Just Breathe - A Sonny and Alexis Website

Soap Opera Weekly
April 9, 2002
Applause, Applause
Maurice Benard
Sonny, GENERAL HOSPITAL
Outstanding Performer for the week of March 11
Sonny Corinthos is a man known for his power and fury-and Maurice Benard's steely gaze and subtle gestures never let you forget it. At Carly's club opening, Sonny was given little to say, but his eyes and mannerisms told a riveting story.
When A.J. made his grand entrance with Courtney, Sonny greeted them ominously-stone-faced and trying to suppress his rage. The upturned corners of Benard's mouth hinted at the tension inside. Sonny swiftly turned on the charm and the forced smile to lure Courtney away. When she shot him down, Benard rubbed his ear, his trademark tic belying Sonny's composure.
"How do I stoop myself from going after A.J.?" he asked Alexis after returning to his corner. But the question almost seemed rhetorical; his tormented body language made it clear no quarter would be given. When A.J. upped the ante and started kissing Courtney, Sonny's dark side took over. Benard's eyes raged like a bull seeing a red flag as Sonny marched over to the couple in slow motion, so angry and obsessed he could no longer even hear.
A man of true influence, Sonny didn't have to get his hands dirty. The sheer force of his look propelled Zander to jump in and knock out A.J., and Sonny was satisfied. Benard stood proud, hands on hips, indicating that Sonny was back home in the power seat.
But his victory was short-lived. His inability to sway Courtney was reflected in the softened look on Benard's face; Sonny's failure to protect the women in his life haunts him. Thanks to Benard and his subtle signals, this "monster" of a mobster also seemed endearingly human. - Joanne Gallo