🔔 Shocking Announcement: Maurice Benard’s Temporary Departure
On April 12, 2025, General Hospital stunned fans and the entertainment world when it was revealed that Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) will take a temporary break from the show.
His absence is due to a summer 2025 national tour called:
“I Want You Live in 25in”, organized by Coastal Entertainment.
🎭 Tour Details & Purpose
The tour is not just a fan meet-and-greet. It will be an evening of:
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Personal storytelling
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Mental health awareness
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Behind-the-scenes insights from General Hospital
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Audience Q&A sessions
🗓️ Tour Dates:
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Starts: July 8 in Addison, Texas
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Ends: July 20 in Richmond, Virginia
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Includes stops in major cities like Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, and more
🎟️ Ticket Info:
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Range: $45 to $150+
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VIP Packages include photos and a personal meet-and-greet
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Average price: $110
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Expected to sell out fast in major cities
💬 Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions
As soon as the news broke:
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Social media exploded
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Fans expressed shock, support, and concern
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Some are planning to travel cross-country to see him live
Popular hashtags emerged:
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#SaveSonny
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#BringBackBenard
Many see this tour as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the actor who’s played Sonny for over 30 years.
🎬 General Hospital’s Script Challenge
Maurice’s temporary departure poses a major challenge to GH’s production team.
Sonny Corinthos is a core character, and explaining his absence requires:
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Late-night rewrites
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Creative story development
✍️ Possible storyline explanations include:
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Sonny leaves for a secret business mission
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Sonny is kidnapped by an old enemy
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Sonny fakes his death or goes into hiding
Writers aim to keep Sonny active in spirit, even while Maurice is away.
🧠 Maurice Benard’s Mental Health Advocacy
Maurice has long been open about his bipolar disorder diagnosis at age 22.
He has:
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Incorporated his experience into Sonny’s character
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Used his platform to raise awareness
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Published a memoir: Nothing General About It, a NYT bestseller
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Hosts a YouTube series: State of Mind, focusing on mental health stories
The tour gives Maurice a chance to continue this mission—face-to-face with fans.
🤔 Will Maurice Return?
🚨 Rumors sparked fears that Maurice may permanently exit the show.
However, his team confirmed:
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It’s just a temporary break
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He’ll be back by end of summer 2025
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Maurice remains committed to GH and Sonny Corinthos
Some fans speculate this tour may be a test run for life after GH, but for now, he’s not leaving for good.
🌟 Bigger Picture: Soap Star Tour Craze
Coastal Entertainment is organizing several other tours for soap fans in 2025, including:
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Steve Burton (Jason) & Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) – Comedy Tour
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Vanessa Marcil (Brenda) & Rena Sofer (Lois) – Live Show
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Chris McKenna (Brennan) – Appearances in NY
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Day Players Tour – Stars from Days of Our Lives
🧡 A Farewell, But Not Goodbye
Maurice Benard’s tour is more than a professional break—it’s:
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A deeply personal mission
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A way to connect, educate, and inspire
Fans who can’t attend can still follow the experience through Maurice’s social media, where he promises to share highlights.
📝 In Maurice’s words: This isn’t just a tour. It’s a conversation about life, healing, and human connection—all through the lens of a character fans have loved for decades.
