Maurice Benard and Jacqueline Macinnes Wood take home top Daytime Emmy Awards

Congratulations to Jacquline Macinnes Wood and Maurice Benard for winning the top honors during the Daytime Emmy Awards which were held Friday night June 25. Wood won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Steffy Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. Benard took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his character Sonny Corinthos on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

Both Wood and Benard's characters faced traumatic situations and viewers of their respective soaps were saying the two should win and they did. The soap vets dealt with some real life issues and did an excellent job in portraying their characters in distress. The viewing audience as well as those who chose the winners agree that these two actors were the best choice for their awards in 2021.

Maurice Benard has been portraying mob boss Michael Corinthos Jr. AKA Sonny on GENERAL HOSPITAL since 1993. When Sonny was a young boy his father became a gambler and walked out on his mother leaving her to raise him alone. Young Sonny was mistreated by two stepfathers even being locked in a closet by one of them. His dad Mike Corbin later shows up in Port Charles and was portrayed by Ron Hale who retired in 2011. The two had a rocky relationship and Mike's gambling debts caused a lot of problems.

In 2018, Max Gail was hired for the role of Sonny's father Mike Corbin. Gail came to the show knowing that his character would die from Alzheimer's disease. Mike and Sonny had been estranged but began reconnecting due to a medical issue. Mike's girlfriend basically dumped him on his son's doorstep and said she did not sign up to deal with dementia. Individuals who have actually had parents die from Alzheimer's disease applauded

Sonny's realistic portrayal and his range of emotions. He was frightened, nervous, protective, and even in denial and hopeful for a cure for his dad. The scenes between the two men were so realistic because Maurice Benard and Max Gail have a real friendship outside of GENERAL HOSPITAL. The story was written in such a way that viewers became invested and many were crying when the time came for Mike to pass away. Maurice Benard's performance was a job well deserving of the top honor. Congrats also go to Max Gail who won for Outstanding Supporting Actor at the 48th Daytime Emmy Awards.

Jacquline Macinnes Wood gave a memorable performance on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL when her character Steffy Forrester became addicted to prescription drugs. She had extreme back pain after her motorcycle was hit by a car and her pain meds were not working. when her doctor refused to renew her prescription Steffy began purchasing illegal drugs from Vinny who had been her brother's childhood friend.

Steffy lied, tried to cover her tracks, and attempted to manipulate those around her. Steffy became paranoid and began accusing her loved ones of things they had not done, She made some pretty shocking comments to her family members who were attempting to intervene. She remained in denial for the longest time and it took Liam taking their daughter away from her home to open her eyes.

Viewers who have dealt with loved ones who were addicts said that Steffy's actions and reactions were spot on. Wood put in the hard work and it paid off with her winning the award. Congratulations to all of the winners of including GENERAL HOSPITAL for Best Drama. For a full list of the award holders please click on the above link.