Soap Opera Digest: Emmy Coverage (Vanessa and Maurice) (May, 2003)
Fan-Demonium
The crowd went wild anytime Lead Actor Maurice Benard's name was mentioned, especially when he won. "The fans are amazing," he remarked in the press room. "When they were yelling, I thought, 'Wow, man, I have got to win this thing.' And when I got up on the stage, it was a trip because I couldn't really get in everything I had to say, and it got me more nervous.'
Shock and Awe
"I was truly shocked to be nominated," confessed Supporting Actress winner Vanessa Marcil. "I really thought Robin Christopher (Skye, GH) deserved to win - she is a great actress, a great person to work with and had six months more work than I had. I probably looked like an idiot because I could not be more shocked that I won."
Soap Opera Digest: Will GH's (Emmy Winning) Brenda Be Back? (May, 2003
"It is one of my most surreal weeks ever," shared Marcil in the press room, fresh off her Emmy win. "I'm not sure what is going on. And I have flown four times back and forther between [New York] and L.A. in one week, so I am in shock right now."
As for what winning the Emmy meant to Marcil, considering she's no longer even on GH, the actress mused, "I don't think it means more when you're not on the show, but I just think it means more time me at this point in my life. Afet having my son more than a year ago, I just appreciate everything so much more than I ever did before. It is kind of full circle for me because I have never enjoyed a job before as much as I enjoyed playing Brenda on General Hospital. It is a great thing to get now that I am not there."
For those betting on a return to GH should Marcil's Las Vegas venture not hit it big with viewers: "I will always come back to the show," promises the actress. "Always, no matter what."
Soap Opera Weekly: Vanessa Marcil: I WILL RETURN (May, 2003)
Vanessa Marcil (ex-Brenda Barrett, General Hospital) made a bold announcement backstage at The 30th Annual Daytime Emmys Awards, right after nabbing the Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy: "I will always come back to the show - always, no matter what," she declared.
The popular star asserted this even after learning earlier in the week that her prime-time series, Las Vegas, co-starring Josh Duhamel (ex-Leo du Pres, All My Children), got picked up for the fall season. "It is one of my most surreal weeks ever," she marveled. "I'm not sure what is going on."
One thing is for certain: If Marcil were to return to GH, she would need a flexible schedule. "I only auditioned, after I left the show, for ensemble shows," she explained. "I told them I didn't want to work more than two or three days a week because I wanted to spend more time with my son (Kassius). So this is a dream job for me - it is an amazing show and I am one of six lead characters. This schedule is going to be nothing like it was at GH." Marcil begins work on Las Vegas at the end of July.
Working with Duhamel is also a dream for Marcil. "I feel honored to be on a show that he is the lead in," she praised. "My prediction is that he will be a big star within five years."
Sonny & Brenda
Talk about a mob hit! Those GH doctors and their E.R. dilemmas suddenly seemed passé in 1993 when underworld kingpin Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) showed up in Port Charles and took the town – and audience – by storm. Then he got hit by a little tornado named Brenda Barrett (Vanessa Marcil). These maddeningly complex lovers – he's a hot head, ill-manered control freak; she's a neurotic, diaster-prone sexpot with "daddy" issues – were a match made in hell. But they sent us to soap-opera heaven.
C: Cindi Rhinehart
V: Vanessa Marcil
A: Audience Members
-----
C: Speaking of GH, Brenda is down in Florida at the 7th annual SSW, and earlier today we got a chance to speak with Vanessa Marcil and I asked her what we all wanted to know...How long you staying?
V: Oh, I can't tell
C: Oh, No!
V: It's a big secret!
C: Alright, well here's what's going (interrupted)
V: I haven't decided.
C: Well that's a good thing, I hope they write well enough...and I know they will to keep you there for a long time, because believe you me the ratings are showing because you're there.
V: That's very sweet of you to say. Thank you.
V: Well let's go to the audience right away.
A: Hi Vanessa!
V: Hi
A: I was wondering how old your baby was and how Brian Austin Green was doing?
V: My baby is 7 months old, and he's sitting with me here right now
C: Oh, can we see?
V: No. I can't, I'm sorry.
C: Well, give him a big hug from all of us.
V: I will, and actually it's up to him whether or not I stay on the show for much longer, because I'm taking him to work with me everyday and I want to make sure he likes it there so
C: Well what a good mom you are
V: Ah .
(Another audience question)
A: After 4 years, what made the decision to come back to GH.
V: Well you know I've always wanted to, I ve always been pretty vocal about that, and I was just waiting for the timing to be right, and the timing was finally right, there was a lot of other things that I wanted to do, umm, most importantly, spend a lot of time with my family daytime is a really grueling schedule, so you got to really be ready to make a commitment
C: Was it hard to actually come back to daytime?
V: Hard?
C: Uh huh, to come back
V: No hard? No it was the best, it was like coming back home
C: It s a great group too. Another question
A: My questions is, when is Brenda going to find out she's not dying?
V: Soon I hope soon I hope, and I want to stop look like I'm dying, there making me look like I'm getting sick and stuff, and I liked that to stop happening
A: I would like to know if Brenda and Jax are going to get back to together?
V: Um I hope so, they right now are kind of flirting with the idea, so if you keep watching you'll see something going on with between them very soon
(Audience Question)
A: Brenda, do you think you and Sonny with get back together?
V: Ah, yes, you know that Brenda needs many boyfriends (laughing) so she'll be getting back together with everybody at some point
A: Oh, you're so gorgeous, and they just go together so well
C: Who, do you want her with? (asked audience)
V: I love working with Maurice Benard, he's always been a great inspiration to me as an actress
C: Who wants her with Jax, 1..2..3..4..5..6.. and with Sonny 1..2..3 boy is it a split
A: Hi, Vanessa I am one of your biggest fans, I'm so excited to talk to you
V: Well, I'm so excited to talk to you
A: My question is I really like you with Jason, that love/hate relationship, but, when is something going to happen with Jason, he is so cute
V: Well I'm glad to hear that, because I am having so much fun working with Steve Burton, he's going to be here with me, and we've become pretty good friends, and were having a lot of fun working together, and I already told the producer that I need to have many boyfriends, so put me with all of them
C: Well, lets put one more in the mix, there's the love/hate thing with Jason, but there also Alcazar, and I'm loving this guy is he going
V: Don't you love him
C: Yes
V: He's great
C: Is he going to stick around, do you think?
V: Oh, I can't really say, that's a tough one too, it's kind of secretive thing, but, I'll tell you one thing, working with Ted has been so great, and, I thought we had great chemistry together, which I thought was a good thing, instead of playing the typical bad guy holding a girl against her will, these too people really had a kind of care for each other.
C: You know when you stop and think about Vanessa, look at the guys you get to work with, I mean for crying out loud you're in the middle of mass men
V: And they pay me...
C: And they you to do that
V: And they pay me...
C: We wish you all the luck in the world, its good to talk you, tell the gang I said hello.
V: Am I not going to get to see you...you 'e not going to be here
C: Not this weekend
V: Ah
C: But it's the first time I've missed, but next time I'll be there
C: Thanks Vanessa
V: Bye everybody, thanks for watching.
VM = Vanessa Marcil
FT = Frank Turner (WXYZ news anchor)
FT: What's going on there at Disneyworld this weekend? Super Soap Weekend, what's that?
