Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maurice Benard’s Net Worth?
Maurice Benard, a celebrated American actor, has accumulated a net worth of $2 million. This figure reflects his long and successful career, primarily built on his work in television soap operas, supplemented by roles in films and television movies. A significant portion of his wealth is derived from his enduring role as Sonny Corinthos on “General Hospital,” which he began in 1993 and has continued for over 1600 episodes.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Maurice Benard, born Mauricio José Morales on March 1, 1963, in Martinez, California, embarked on his entertainment career after graduating high school. Before transitioning to acting, he worked as a model in the 1980s. His acting debut came in 1987 with the role of Nico Kelly in the ABC daytime soap opera “All My Children,” where he appeared until 1990. His performance earned him a “Soap Opera Digest” Award nomination for Outstanding Male Newcomer: Daytime in 1989. Although the specific salary details from “All My Children” are not publicly available, roles in daytime soap operas typically offer emerging actors a consistent income and valuable exposure. Following his stint on “All My Children,” Benard took on guest roles in shows like “DEA,” “Stat,” and “Dark Justice,” before landing the career-defining role of Sonny Corinthos in “General Hospital” in 1993.
“General Hospital” and Career Earnings
Benard’s portrayal of Sonny Corinthos, a mobster kingpin with bipolar disorder, has been a mainstay on “General Hospital” since 1993. Initially intended for a short six-month run, the role has evolved into a central character, mirroring Benard’s own struggles with bipolar disorder. While his exact salary per episode is not publicly disclosed, lead actors on long-running soap operas can earn substantial incomes, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Benard’s longevity on “General Hospital” suggests that his cumulative earnings from the show form the most significant component of his $2 million net worth. In addition to his work on “General Hospital,” Benard has reprised his role of Sonny Corinthos in the 1996 prime-time special “General Hospital: Twist of Fate, in the spin-off show “Port Charles” in 2000, and in “General Hospital: Night Shift” in 2007.
Awards and Recognition
For his work on “General Hospital,” Benard has received considerable acclaim, including ten Daytime Emmy Award nominations. He won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 2003, 2019, and 2021. He also won three “Soap Opera Digest” Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1996, 2003, and 2005. While these awards do not directly translate into monetary gains, they enhance his reputation and marketability, potentially leading to increased earning opportunities in other projects.
Film and Television Movie Roles
Besides his prominent role in “General Hospital,” Benard has also appeared in a number of feature and made-for-television movies. His film debut was in the 1991 television film “Her Wicked Ways,” followed by roles in “Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter,” where he played Desi Arnaz. Throughout the 1990s, he appeared in films like “Ruby,” “Mi Vida Loca,” “To Face Her Past,” “Operation Splitsville,” and “Restraining Order.” In 2000, Maurice appeared in the short film “Crystal Clear” and in the film “We Married Margo” as himself. In 2009, he appeared in “Confession.” In 2015, he was cast in the film “The Ghost and the Whale” and also in “Joy.” In 2017, he appeared in the television film “A Lover Betrayed.” The following year, he had a role in “Nightmare Cinema.” The following year, he played the role of John Gotti in “Victoria Gotti: My Father’s Daughter.” He also appeared in “Hold On” and “Duke.” In 2020, he appeared in “Equal Standard.” He was cast in the short film “Passions” in 2022. While specific financial details for each of these roles are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall income and diversification as an actor.
Real Estate Investments
In 2007, Maurice and his wife Paula purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills for $1.25 million. They invested significant funds in renovations, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve the property. This suggests that their initial investment, plus the cost of renovations, totaled significantly more than the purchase price. In September 2010, they listed the renovated home for sale at $1.55 million. The sale was finalized in February 2011 for $1.386 million. This transaction resulted in a profit. The real estate holdings contribute a part of Maurice Benard’s net worth.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Benard married Paula Smith on August 11, 1990. They have four children: three daughters and one son. Maurice and Paula also adopted his wife’s younger sister, Heather, after the sisters’ mother passed away. At age 22, Benard was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This personal challenge led him to work with “General Hospital” writers to incorporate the disorder into his character, Sonny Corinthos. The show’s depiction of bipolar disorder has been praised for its realism, and Benard has become a spokesperson for Mental Health America, advocating for the treatment and understanding of mental health issues. While his advocacy does not directly impact his financial status, it enhances his public image and reinforces his commitment to raising awareness.
Maurice Benard’s Net Worth: A Summary
In summary, Maurice Benard’s $2 million net worth is primarily composed of his earnings from his long-standing role on “General Hospital,” supplemented by income from film and television movie appearances, and real estate transactions. His career, which began with “All My Children” and evolved into a prominent role on “General Hospital,” has provided him with a stable and substantial income. His real estate investments, despite one resulting in a modest loss after renovations, have also contributed to his overall financial standing. His success on “General Hospital,” coupled with his work in film and television, solidifies his financial position and reflects his enduring presence in the entertainment industry. The “General Hospital” income is the main reason for his “Maurice Benard’s Net Worth” which is $2 million. Through “General Hospital”, “Maurice Benard’s Net Worth” has increased over the years to what it is today.
