Maurice Benard and Bipolar Disorder

Maurice Benard (born March 1, 1963) is an American actor. He is known primarily for his Daytime Emmy Award-winning portrayal of romantic mobster Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr. on the ABC soap opera, General Hospital, a role he has portrayed since 1993.

Born Mauricio Jose Morales in Martinez, California and growing up in San Francisco, Benard is of Nicaraguan and Salvadoran ethnicity. He started his acting career as Nico Kelly 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 and Desi : Before the Laughter, in which he portrayed Desi Arnaz. He is now starring in an independent film entitled 'Confession.' Filming began in June of 2009.

Benard has also appeared in several feature films including Ruby (1992) and Mi Vida Loca.

His salary is currently $2 million/year

Benard and his wife Paula have four children; daughters Cailey Sofia (September 18, 1994), Cassidy Rose (April 8, 1999) and son, Joshua James (December 5, 2004). He and his wife adopted his wife's niece, Heather Smith-Benard, after her mother's death. His cousin, Marvin Benard, plays 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.

If you enjoyed this page, be sure to visit Famous People with Bipolar Disorder.