General Hospital Spoilers: Maurice Benard will say goodbye at Nurses Ball in 2025 …

General Hospital will reveal April 1st, 2025, became an unforgettable milestone for fans of General Hospital, not only because it marked the 62nd anniversary of the show’s debut, but also due to the emotional wave of announcements and events that followed—blending celebration with sorrow in a way that only GH can deliver.

Amid the dignified and heartfelt atmosphere of the commemorative ceremony, beloved characters of Port Charles gathered at General Hospital to witness the inauguration of a brand-new Cardiac Wing named after Monica.

This was more than just a medical facility; it was a profound tribute to a character who had dedicated nearly half a century of her life to the hospital and its community—both on-screen and in the hearts of the viewers.

The celebration was enriched by the presence of veteran characters like Laura, Tracy, Felicia, and Sonny, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with newer faces such as Donna, Amy, Curtis, and Terry. Their reunion painted a vivid portrait of continuity, linking generations of fans and cast members in shared history.

Yet, amid the joy, there was a moment of solemn reflection that hushed the crowd—a tribute to the characters who had passed on, including Bobbie, Alan, Edward, Lila, and Epiphany.

A memorial wall became the centerpiece of remembrance, as the audience honored those who helped build the legacy of General Hospital through decades of storytelling. The applause that followed was filled not with excitement but with gratitude—a collective acknowledgment of what these icons had meant to the story and to its faithful viewers.

As emotions swirled between nostalgia and hope, another announcement lifted the spirits of everyone in attendance.

Lucy, in her classic whirlwind fashion, made a surprise appearance, accompanied by her mysterious new acquaintance, Sidwell. With a flourish of invitation cards and boundless enthusiasm, Lucy announced the return of the Nurses Ball in 2025—a revelation that ignited cheers from longtime fans who had longed to see the beloved charitable event brought back to life.

Even more astonishing, Sidwell committed to fully funding the gala, breathing new energy into what promised to be a night of glamour, purpose, and celebration. Their dramatic backstage reveal was vintage GH—a little theatrical, a little mischievous, and entirely magical.

However, true to the show’s legacy of blindsiding its audience with dramatic twists, one final announcement would overshadow even the return of the Nurses Ball. As anticipation for the upcoming gala reached its peak, Sonny stepped forward and dropped a bombshell that silenced the entire room—he would officially retire during this year’s Nurses Ball.

The impact of Sonny’s decision sent shockwaves through the community of Port Charles and its fans around the world. His retirement didn’t just signal the end of a character’s journey; it marked the closing chapter of a legend. For decades, Sonny had been the heart and soul of the show—a complex man of power, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty. And now, the man who had defined so much of General Hospital’s modern era would be stepping away.

This revelation also confirmed what many had feared but didn’t want to accept—Maurice, who had portrayed Sonny for over 40 years, would be leaving the show. Though there had been whispers in recent months, and viewers had noticed a diminished energy in certain scenes—even reports of him using cue cards during filming—nothing could truly prepare the audience for the official confirmation.

Maurice’s departure means not just the loss of a character, but the absence of a presence that shaped the emotional and dramatic core of the show for generations. He had become synonymous with General Hospital, and his absence will echo throughout every hallway of Port Charles—both fictional and emotional.

On that day, General Hospital didn’t just celebrate 62 years of storytelling; it began to say goodbye to one of its greatest storytellers. And when the lights rise for the 2025 Nurses Ball, fans will not only watch for the performances, the glamour, and the heartwarming moments—they will be bracing themselves for a farewell.

A final bow under the spotlight.

A goodbye that will forever change the show’s heartbeat.

Sonny may retire, but his legacy will never fade from the corridors of General Hospital.