VM: Super Soap Weekend, there is lots of candy here, so that's why I'm here. And there is lots of daytime stars. I'm actually here to get Susan Lucci's autograph for Maurice Benard, he plays Sonny.
FT: (Laughs)
VM: He couldn't be here with.
FT: There is going to be a lot of autograph signing going on, won't there?
VM: Yes, there is, there is. And we are going to play games, we are going to be playing a Millionaire game. And we are going to hang out with the fans for the whole weekend.
FT: And what do you like about that? Is it fun to see the folks who watch you everyday?
VM: Yeah, it is really fun. It's fun to get to hear what they think and to get to meet them and shake their hands and it's really exciting. It's because of them that we get to do what we love to do. We are appreciative and we love meeting them.
FT: Now, do they sometimes have trouble separating you from the character you play? Do you expect you to be like you are when you are on the soap?
VM: I actually don't get that too much. They actually know way too much about my personal life. So…they know the difference between me and Brenda.
FT: That's because they probably read the soap stars magazines, right? Well, tell us about your character on General Hospital.
VM: My character, she has evolved quite a bit. I came on when she was in high school and Steve Burton (Jason) and I went to the prom together. She was your typical bad girl. And now she has grown into a compassionate woman, she is kind of a spit fire. She doesn't really have a family, she has like five boyfriends, she's great.
FT: You guys must go through a lot of breath mints on that show, don't you?
VM: You have no idea how many breath mints we go through. Some of us need more than others.
FT: ( Laughs ) Is there a rule, like no onions for lunch or anything like that?
VM: No, there should be a rule, but there's not.
FT: Vanessa Marcil, hey, enjoy the weekend down there in Orlando.
VM: Thank you!
Soap Opera Digest: Who's Staying: Maurice Benard (October 2002)
"It's a few more years of the mob life for popular actor Maurice Benard, who recently re-signed. 'It starts in January for two years,' reveals the actor of his new contract. 'It's all good. If Vanessa (Marcil, Brenda) stays, then that's going to be...wow. We can just keep rolling. I'm happy."
Sonny and Brenda's reunion of GH [Rewind] We haven't seen Vanessa Marcil (Brenda) sink her teeth into much solid story lately -- aside from her chasing jax. But that changed with one word: Sonny. Sparks flew the minute Sonny and Brenda saw each other for the first time since he left her at the altar. While Brenda knew in her heart that Sonny had left to protect her and had all but forgiven him for it, she needed face-to-face closure and arrived at the penthouse to get it. No words, just a single teardrop from Brenda's eye when Sonny wished her happiness was all we needed to once again be entranced by the couple's chemistry. After their lips met for a tender kiss goodbye, Brenda left the penthouse, and Marcil gave us the Brenda viewers love and miss -- in all her strength, dignity and poise. We know this was the "closure" Brenda supposedly needed, but it sure didn't look to us like it's over for this once- great couple.
Sonny tells Brenda he loves her.
Brenda Barrett was looking for those three little words,which Sonny Corinthos was so reluctant to say.Tired of running back and forth between Sonny's apartment and her home at the Quartermaine mansion,she suggested moving in with her paramour.Fearing Brenda would learn he was still involved with the mob.Sonny immediately said no but Brenda gave him an ultimatum:She would call off their relationship if he didn't commit.Sonny didn't like getting an ultimatum and Brenda finally realized he was scared to say those committing words.Nonetheless she was prepared to walk out of his life forever.Just as the one good thing Sonny ever had was about to leave,he told her that she could move in.That was enough for Brenda for the moment,but just when she least except it,she got the icing on the cake.Sonny looked in her eyes and surprised her with those three little words- "I love you". In the end,things didn't work out for the two but at the moment,happiness was all theirs.
It Ain't Over Till It's Over -- As Maurice Benard winds up his return trip to PC, he looks back at Sonny and Brenda's last kiss--and hints that it isn't really the last
When mobster Sonny Corinthos came out of hiding and returned to PC on business last month, he was risking more than life and limb. His heart was on the line, too.
The tough guy had no intention of coming face to face with his one true love--the woman he cared for so deeply that, for the sake of her safety, he left her standing at the altar. But no sooner had the AWOL bridegroom touched down in town again than she was looking up at him, her big brown eyes glistening with tears, with unanswered questions. And at that moment, a gasp was heard around the world.
This was the episode for which the audience of GH had been waiting for nearly a year: Sonny and Brenda, face to face, no punches pulled. Finally, she was given the opportunity to tell him how badly he had hurt her, and he was forced to confess the reason that he did--and so the lovers took their chances, gloriously. Despite a buildup that made the promotion of Godzilla seem puny by comparison, the bittersweet reunion of GH's most passionate couple didn't disappoint. And at least one man wasn't surprised: Maurice Benard.
Here, as the two-time Daytime Emmy Award-nominated actor prepares to hoist anchor and set sail out of PC, he reveals to SID why he never doubted that even after Sonny burned Brenda, the duo's dynamic still would set the screen on fire. Plus, he tells how the Emmy victory of friend Steve Burton (for his work as Sonny's ward, Jason) made him feel a part of the winners' circle himself; the truth about the rumor that he's joining NYPD Blue; and why it might be a little bit premature for Sonny's old flame to start signing check, "Mrs. Jacks."
Striking A Match
In the nine months prior to Benard's GH homecoming, his main communication with leading lady Vanessa Marcil was through their respective answering machines. Still, he never worried that their on-screen chemistry might have lessened. "Once it's there, it's always there," he says. "It's been that way since Vanessa and I first worked together, so I didn't think that would change."
Was Benard ever right: The interplay between him and Marcil still raises temperatures higher than El Nino. But, though he subscribes to the old Boy Scott motto of "Be prepared"--he and Burton even used to get together and run lines the night before taping--Benard and Marcil didn't do anything special to gear up for the scene in which Sonny and Brenda laid eyes on each other for the first time since their aborted wedding. At least, they didn't mean to do anything out of the ordinary. "We didn't try to avoid each other beforehand," he notes. "It just happened naturally.
"We did talk a little bit," he adds. "But we didn't rehearse all that much. We rarely ever did. We'd just do it, which is a little scary, but it actually turns out better that way."
Fanning The Flame
Benard knew that by returning as Sonny, even for a short term, he was opening himself up to having his vast, vocal legion of admirers begin beseeching him anew to come back permanently. But by being upfront from the start about the fact that this would be a limited run--operative word: limited--he has been able to avoid breaking any hearts (besides Brenda's, at least). "Everybody's been really cool about it," he offers. "They know that I'm going to go away again and do some other things, so nobody's been negative about it."
Benard always has been as loyal to his supporters as they have been to him--and that's pretty damn devoted. In fact, even though he will have been off GH again for weeks by the time the show's annual fan club weekend rolls around next month, he will be making himself accessible to his devotees. "I love the fans--they're the best, the best," he insists. "I don't know if I'll be able to do the big event, but I do have my own little thing I'm doing." (it gives details if you want tickets right here.)
