known for his portrayal of Sonny Corinthos on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” Maurice has etched his name in the annals of television history through his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to his craft. 

Maurice was born on Mar. 1, 1963, in Martinez, California, and is of Nicaraguan heritage. However, his early years were far from idyllic, as he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 22. The challenges that came with the condition would later become pivotal in shaping his acting career, as he drew from his personal experiences to infuse his performances with authenticity and emotional depth.

Maurice’s acting journey began in the late 1980s when he landed a role on the soap opera “All My Children.” Although his initial stint on the show was short-lived, it opened doors for him, leading to his breakthrough role as Corinthos on “General Hospital” in 1993. From the moment he stepped onto the set, Maurice’s magnetic presence and raw talent quickly captivated audiences.

As Corinthos, a charismatic mobster with a complex personality, Maurice brought a multifaceted portrayal that enthralled viewers. His ability to seamlessly transition between the character’s ruthless nature and vulnerable moments earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Over the years, Maurice’s portrayal of Corinthos has become iconic, firmly establishing him as one of the most memorable characters in soap opera history.

Maurice’s contributions to “General Hospital” extend far beyond his on-screen performances. Throughout his tenure on the show, he has fearlessly tackled challenging storylines, including mental health issues, addiction and the complexities of family dynamics. By openly discussing his personal struggles with bipolar disorder, Maurice has become a beacon of hope for fans facing similar challenges, advocating for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Beyond “General Hospital,” Maurice has made appearances in various other television shows and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, it is his unwavering commitment to “General Hospital” that has endeared him to fans worldwide. He has received numerous accolades for his performances, including multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2003, 2019 and 2021.

In addition to his acting achievements, Maurice is a devoted family man, married to his wife, Paula Smith, and together raising their four children. His personal life serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, all while maintaining a sense of balance and stability.

In 2008, Maurice and his wife legally adopted her half-sister Heather Andresen, who was 15 years old at the time. Andresen joined their other children, daughters Cailey Sofia Benard born in 1995 and Cassidy Rose Benard born in 1999, and son Joshua James Benard born in 2005. At the time, PEOPLE reported Maurice as telling ABC Soaps In-Depth that he and his wife had made the decision to adopt Andresen to “give her everything that she couldn’t have had before.”

Maurice made it clear to the world just how much Andresen meant to him when he appeared on “Tamron Hall” and was floored by an emotional surprise.

On Mar. 30, 2023, Benard appeared on “Tamron Hall,” when host Hall turned the discussion to Andresen and a photo of her flashed on the screen. 

“This is her. You haven’t seen her in…” Hall said before the star, already looking very emotional, said, “Oh, don’t do that.” Hall was referring to the fact that, due to Andresen’s service in the Air Force, Maurice had not seen her since October 2022.

“You haven’t seen her in a long time. You’ve never seen her in uniform,” Hall continued. However, she had to stop as the visibly emotional Maurice turned his head away in tears. As he wiped them away, Hall announced, “You’re not the only one that made a special trip today. She wanted to be here.” She then introduced “Your daughter, Airman First Class Heather Andresen.”

Andresen and Maurice hugged before he joked, “These surprises kill me.” Overwhelmed by emotion, Maurice had to wipe tears from his eyes as he saw Andresen in uniform for the first time.

“I am so proud of her, and I can’t talk. So, uh, can I leave?” Maurice remarked. While fighting through tears, he then shared a story about the time Andresen was first adopted.

“The most beautiful thing that I shouldn’t say, cause then I’m not going to be able to talk… When we adopted her, we were talking in the room, and Paula, my wife, and her were talking about how happy we were. At one point (Andresen) said, ‘Can I call you Mom?’ And I was gone, worse than I am now,” Maurice recounted as even Hall began to tear up.

Maurice later took to Twitter to thank Hall for the surprise and wrote: “Thank you for making me feel at home. It was a very special moment.🎁”

Did Maurice’s reaction to seeing his daughter for the first time in months get you all teary-eyed too? If so, pass this on to your friends and family so they can witness the emotional moment as well.