Maurice Benard, best known for his role as Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital (GH),
has built a reputation not only for his powerful performances but also for his commitment to mentoring fellow actors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Benard has helped guide many young actors, offering them wisdom and support as they navigate the world of daytime television.
Recently, Benard opened up about his ongoing mentorship in the latest episode of his podcast, State of Mind, where he revealed the newest addition to his group of mentees.
Introducing Finn Carr
On the latest episode of State of Mind, Benard shared his excitement about working with Finn Carr, a young actor who joined the General Hospital cast in 2022.
Carr portrays Rocco, the son of Lulu Spencer and Dante Falconeri.
Despite his early career in comedy, Carr has quickly shown his range on GH, proving himself capable of handling the emotional weight of the soap’s often intense storylines.
“I love young actors… I’ve helped quite a bit,” Benard said during the podcast. “I haven’t helped in a while because I just haven’t found anyone who I kind of like… and this person I’ve got today, I kind of like,” Benard continued, referring to Carr. The actor went on to praise Carr’s talent and potential, making it clear that he was eager to guide him through the complexities of working on a soap opera.
During the podcast, Benard also discussed some of the emotional scenes that Carr has already tackled. One such moment involved Rocco learning of Sam’s (ex-Kelly Monaco) death, a scene that Benard described as particularly heart-wrenching. “You broke my heart,” Benard told Carr, a sign of how deeply the performance had affected him.
Mentorship Beyond Carr
Benard didn’t stop at Carr, however. He also mentioned that he’s been working with newcomer Sawandi Wilson, who portrays Isaiah. Benard’s mentorship extends beyond just acting technique—it’s about supporting these young actors as they adjust to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of daytime television. His genuine investment in their success is clear from his words, as he encourages them to bring their authentic selves to their roles while honing their craft.
A Track Record of Success
Maurice Benard’s track record as a mentor speaks for itself. Over the years, he has helped shape the careers of several prominent actors, many of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards. Benard himself has won three Daytime Emmy Awards throughout his career for his portrayal of Sonny Corinthos, and he takes immense pride in the achievements of those he has mentored. In fact, he revealed on the podcast that he has “ten Emmys to show for that”—three of which are his own, while the remaining seven are attributed to actors he has mentored along the way.
One of the most notable examples of Benard’s mentorship is General Hospital alum Steve Burton, who portrayed Jason Morgan for nearly three decades. Burton has credited Benard for guiding him early in his career, particularly when Burton was considering leaving the show. Burton recalled a conversation they had while sitting at the craft services table, during which Benard noticed Burton’s raw potential. “You’re deep, you’re very believable,” Benard told him, and then asked Burton about his plans. When Burton admitted that he didn’t have a clear technique at the time, Benard offered his guidance, which Burton took to heart.
This advice would go on to help Burton become one of the most beloved and award-winning actors on daytime television, ultimately winning two Daytime Emmys throughout his career. Burton’s success is a testament to Benard’s ability to recognize talent and nurture it to its full potential.
The Importance of Mentorship
Benard’s passion for mentorship is not only about helping young actors navigate the technical aspects of their craft. It’s also about providing emotional support, guidance, and wisdom from someone who has spent decades in the industry. Daytime television, particularly soap operas, can be a challenging environment for newcomers due to the fast pace and intense demands of the job. For Benard, mentoring is a way to ensure that the next generation of actors feels supported and encouraged, and that they are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
As Benard continues to work with rising stars like Finn Carr and Sawandi Wilson, it’s clear that his commitment to mentoring will remain an integral part of his legacy. His impact on the world of daytime television is not just through his memorable performances as Sonny Corinthos, but also through the lives he’s touched and the careers he’s helped shape.
In an industry where success often hinges on both talent and timing, Benard’s dedication to guiding others is a reminder of the power of mentorship. With his guidance, the future of General Hospital looks bright, as new talent continues to emerge with the support of one of the soap’s most beloved stars.
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