Passing the Baton
As beholden to GH's audience as Benard feels, he passed on appearing at this year's Daytime Emmys. He even declined to submit himself for consideration for a nomination because he didn't feel that Sonny's storyline prior to the return of headwriter Bob Guza had afforded him material meaty enough to go for the gold. But the 1997 Outstanding Supporting Actor contender still had a vested interest in the proceedings. His GH sidekick Burton, had been bumped up from contention in the Younger Actor category to vie for the Supporting Actor trophy. Yet when Burton's name was called as the winner, Benard wasn't tuned in! "I was in Seattle [to tape a talk-show appearance], and I watched the last 45 minutes," he relates, "so I didn't et to see Steve or anybody win. By the time I turned it on, everybody from GH was losing. So I only heard that Steve and Jonathan Jackson won. Then I talked to Steve the next morning."
Burton historically has credited Benard with being a mentor, so naturally the apprentice took time out of his 15 second acceptance speech to acknowledge the master. "Steve didn't tell me that," Benard reveals, "but I heard that he had thanked me. He's always bee great to me, so I kind of figured he might have [mentioned me in his speech]."
In fact, as the man Burton calls "a great influence on me as an actor and in my life," Benard is able to enjoy a special sense of pride in his colleague's achievement. "It's second best to winning," Benard says. "Believe me, I know what it's like to lose. So the fact that Steve won makes me feel like I contributed in some little bit of a way." Making His Mark
Now that Benard is winding up his return engagement in PC, the city's favorite son is looking forward to making his mark in another town: Hollywood. He doesn't want to go into specifics yet about the pending movie deal that could put his name in lights--"There's still a lot of coulds," he notes--but he is eager to set the record straight about reports that he is awaiting a meeting with Steven Bochco, the head honcho of NYPD Blue. Although the cop show is losing its top gun, Jimmy Smits, it isn't gaining GH's ace in the hole. "That's all rumors," insists Benard. "I wish I was having a meeting with Bochco.
"But supposedly, he's not looking for my type. He's looking for a woman, I think, or an Anglo guy. Whatever, he's looking for it's not me, unfortunately."
Setting The Stage
As Benard focuses his attention on his post-GH career, he hasn't begun to think of himself as above or even merely beyond the soap. On the contrary, he was delighted with the juicy material that headwriter Guza dished out to him this go-round and maintains that if he is available, he would be glad to come back for a brief stint again...and again. "As long as [Guza] keeps going with that kind of writing," he promises, "I'll keep coming back for a little bit here and there."
So, even though by the time that Benard makes his latest last appearance on GH, Sonny's comeback will have allowed Brenda to close his chapter of her life--and begun moving forward with plans to open a wedding album with jax--neither she nor viewers should believe for an instant that her ex is gone for good. "As long as they want me," concludes Benard, "I'll be back."
--Charlie Mason
General Hospital again got the most mail, but instead of griping about Katherine's death, this week readers took issue with the show for Sonny's "anticlimactic" return. "I am so happy that Maurice Benard has returned to GH, but I am not at all happy with the way he has been underused," T. Taylor of Alabama writes. "Sonny and Brenda deserved more airtime. When he leaves, I will be checking back out of GH with him. But I love his new look and his new muscles. Maurice, you're looking good!" A reader from Chicago says, "The return of Sonny was a very anticipated event. Let me tell you what a disappointing comeback it has been! Last time I checked, when somebody does something to save someone's life, he is called a hero, not a coward or a 'sick and twisted' person. Sonny and Brenda's reunion was very cold."
E. Benard (no relation) adds, "if head writer Robert Guza Jr. thought he was putting an end to S&B, he has sorely misjudged the power of this duo. S&B will always have it over j&b; it's no contest. It's so obvious that Sonny and Brenda belong together, forever!"
When GH's Sonny Corinthos finally saw Brenda Barrett again after so many lonely months apart, he told his friend, Jason Morgan, "I'm going to love Brenda forever." We already knew that. When Sonny left Brenda at the altar last fall, it was with tears in his eyes and regret in his heart. We watched Brenda grieve, doubting all the love she'd felt since she was 18 years old, have a nervous breakdown, then slowly put her life back together. We didn't see Sonny, but knew he was out there somewhere, stoically moving on with his life.
When Sonny returned to PC, it was to warn Jason of impending danger, not to see Brenda. While he let the voice-mail machine pick up other phone calls, something made Sonny answer when Brenda called the penthouse to speak to Robin. Sonny didn't even say hello, but the connection that had always bound them together somehow told Brenda that the silence meant her lost love was on the other end. When Brenda arrived at the penthouse, there was a moment of pure electricity when the two locked eyes for the first time in so long. Brenda had come not just to make peace with Sonny, but peace with herself. After months of torture, she finally knew: Her life with Sonny was much more to him than just "a great ride." They reminisced about the good times, but also remembered the bad. They didn't deny their love, but also admitted that people can't always have who and want they want. Sonny told Brenda he'd left because he didn't want his mob ties to destroy her life as it had destroyed his first wife, Lily. And Brenda told Sonny that she finally realized she could live without him. Then they kissed a sweet kiss, and Brenda was the one who was able to say good-bye.
"We were so beautiful, weren't we?" Brenda asked Sonny that day. Yes, they were. They were one of the most beautiful couples daytime has ever seen, physically and emotionally, and they gave us a beautiful moment to remember when they brought closure to one chapter in their relationship.
Who was Hot-To-Trot: Brenda Barrett and Sonny Corinthos.
Love Location: Seeking revenge for Lily's death, mob henchman Harry Silver trapped Sonny and Brenda in the catacombs, intending to bury them alive. Instead, Harry bit the bullet (Sonny shot him), then detonated explosives before he expired. In the now-collasped cavern, pill-addicted Brenda and claustrophobic Sonny turned to each other.
Move over, cupid: The sexual tension had long been simmering between these estranged lovebirds, and the chance to spend eternity in each other's arms (they believed they would suffocate in the trap) was just too hard to pass up. They made amends, then made love.
Was it good for you? While the actual act was allowed to be played out in all its pent up, uninterrupted glory, Sonny and Brenda's plans for spending eternity together got blown out of the water when Mac, Jac, et. al., showed up to rescue the twosome from their tomb.
After the Fact: Brenda went back to Jax, but she and Sonny still had a thang for each other. Brenda tried to tell Jax about her transgression, but he pulled a don't-ask-don't-tell and let her slide. Too bad Jax's vengeful ex, Miranda, couldn't do the same. She learned of Brenda's little tryst and spilled her guts to Jax. Brenda went on to reunite with Sonny, only to be jilted by him months later.
About Place: Though S&B cherished their catacomb clinch, they never revisited this special place. Falling stalactite can be such a turnoff.
(GH mobster Maurice Benard goes to bat for charity in hometown celebrity softball game)
*July 30th edition of Soap Opera Magazine*
Maurice Benard exudes powerful emotions each weekday afternoon in his Emmy-nominated GH role of mob chief Sonny Corinthos, but that's nothing compared to the power he brings to the ballpark.
The popular actor recently teamed up with several primetime television, music and sports stars for a celebrity softball game at the Oakland Coliseum to raise funds for two Bay Area charities--Waldon House and the Omega Boys and Girls Club.
"It was my first time on a major league field, so I was really excited," says the actor, who was doubly thrilled since he grew up in the San Francisco and Oakland areas. "But it didn't take me too long for me to realize I didn't have a chance of hitting the ball over the wall."
Maurice and his wife Paula "made the road trip," he jokes, with their 21-month-old-daughter Cailey. The two women in his life joined him on the field before the game, while he did his loosening-up excercises.
