Is General Hospital setting up Sonny for Maurie Benard to leave?

Is Maurice Benard planning to leave General Hospital?

Rumors that Maurice Benard is leaving General Hospital have been surfacing for the past few years. They began when he said on an episode of his Podcast, State of Mind, that he loved interviewing guests and wished he could do it full-time. Benard has been portraying the mob kingpin for 32 years since 1993.

His character Sonny Corinthos has been making statements for the past year that have added fuel to the fire, and viewers are more certain than ever that the soap vet is about to call it quits. Sonny has been talking about getting out of the mob more frequently.

Sonny received assistance from beyond the grave

The bomb that exploded in his apartment, setting Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) on fire, has him rethinking his life. Longtime fans know that Michael was shot and in a coma for a while because of his father's enemies.

When Sonny was recently hospitalized after heart surgery, he dreamed he spoke with his deceased father, Mike Corbin (Max Gail), about his conflict. Mike told his son he knew what he must do.

This past Friday, Sonny met with Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) and said he would consider the offer to sell his property on the peer. He and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) both previously said they wanted to get out of the dangerous business for their families.

GH viewers are paying close attention

When Sonny told Jason about Sidwell's offer, his best friend looked stunned. Benard has not said anything specific for fans to believe he is about to leave General Hospital but viewers are paying attention to what they believe are clues.

Sonny could sell his property and never work another day because he does not need the money. Jason also wants out, but does not want Sidwell involved. Many who watch the ABC soap believe Jenz is behind Michael's situation and the nurse who attacked Sonny in California. Others believe Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) could be the mastermind.

Who would run the mob?

If Sonny sold everything, what would happen to his operation? There have been rumors that Brick (Stephen A Smith) would take over, but he is not a regular on General Hospital.

Brick could always work off-camera and report back to Sonny, but Smith has said he wants to run for President. If he does his character might say farewell to Port Charles.

Another candidate to take over for Sonny is Selina Wu (Lydia Look). Some fans thought her nephew Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) would begin working with he but he has now left town.

Pay attention to the sources

With so much talk about Sonny and Jason leaving the mob, they will not likely continue much longer. They are getting older and many viewers say they are tired of the mob wars and the casualties.

Michael has been injured twice and others have died because of "the business." His character discussing getting out of the mob is not evidence that Benard is leaving the ABC soap, but many fans believe it to be so.

Sonny and Jason have been in this business for so many years, what would they do without it? If Benard and Burton stay around the writers would find something for them.

If you have read any articles stating for a fact that Maurice Benard is leaving General Hospital, please consider the source. Several sites have shared some extreme scenarios that never came to pass. In the meantime, continue paying attention to the clues in Port Charles and what Benard says on State of Mind.