Maurice Benard

Maurice Benard (born Mauricio Jose Morales on March 1, 1963) is an American actor.

Related Topics:
March 1 - 1963 - American - Actor

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He started his soap career as Nico Kelly on All My Children from 1987 to 1989. Nowadays, he is known by most 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 played since 1993. He won a Daytime Emmy for his work as Sonny in 2003.

Related Topics:
All My Children - 1987 - 1989 - Daytime Emmy Award - ABC - Soap opera - General Hospital - 1993 - 2003

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Benard has been very open about living with manic depression or bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 22, after suffering his first nervous breakdown. Benard treats his manic depression with lithium. He is the spokeperson for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and campaigns for bipolar awareness with the National Mental Health Association.

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Benard and his wife Paula have three kids, daughters, Cailey Sophia (September 18, 1994), Cassidy Rose (April 8, 1999) and son, Joshua James (born December 5, 2004).

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