Cailey had a great time running laps in the outfield with her proud dad and several Oaklans A's players who showed up early to check out the celebrity game.
In the game itself, Maurice smacked a base hit, and subsequently got knocked home, scoring an important run. He also took time to sign autographs for fans. "I was happy to be there," he reports. "I think a lot of baseball fans are also soap opera fans."
And many major league players watch the soaps, he points out, and were very friendly--"especially Ernie Young of the A's, he was very cool." Maurice even invited GH fan Young to visit Port Charles the next time the A's play in Los Angeles.
Softball is nothing new to Maurice. Nearly every weekend, he and Paula join GH co-stars Ron Hale(Mike), Jonathan Jackson(Lucky) and several friends at a baseball field near his Hollywood-area home for a fun game with an L.A. area youth group H.O.L.A. "I love to get involved in whatever game I'm playing--and I love baseball, " he declares.
Soap Opera Weekly: "GH's Brenda tells Sonny She'll be his Mistress"
Despite his best efforts to live up to his promise to be Lily's faithful and loving husband, Sonny can no longer deny his true feelings for Brenda. This week on General Hospital, unable to stay away from each other, the two manage to steal some private, passionate moments that, as it turns out, are not all that private. The change in Sonny's attitude means that Brenda is finally making significant headway in her obsessive plan to win him back. However, she makes one more move to ensure that they will be together: She tells Sonny she's willing to be his mistress.
"Being with Lily is just like, in reality, being in a relationship where you don't really love the person but you stick it out," explains Maurice Benard (Sonny). "But there comes a point in your mind when you're going 'This is not right. This is wrong' I think that's where Sonny is at right now, and the more the person he loves comes around, the harder it is for him to fight it."
The circumstances of his and Lily's marriage make Sonny's choice virtually impossible: He promised to Lily's mob-boss father he'd marry her in order to stay out of jail. "He also feels like he owes it to Lily to stick it out," Benard adds. "Maybe if Brenda wasn't around, if they moved somewhere - but eventually the lack of love gets to you. You can't run from your heart."
Obviously, Brenda has no intention of being out of Sonny's sight or mind. Benard says Sonny is genuinely touched by her offer to be his mistress, because it shows the depth of her feeling for him, but he doesn't think taking her up on her offer is the best solution for their situation. "That's what Sonny thinks," he says with a laugh, "but in my mind, Maurice, I think she's out of her mind. He could do that, but morally it's not right. But he's shown he doesn't have any morals. He could do that, but then, because he's married, under oath and all that, he'll feel like that's a big no-no. But he could lie through his teeth to people, which is not great, and he could have people almost die. Anything that has to do with business is what it is, but the family is this other part they live, and they honor this. Plus, if Sonny leaves Lily -- even if she gives him the out -- her father is going to kill him. Obviously, her father is bigger than Sonny, because if he wasn't he'd be dead already. It's very tricky."
OnlineHost: Vanessa Marcil plays the immensely popular Brenda
Barrett on ABC-TV's GENERAL HOSPITAL. According
to Ms. Marcil, Brenda "is the black sheep of the
family. Brenda's really a sweetheart inside, but
her older sister, Julia, was always their
father's favorite daughter."
OnlineHost: Vanessa was born in San Diego, California, but
her family soon moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where
her father is credited with building the first
earthquake-proof structure in the state. The
youngest of four children, Vanessa and her family
later returned to Palm Desert, California, where
she began acting in local theater at age eight.
OnlineHost: After graduation from high school, Vanessa began
to study law, before she made the decision to
pursue an acting career. She has performed in
numerous theatrical productions, including
"Pygmalion," "Mamet's Women," and "Sweet Bird of
Youth."
OnlineHost: Helping people is something Vanessa feels
strongly about, and in her spare time she
volunteers for various causes. Vanessa is also
an active runner and body builder.
OnlineHost: GENERAL HOSPITAL is Vanessa's first television
role. In fact, her popularity has made her a
late-night favorite, too, and she is now the
regular host for "ABC IN CONCERT," the fast-paced
music program now in its fifth season. We will
begin shortly.
StarABCDay: Hi everyone! This is Vanessa Marcil. I'm in New York today and
I'm using the screen name
StarABCDay: StarABCDay!
Question: You and Maurice Benard do wonderful comedy. Will we see more?
StarABCDay: Maurice and I do have a lot of fun and I think we have a natural
comedic quality that
StarABCDay: comes from our real relationship. I think that the writers see
that and we will always
StarABCDay: have a little element of comedy in out relationship.
Question: To: Vanessa : How has it been hosting your own rock 'n roll show
("ABC In Concert")?
StarABCDay: It's been a lot of fun. I've always been very interested in
music as well as acting.
Question: can you ask vanessa if she will be on any other shows today, saw
regis & kathlee & loved it
StarABCDay: Yes - tomorrow I will be on Good Day New York. You can see it on
FOX in the NY area!
Question: How did you get your start ?
StarABCDay: I started in theater and I was doing Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in LA.
StarABCDay: My manager swa me and signed me. One month later I signed with
GH!
Question: Do you still keep in touch with Crystal Carson and Antonio Sabato?
StarABCDay: Yes I do still stay in close contact with them.
Question: What is a typical day like for the actors
StarABCDay: Theres no such thing as a typical day at GH.
However, all days
have long hours!
Question: What are the fututre storylines with Brenda and Sonny?
StarABCDay: Many obstacles ahead for them - stay tuned!!!!
Question: You make a great "Brenda"! How far in advance are the shows taped?
StarABCDay: The shows are taped 3 weeks in advance.
StarABCDay: A lot of you have been asking me what it is like to work with
Maurice Benard....
StarABCDay: Working with Maurice has been my best experince so far since I've
started on GH.
StarABCDay: He is a brilliant actor and I learn a lot from him.
Question: Vanessa, who has your favorite leading man been?
StarABCDay: Maurice!
Question: are u a general user of aol?
StarABCDay: This is my first time in cyberspace and it's been a lot of fun --
so far!
Question: Do you get along with your co-stars as well as you do on-screen?
StarABCDay: Yes. We are like a big family on GH. We all get along very
well.
Question: You use to be mean, lately you have mellowed out why?
StarABCDay: I think that Brenda has quite simply matured.
Question: Vanessa seems to have a true relationship with Rena Sofer. Are
they close off-screen?
StarABCDay: Yes - we are good friends off screen.
Question: Do you do sit ups to keep that slim stomach? or is it natural?
Tips please on slimming
Question: my tummy
StarABCDay: I do about 300 sit ups every once in awhile!
Question: Do you have any upcoming tv shows, movies, plays etc?
StarABCDay: Yes - I'm hosting ABC IN CONCERT for the rest of the year and
there are several movie
StarABCDay: projects on the horizon.
Question: What are you doing in New York?
StarABCDay: I'm on a promotional tour for ABC IN CONCERT & GH.
Question: Is is difficult to work on a soap, rather than other TV or plays?
StarABCDay: It's very long hours and it can difficult but it is definitley
rewarding and well worth it
Question: Vanessa, I loved your long hair, but it seems as though GH had you
wearing fake hair after
Question: you cut it. Why?
StarABCDay: Because they felt that Brenda's hair was important to the
storyline that was going on at
StarABCDay: the time.
