Evan Hofer, Scarlett Spears, and Maurice Benard of ‘General Hospital.’ Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos
On July 29, actor Maurice Benard of “General Hospital” hosted a fan event in Glendale, California, for an intimate group of fans. He was joined by his cast members Evan Hofer, and young actress Scarlett Spears, both of which volunteered to be his guests.
Evan Hofer portrays Dex Heller, the love interest of Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), while Scarlett plays Donna Corinthos.
This solo event was in honor of his 30th anniversary on the ABC daytime drama “General Hospital,” which will be officially celebrated next month. He first aired as Sonny Corinthos on August 13, 1993.
Benard on working with child actors
A three-time Emmy winner, Benard expressed that he enjoys working with kids on the show, being a father and grandfather himself. “Kids are present, in the moment, and they say what is on their mind,” he said.
Playing the characters Sonny and Mike
Benard shared some behind-the-scenes stories about the show and his character over the years. He discussed how the character Sonny became Mike, when he got amnesia.
During that entire storyline, which lasted nearly a year, he noted that he worked with Cynthia Watros (who plays Nina).
He also went on to re-enact some of his scenes as “Cowboy Mike” in Nixon Falls (a fictional town on the show) in a witty and funny manner that resonated with the fans in the audience.
Mental health work through ‘State of Mind’
He is doing advocacy work on mental health via his podcast MB “State of Mind.” Over the last few years, Benard addressed that 75 percent of the comments that he receives on social media are about “State of Mind” and 25 percent of the comments are about his work on the show.
“Five years ago, I didn’t think that would be the case,” Benard acknowledged, and noted that he is proud of the work that he has been doing with “State of Mind,” and the impact he has been making with it.
Speaking of “State of Mind,” he revealed that he has gotten his podcast its own studio.
The story behind Donna, the character’s name
Benard shared the story that Scarlett’s character, Donna, was named after the show’s late makeup artist, Donna Messina, who passed away “way too soon.”
They subsequently surprised Benard with cupcakes that spelled out the number “30,” in honor of his 30th anniversary on the show, as well as a 30th anniversary banner and balloons, where the fans lined up to pose for pictures with the veteran soap actor and mental health advocate.
Evan Hofer mini-interview
When asked about what lessons Hofer learned from being on a soap opera, Hofer responded, “You don’t have to do anything that is not there, just be there and be present Whatever happens and what comes out, that is what it’s going to be.”
“Then, always come prepared, run lines, and always just do your best,” Hofer added.
Looking back in a rearview mirror over the past five years, Hofer reflected, “I think I’ve had some terrific learning opportunities from a lot of wonderful people. I worked with the great Frances Fisher, and that was such a privilege, and I think I got street credit for that.”
Hofer continued, “I learned tremendous lessons from Frances, and then from actor and comedian Joel McCrary, who is a mentor of mine, and then I have been so grateful to work with Maurice Benard on ‘General Hospital’. “