For weeks, the General Hospital fandom has been swirling with speculation that Maurice Benard — the man behind the iconic Sonny Corinthos — might be saying goodbye to Port Charles.

The rumors hit social media like wildfire, with some even claiming the beloved actor was facing serious health issues. But in a recent interview, Benard finally broke his silence — and fans can breathe again.

Speaking candidly on his podcast State of Mind, Benard made it clear: “No, I’m not leaving.” He confirmed he still has at least a year left on his contract and has no plans to retire before turning 65.

Still, the actor didn’t deny that portraying Sonny, one of daytime television’s most complex and volatile characters, takes a heavy emotional toll.

“It’s hard to keep doing this when your mind isn’t 90% there,” he admitted, acknowledging the psychological strain that comes with decades of intense storytelling.

The rumors, however, took a dark turn — with fans spreading claims that Benard was gravely ill or even dying. The actor addressed those directly, saying, “I’ve heard people say I have cancer, that I’m on my deathbed — and none of that’s true.” It’s a reflection of how deeply tied Sonny is to the soul of General Hospital: whenever whispers arise about Benard’s future, the entire fanbase feels the tremor.

Maurice Benard joined the show in 1993, and over the past three decades, Sonny Corinthos has become both hero and villain — a man of contradictions, driven by loyalty and haunted by his own darkness. Removing him from the canvas would feel like erasing the heartbeat of Port Charles itself. That’s why Benard’s reassurance carries so much weight.

Still, he hinted that he’s beginning to think about life beyond the mob boss. Acting at the intensity Sonny demands can’t last forever, he said — but when that day comes, he’ll leave on his own terms. For now, though, Benard is all in: “I’m staying put.”