Question: Hi Vanassa...I love you as Brenda...Will you and Sonny be getting
married?????????????
StarABCDay: I have no idea but Brenda would love to get engaged.
Question: Have you met Sonnys real family?
StarABCDay: I've met Maurice's beautiful wife and daughter.
Question: you looked great on Regis and Kathie Lee....how do you like New
York?
StarABCDay: I love New York. I'd love to move here someday.
Question: I notice your wardrobe has become more "normal." Was that at your
urging? Must have been
Question: hard to wear some of those things...
StarABCDay: I think that Brenda is moving more towards the business woman
image.
Question: What is the significance of your tatoo?
StarABCDay: It is Egyptian tribal and it means love and peace in the
universe.
Question: Not to be nosie or anything Vanessa,but how old are you?
StarABCDay: I'm 25!
Question: How did it feel being nominated for Best Couple at the Soap Opera
Digest Awards?
StarABCDay: I was very honored to have been nominated.
Question: Was the chemistry between you and Maurice immediate or take time to
develop?
StarABCDay: It was immediate from the moment we met!
Question: What's it like working with Rena? You two seem to have a genuine
friendship.
StarABCDay: I have a lot of fun working with Rena. We get in giggling fits
sometimes and the whole
StarABCDay: production stops!
Question: ANy plans on visiting Miami
StarABCDay: We just shot ABC IN CONCERT in Miami. Next week I will be doing
ABC IN CINCERT in Orlando
Question: How is it working with one of your idol, Tony Geary?
StarABCDay: It's great!
Question: how was life like in Alaska
StarABCDay: I don't remember - I was too young!
Question: How open are the writers at "G.H." to input from the actors
regarding storylines?
StarABCDay: The writers are very open to hearing our suggestions and to
discussing story with us.
Question: What are your work hours like?
StarABCDay: From about 10 to 17 hours per day!
Question: What has been your most challenging roll you have played?
StarABCDay: The most challenging role was Maggie in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof.
Question: to vanessa :, live in the S.F. bay area, so you will not do any
more national shows,
Question: why don' you go on the Conan O'Brian show, I love that show!!
StarABCDay: I am going to do the Conan O'Brian show but I'm not sure when yet.
Question: any plans to bring Kin Shriner back?
StarABCDay: I hope!
Question: How many shows do you film in a week? day?
StarABCDay: We tape five shows per week, one show per day.
Question: have you ever did any modeling
StarABCDay: No, I've never modeled.
Question: Vanessa- do you ever lose your keys- I heard that even famous
people lose their keys- I
Question: worry about this alot.
StarABCDay: Thank you for your concern I lose my keys about twice a week!
Very intuitive of you!
Question: Who kisses better, Jagger or Sonny?
StarABCDay: Jagger.
Question: Hi Vanessa, do you miss playing a more mischievous Brenda?
StarABCDay: Yes - I think she will get mischievous again at some point.
Question: I saw your music videos with the artist formally know as Prince.
What is he like?
StarABCDay: He is inspiring, kind, shy and the most hard working person I've
ever met.
Question: To Vanessa: how long does it take to memorize your lines? Where
do memorize line?
StarABCDay: I memorize my lines very quickly. It's the work underneath the
lines that take a long
StarABCDay: time.
Question: are there any characters that you would like to have a storyline
with?
StarABCDay: Yes. I would love to have a storyline with Reginald!
Question: We have a GH chat every Sunday night at 8 PM EST in the GH Chat
Room. Last night, many of
Question: the people present at the chat were happy to hear you were doing
this today, but disappointed
Question: that they could not be here. They sent their highest regards.
StarABCDay: Thanks!
Question: The real question is.... who is taller? You or Maurice?
StarABCDay: Maurice.
Question: What is your favorite story line so far?
StarABCDay: The one we're involved now - Brenda moving in with Sonny and
their relationship becoming
StarABCDay: more realistic.
Question: Have you worked on any other Soap Operas?
StarABCDay: No, GH is my first.
Question: Vanessa, whats your sign?
StarABCDay: I'm a Libra.
Question: I heard a rumor that you once dated Bryan Datillo from "Days". Is
that true? If so, what
Question: was he like?
StarABCDay: We're just friends.
Question: Can you give us a sneek preview of what is up for Brenda and Sonny?
Y'all are great
Question: together by the way.
StarABCDay: Lots of turmoil ahead. Keep watching!
Question: what are your hobbies
StarABCDay: I like to read, work out and go snowboarding and studying the Big
Book.
Question: I saw you on Regis & kathi lee this morn, you mentioned a dog, what
kind?
StarABCDay: It's a Yorkie. Her name is Woof.
StarABCDay: We have time for one more question....
Question: What is your most memerable GH experiance?
StarABCDay: My most memorable GH experince was shooting the scenes with
Maurice and having
StarABCDay: Shelley Curtis direct in Puerto Rico.
StarABCDay: Thanks for joing me today. It was lots of fun and I hope to
make it back to cyberspace
StarABCDay: in the future!
StarABCDay: Thanks everyone!
(This chat took place just after Lily's death)
OnlineHost: Welcome to the ABC Auditorium. Today we're joined by Maurice Benard, who portrays Sonny Corinthos on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Complex, confident and wise, Sonny has taken his experience as anunderworld figure and applied it to professional, and personal, matters as a high-profile citizen of Port Charles.
OnlineHost: Benard's multi-cultural upbringing began in San Francisco where he was born to parents from Nicaragua and San Salvador. His dark good looks and intense gaze brought him modeling jobs in his early 20's. Following that, he began acting in numerous productions in the Bay area. This past February, Maurice received the Outstanding Lead Actor trophy at the Soap Opera Awards ceremony.
OnlineHost: After auditioning for a role on ALL MY CHILDREN, Maurice was cast as Nico Kelly. After two years on AMC, Maurice moved to Los Angeles in 1988 where he was soon cast to star in the much-publicized TV movie "Lucy & Desi: Before The Laughter." He later had a pivotal role in the feature film "Ruby," among several other prominent film and television credits.
ABCStar: Hi folks. This is ABCJoanne and I'm sitting here with the fabulous Maurice Benard, General Hospital's Sonny Corinthos. Here comes our first question for Maurice.
Question: who is your favorite person on the show?
ABCStar: I like them all! They're all great and I get along with everybody. There are no bad vibes anywhere.
Question: Hi Maurice, I am a huge fan! I just wanted to know if because your portrayal of Sonny is so realistic, do you feel that you may be stereotyped into always playing the tough, "mobster" character? And what other type of role would you like to play? DINA
ABCStar: I hope that I would be typecast because it's what I do best. I would like to play a Sonny type role in a film. That would be great.
Question: So, when is Sonny gonna get back with Brenda?
ABCStar: LOL. I get asked that a lot. I'm still trying to find out what the answer to that is from the writers!
Question: Congratulations on your SOD award!!! Which GH scenes are you most proud of?
ABCStar: Thanks. The one I'm most proud of is the scene where Sonny breaks down when he tells Stone that he loves him like a brother.
Question: Congratulations on your Leading Actor Award! You did a superb job with Michael Sutton & Kimberly McCullogh during the AIDS storyline. What do you feel you gained the most from this storyline, both professionally and personally?
ABCStar: Professionally to live out that role for a whole year was enormous for me as an actor. And personally, I learned a lot about AIDS. I can't imagine going through in real life what I went through on the show.
