GH’s Maurice Benard Says a Heartfelt Goodbye to Max Gail

It was difficult for Sonny — and viewers — to say goodbye to Mike on GENERAL HOSPITAL and it was also hard for Maurice Benard to say goodbye to beloved castmate Max Gail. “I think it’s once every decade you find an actor who changes the landscape,” Benard shared on Instagram. “That is Max Gail. Thank you, Max, for always challenging me and making me a better actor. Go out and change the world! We all will miss you.”

Benard also shared a video of himself and Gail shot backstage at GH between scenes. “I just want to say to Max that I love him like a dad,” he expressed. “He’s an incredible actor and I’m gonna miss him like there’s no tomorrow.” Then he throws it to his TV dad, asking, “What do you go to say, Max?” Gail quickly quips, “There’s a tomorrow?” making Benard laugh out loud. Then he turns serious and admits, “It’s been great. You told me we were gonna have fun and we did.” Benard grins and adds, “I told you! I told you!” 

Everyone on the soap stepped up their game as Mike’s Alzheimer’s worsened and he eventually passed away, but none more so than Benard and Gail. While it’s a shame the story had to come to an end, fans can count themselves lucky for being able to witness such talented writing, directing, and acting. And no doubt we’ll all be reminded of it when next year’s Daytime Emmy nominations are announced!