Maurice Benard Celebrates His Hispanic Heritage
We are nearing the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans while celebrating heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. And GENERAL HOSPITAL star Maurice Benard (Sonny) posted a tongue-in-cheek video on Instagram laughing at how his own cultural heritage is misunderstood by everyone.
“Hi, my name’s Maurice Benard,” he began. “But my real name is Mauricio José Morales. Yes, I am full-blooded Spanish. Nobody really knows that because I’ve been playing an Italian gangster for about 30 years. So yes, I speak Spanish full-blooded. Como estas? Muy bien, y tu? Como te llamas? Okay? Mas tarde?
“Anyway, yeah, that’s the thing,” he added with a chuckle. “So everybody thinks I’m Italian and that’s just the way it is. But no, I’m Hispanic. And it is Hispanic Heritage Month. Let’s not forget that. So, thank you. Adios!”
Given that he’s been playing Sonny Corinthos on GH since 1993, Benard isn’t surprised that fans might assume that he’s Italian. “I am incredibly proud of being half Salvadoreño and half Nicaraguense,” he declared. “Let the chips fall where they may, I’ve had a great life.”
So please join the Daytime Emmy Award-winning Benard in celebrating his Hispanic heritage during National Hispanic Heritage Month… and the rest of the year, too!
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