Question: Do you still keep in touch with Michael Sutton?
ABCStar: Michael just called me and I have to call him back.
Question: It is very admirable that you came forward as being a manic depressive. How are you doing?
ABCStar: I talked about that in Soap Opera Weekly. I'm glad that the article was done the way it was done. It was not done in an exploitive way. And, I'm still taking Lithium and am doing fine. Thanks for asking.
ABCStar: Many people have asked, "It must have been emotionally draining doing Stone's last scenes. What was it like for you to take your character in such a different direction? How did you prepare?
ABCStar: I didn't take it home with me. I just lived with it for a year at the show. Doing those kinds of scenes are like going to funeral every day. They're that emotional.
Question: Is it possible for Sonny to ever have a normal relationship with Mike?
ABCStar: I would hope so. I would hope that it comes soon.
Question: Who do you like hanging around the set with?
ABCStar: I hang out with Ron Hale (Mike), Jonathan Jackson (Lucky), and Steve Burton (Jason).
Question: What do you think of your character, Sonny?
ABCStar: When I look at the character of Sonny, I see someone who is very dysfunctional and dishonest. However, if he got help, he could be redeemed because he is very loyal and has had to deal with so much pain in his life.
Question: where in SF did you grow up?
ABCStar: For eight years I live right in San Francisco. Then I moved to the suburb of Martinez.
Question: how do u enjoy working with Brenda and Lily?
ABCStar: I think it's fun! They're both different, with different energy.
Question: Do you keep in touch with any actors from AMC?
ABCStar: The only one I keep in touch with is Michael E. Knight (Tad Martin.)
Question: Do you see yourself still acting 10 years from now or maybe directing?
ABCStar: I see myself acting for the rest of my life. I don't see myself directing.
Question: Maurice, how do you like LA compared to the bay area.? (I'm from the bay area too) Do you go home often?
ABCStar: I go home twice a year and I like LA and SF equally.
Question: I read that you thought the "Desi Arnaz" role was your most embarrassing to date. Why?
ABCStar: It was a good job of impersonating but I don't think that there was a lot of depth. At that point, I don't think that I was a strong enough actor.
Question: What was it like receiving the award for best actor at the soap opera awards
ABCStar: I was ready to faint on the stage. It was very emotional for me.
Question: do you miss the character of Stone?
ABCStar: Yes, tremendously. I also miss the actor. His dressing room was near mine and every time I go by, I miss him.
Question: what day next weekend are you going to be @ the car show in PA?
ABCStar: I'll be there on March 16 and 17th.
Question: Do you like being a father?
ABCStar: It's the greatest joy of my life. Paula (Maurice's wife) says that she can't come up enough words to describe how wonderful it is.
Question: Hi Maurice! I loved the AIDS storyline. How did you react when you were told about it?
ABCStar: I was all for it--if it was done right-- because I have had people close to me die of AIDS
Question: Do you miss being in New York at all?
ABCStar: Not really.
Question: What is the difference in playing Nico compared to Sonny? Which do you like the best to play?
ABCStar: Nico was fine. It was my first job and it was a great opportunity. He was nothing like Sonny. Sonny is so unpredictable--you never know what he might do.
Question: I enjoyed watching Sonny scare Lily's principal last week. Do you prefer drama or comedy?
ABCStar: Drama. For me, it's easier to go for the pain.
Question: do you watch GH? what do you think of it and yourself?
ABCStar: I watched a lot last year. Lately, I haven't been watching. I think the show has been wonderful over the last two years. Personally, I think that there are some things that I need to work on. That's why the show is so great--it allows me to do that.
Question: What would be your best advice to individuals interested in entering the entertainment business?
ABCStar: Get a good therapist!
Question: Do you like doing personal appearance? What has been your favorite fan encounter?
ABCStar: I like doing personal appearances. Nothing drastic has happened. I did one with Brad Maule (Tony Jones) and it was a lot of fun.
Question: I've noticed that you seem to be universally revered on your show as an extremely nice person. Do you feel that that has always been the case or have you changed dramatically from your youth?
ABCStar: You work on yourself and, hopefully, you always become a nicer person. I think that in my earlier years, I was a bit of a rebel.
Question: Hi Maurice, You're doing a great job...do you like acting with Jax? Do you suppose he and Sonny could be friends ever?
ABCStar: The actor who plays Jax (Ingo Rademacher) is a nice guy. I think that it would be boring if they became friends.
Question: Do you prefer the current storyline w/Sonny and Brenda apart and all the conflict, or would you like to see them get back together?
ABCStar: I like the conflict but when the conflict goes on too long, it gets a little monotonous.
Question: Was Sonny's breakup scene with Brenda hard to act out?
ABCStar: Yes--it was hard because it got very tense because you, as the character, need to get into the emotions of it.
Question: Are you like your character on the show at all???
ABCStar: Somewhat. Sonny is more intense and not as goofy as I am. And, I'm not a liar.
Question: Mr Bernard, how many more layers of Sonny have we to see?
ABCStar: I hope that we can see at least a couple more. That's up to the writers, though.
Question: Sonny's life is more obvious now, did you enjoy the role better when he had two lives?
ABCStar: Yes--I did enjoy hiding everything more. But stay tuned for some stuff that's coming up.
Question: are you married?
ABCStar: Yes, I'm happily married for six years (we've been together for 11) to a wonderful woman named Paula and we have a beautiful daughter named Cailey who is a year and a half.
Question: will we see more with you and Tony Geary, you two have great chemistry
ABCStar: Who knows. That's something that Tony and I talk about. But it's up to the writers.
Question: Who else on GH could you see yourself involved with?
ABCStar: That's a good question. I've always thought Lois. And Laura.
Question: how do you feel about the many hours you have to put in?
ABCStar: GH is the greatest job in the world. The hours are worth it.
ABCStar: Thanks so much for having me here. I had a great time. I look forward to seeing all of you again--online. You sent so many questions that I'm sorry I couldn't answer them all. See you again!
OnlineHost: Thank you for joining us today. Don't forget to watch Maurice on GENERAL HOSPITAL every Monday through Friday at 3:00 PM, ET, on the ABC Television network.
What can we say about the only couple on daytime with subtitles? General Hospital's Sonny and Brenda are so steamy, words are practicly immaterial to their passionate relationship.
For months, GH toyed with a Sonny and Brenda matchup; a glance here, an eyeroll there. Just when we thought we couldn't take the suspense anymore, flirtation turned to pure lust. "Tomorrow we'll still be who we are," purred a cool Sonny, "except without all the loneliness." Sonny and Brenda made love for the first time, and we were hooked.
The union of Sonny and Brenda has been turbulent. Brenda was constantly berated for her involvement with Sonny by upstanding citizens like Lila Quatermaine, who stressed the perils of a relationship with a man as connected to the underworld as Sonny Corinthos. Brenda's a risktaker-attracted to danger, not afraid of it. The warnings just made Brenda want her Brooklyn-born tough guy more. Hot-tempered Sonny has treasured Brenda, been fed up with Brenda and been jealous of the men who love Brenda. All the while, he's never taken his eyes off her. With Brenda's love and support, we have seen Sonny undergo a complete transformation. Steel-willed, iron-fisted Sonny has learned to express his feelings verbally rather than with violence. "I can 'blah blah blah' until hell freezes over." Sonny said recently to his beloved, "but in the end, all that matters is our feelings and how we treat each other." (Okay, so he's no Byron. It's a start.) Sonny's love for Brenda has allowed him to trust someone, possibly for the first time. Viewers are seeing a new, sensitive side of Sonny. And judging from the responses, they love it!
Of course, the former lovers did find their way back to each other -- emotionally and physically -- while trapped in the catacombs. Freezing cold and with thier oxygen quickly running out, Sonny and Brenda confessed the love they had both spent the last year denying.
Sonny and Brneda's well-scripted, well-acted "death" scenes in the creepy catacombs proved to be a fitting denouement to this star-crossed love story. Using Sonny's former right hand man, Harry, as the catalyst made it completely believeable.
Harry considered Lily a surrogate daughter, and it turns out he didn't appreciate Sonny's cavalier treatment of her before she died. But no one knew the depth of Harry's malignant feelings towards Sonny and "the whore" (as he called Brenda), until he gre delusional. Harry completely lost it when his plot to kill Sonny resulted in Lily's death. He started stalking Brenda and eventually revealed himself to her while carting her off at gunpoint to the catacombs. Give Harry credit for one thing: He knew full well that Brenda's dark knight in shining armor would ride to her rescue -- and fall right into his trap.
True to form, Corinthos arrived at the catacombs to find Harry, gun in hand. Later, in a struggle for Harry's gun, Sonny shot his former friend. Before Sonny and Brenda could make their escape, the dying mobster detonated explosives and caused a cave-in. A pill-addicted Brenda and a claustophobic Sonny were trapped -- buried alive, just as Harry had envisioned.
Facing death, Sonny and Brenda turned to each other for support -- expressing their devotion in a meaningful good-bye that culminated in their making love. "Remember when I told you I didn't love you? I lied," admitted Brenda. "I know," he responded knowingly. Humbled by their respective neuroses, Sonny could express the depth of his feelings for her and discuss his childhood, and Brenda could finally reveal her secret drug addiction.
What could have been a lurid, sexual kiss-off became tender and touching in the expert hands of Maurice Benard and Vanessa Marcil. You could almost hear their hearts breaking at the prospect of losing one another. Son convincing were these to that when Brenda realized Jax had come to rescue her, it was almost a disappointment. And Ingo Rademacher is nothing to sneeze at.
In the end, Brenda returned to the loving arms of her once-and-futher husband, Jax, and kept mum about making love to Sonny. And Sonny went back to loving Brenda from afar. But our appetites have been whetted, and there is clearly more to come. The quality time these two spent "dying" in each other's armes was well worth it.
Soap Opera Digest: Just the Facts: Maurice Benard (September 10, 1996)
Soap Opera Digest: Perfomer of the week (January 16, 1996) Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH)
The descent of a popular character is not usually something to cheer about. But Sonny's downward spiral on General Hospital has been absolutely terrific - thanks to Maurice Benard's riveting portrayal of the complicated mobster.
It started with Stone's death. While other characters sobbed openly as Stone's health declined, Sonny held his emotions in check. When he walked in on Robin cradling Stone's lifeless body, he simply said, "He's dead." It was more of a statement than a question. Throughout the funeral arrangements and memorial service - and even later in the eerie quiet of the penthouse - Sonny kept his stoic demeanor, except for the glazed look in his eyes. He looked like he had been kicked in the stomach, which is exactly how real people look when they've lost a loved one.
We felt Stone's death more through Sonny than anybody else. And as Sonny's problems mounted, we found ourselves rooting for him and against the police; strong testament to the sympathy engendered by this remarkable actor.
Maurice Bernard is one actor (Anthony Geary as Luke is another one) who never has a false moment on-screen. As a result of Bernard's unique performance, we are willing to wait longer than usual for Sonny to fight his way back and find happiness again. After all, the miserable his character's life becomes, the more fascinating Bernard's portrayal becomes.
Soap Opera Digest: Party of Three (January 16, 1996): Brenda/Sonny/Lily
Digest: Even though Sonny is currently with Lily, Sonny and Brenda seem like
they belong together.
Head Writer Claire Labine: Of course, Sonny and Brenda belong together.
We're not stupid. It's our job to get them back together again, and it's
[the audience's] job to watch us do it.
Digest: How are you going to do it?
Head Writer Claire Labine: Sonny and Brenda have been very close to a
reconciliation, but Sonny made a deal with [Lily's father] Rivera. Sonny
tells Brenda, "I will never love anyone else the way I have loved you, but
it may not be possible for us to be together." Brenda doesn't get it, but
she'll figure it out. Sonny and Lily are not married yet.
Digest: Was Lily brought in to break up Sonny and Brenda?
Head Writer Claire Labine: No. But Sonny and Lily have a lot in common.
They are both Spanish. Lily knows not to ask questions [because her father
is in the mob]. And she knows how to be graceful under trying
circumstances, so she was a heavy contrast to Brenda in that respect. Sonny
admired that a lot.
Digest: Who are you rooting for?
Head Writer Claire Labine: I root for whomever I'm writing for at the
moment. But I do believe Sonny and Brenda belong together.
Digest: How long should a good triangle last?
Head Writer Claire Labine: Forever, if you do it right.
Digest: Are there any other characters on GH who could join this triangle
if one of the current members were to leave?
Head Writer Claire Labine: Not without twisting everyone into a pretzel!
Sonny had finally decided to leave his wife, Lily, for Brenda; Lily was about to move back to Puerto Rico, and Jax had slipped into the shadows. But news of Lily's pregnancy changed everything. Sonny vowed to make his marriage work for the sake of their child, which jet-propelled Brenda into Jax's arms. Meanwhile, Lily's mafia father, Rivera, ordered a hit on his fickle son in law.
As the Corinthoses were celebrating their happy news at Luke's Club, Brenda was preparing to Marry Jax aboard his yacht overseas. Sonny had too much to drink and his dutiful wife offered to fetch the car; Brenda donned a white satin sheath in anticipation of her wedding. Then, in suspenseful slow motion, Lily approached the car while Sonny shared hugs and high fives with his father, Mike, and Luke. Meanwhile, Brenda took her place by Jax's side as they were married. Back to the pregnant Lily, who smiled radiantly at Sonny before she got into the car. Sonny smiled back, at peace and dedicated to making a commitment to his family. To watch these two situations in counterpoint - Sonny and Brenda each taking decisive action to move on with their lives-was compelling, but we hadn't seen anything yet: As Jax and Brenda clinked their champagne glasses, Lily put her key in the ignition-and an explosion rocked Port Charles. Like Michael Corleone's doomed wife in The Godfather, Lily had died in place of her husband, and whether you loved or hated Lily-and there were two camps-her death was as heartbreaking as it was shocking.
A stricken Sonny sought refuge in Luke's, then broke down on tears. Maurice Bernard artfully balanced Sonny's public pain at losing his wife and child with his private resolve to bring her killer to justice. Meanwhile, a cheery-if dazed-Brenda was contemplating her future with her loving, ultra rich hubby, Jax. "Will [your parents] welcome me with open arms?" Brenda wondered. "Will I have a walk in closet? I'm a married woman, and I have no idea what I'm doing from this moment on."
No kidding-just what will Brenda do now? Lily is no longer blocking her path to Sonny, but Sonny's guilt over Lily's death may prove to be an even more formidable obstacle. Not to mention Jax, who adores Brenda. Can she forsake the only man who's made her feel safe?
Lily's tragic death not only made for a spectacular episode; it swiveled the Brenda/Sonny story into an unexpected direction that is rich with dramatic possibilities.
As torrid love triangles go, GENERAL HOSPITAL has set up a beaut. Sexy mobster Sonny Corinthos broke up with beautiful model Brenda Barrett after she wore a wire to help the feds bust him. Despite tearful pleas for forgiveness, a stone-faced Sonny turned his back on Brenda in favor of a loveless marriage to mafia princess Lily Rivera. (At least Lily wouldn't kiss and tell.) Brenda recovered in the arms of Aussie charmer Jax (just Jax!), but her heart belonged to Sonny.
Eventually, Brenda and Sonny found their way back to each other, and Sonny vowed to break things off with Lily. Then, wham. Lily announced she was pregnant, Sonny called things off with a heartbroken Brenda, Lily was killed by a car bomb meant for Sonny, and Brenda married Jax on the rebound. So...what happens now?
Well, not a Brenda/Sonny reconciliation, teases Executive Producer Wendy Riche. Jax and Brenda will remain married-for now-while Sonny picks up the pieces of his life. "The loss of Lily and his unborn child brings a devastating realization to Sonny," says Riche. "He has caused harm to those around him and he is going to have a harrowing time getting over his guilt. He feels totally incapable of giving anything to Brenda right now; he will have to heal himself separately."
While Sonny is healing, Brenda will be thinking. "This is the most amazing triangle, because Brenda is going to be truly torn," predicts Brenda's portrayer, Vanessa Marcil. "That was never the case before. She was in love with Sonny and that was the end of it. She really decided to try and move on [with Jax]." Although some of Brenda's pals suggest to her that this is a rebound wedding, Marcil disagrees. "Marriage is a serious thing," maintains the actress. "It has taken her so long to get to this point-to make this commitment-and she wants to do it right. I really believe that she is scared of Sonny. She loves him so much, but she's never sure where anything stands, or if he's going to lie to her about something. I think for the first time, she feels what it's like to have comfort and security with a man."
Sonny won't learn of Brenda and Jax's nuptials until June 21. What will he do when he finds out? "Sonny is in so much pain right now, he doesn't care. About anything," explains Maurice Bernard (Sonny). "Sonny inherits $30 million from Rivera, and he gives it all to an AIDS charity in Stone's name. He's an idiot. He's not thinking. He's just going through the motions."
Riche points out that Brenda, on the other hand, has actually moved on with her life. "Brenda has finally grown to the point where she doesn't need to take from Sonny," notes the exec. "She sees where he is, and lets him be. Jax knows his wife needs to go [to Sonny]. It takes a lot for him to allow that, but he knows she needs it. The question is, how long can Jax trust Brenda to be alone with Sonny?"
How long, indeed? According to Ingo Rademacher, Sonny is no threat to his character. "[Jax] absolutely thinks Brenda will fall in love with him 100 percent," the actor affirms. "He's offering her everything." What if Brenda chooses Sonny? "If that happens, he'll walk away," Rademacher sniffs. "That's the kind of guy he is. He'll say, 'You don't know what you're missing,' and he'll walk away from it. He'll be sad for a while, but he'll get over it. He's not the kind of person who dwells on things. He's strong enough to say, 'Okay, if that's the way you want it, then I'm out of here.' He's done it before and he'll do it again."
In the end the choice will be Brenda's. But Marcil believes Jax doesn't have that much to worry about. "Brenda is really to let Sonny go," she says. "Not in her heart, but in reality. She is genuinely worried about Sonny and wants to be there for him. She realizes, 'I need to be here for this person as a friend because I really love him.' It's not about what I need, it's about what he needs, because that's what love is about. She's not really going to be as quick to want to let go of Jax, the person who was there for her when she was ready to just give up life. It's such an amazing triangle."
Both men boast that if their characters come to blows over the brunette beauty, they'll be ready. "Jax isn't going to be scared by this guy," insists Rademacher. "He might be a mobster, but I'm sure Jax being one of the richest men in the world could get him killed as well." And Sonny? "I'm short," cracks Bernard. "If we get into a fight, I'd better have a knife."
(Side bar)
Why Lily had to go
"Fans just freak out about Sonny and Brenda being apart," marvels Vanessa
Marcil. "I get a lot of people who say they love watching Brenda and Jax
together, but they say, 'Have fun with him for now.' They're Sonny and
Brenda freaks." The character of Lily, though, was not fully developed,
never seemed like a viable love match for Sonny and inspired little fan
loyalty. "I didn't like her character, either," agrees Marcil. "I can
understand why people didn't like her character. But I am so bummed out
about Lilly [Melgar, who played Lily] leaving. We've been crying here for
the last few days. I loved working with Lilly and wish we could have worked
together more. We're really good friends in real life, so it's going to be
her I miss more than her character."
"As the story the story of Sonny and Brenda progressed, it was clear that there was a tragedy in Sonny's future that would change their lives forever," explains Wendy Riche. Lily's pregnancy was a defining moment for Sonny, because his own father had run out on him and he could never do that to his own child. "That was a major character issue for Sonny," nods Riche. "Lilly Melgar is a lovely person and grew a lot as an actress while playing Lily. But it served the story to have her suffer an ironic death at the hands of her own father while he was trying to show his 'love' for her by killing her husband. It's a sick world she came from."
(Side bar)
Love Me Do?
While Marcil admits she's torn over who Brenda should wind up with, she
does love seeing the effect that the love triangle has on Ingo Rademacher.
"Ingo will not leave my door," laughs Marcil. "I can't say that Brenda will
love Jax in front of Ingo because he'll go on about it for an hour. He'll
be like, 'Really? You think Brenda will love Jax?' He's so funny. He's really cute, he takes everything so seriously, it's adorable. He is like
his character. He comes in and he's like, 'How come you were doing scenes
with Maurice?' I'm like, 'Because it's a love story.' He'll say, 'What's
the matter, doesn't she want to fall in love with me?' "
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD:Shady loner Luke strutted into Port Charles in 1978-and quickly became GH's answer to James Bond. Edgy and streetwise, Luke tackled mob bosses, dodged hitmen, wooed the ladies and literally saved the world-often in the same episode. Today, GH is still a first cousin of the prime-time action series, thanks to the 1993 arrival of moody, mob-connected, sexy Sonny, who showed all the earmarks of vintage Luke during 1994's exciting Puerto Rico remote.
IT'S A DIRTY JOB...Luke worked at the campus disco, but moonlighted for mobster Frank Smith. Years later, ran a strip club (and turned sweet Karen into a drug-addicted stripper) while doing Smith's dirty deeds.
...BUT SOMEBODY'S GOTTA DO IT: Luke has spent his life trying to get out of organized crime, whereas Sonny kind of likes running with the "in" crowd.
WHAT CHANGED LUKE? Laura. Things were great when her passion for danger equaled his, but when she decided to hang up her running shoes and focus on family, Luke had to do some serious soul-searching.
WHAT WILL CHANGE SONNY? Learning to forgive the people who hurt him most. Once he starts trusting Brenda again and makes peace with Mike, he'll be a lot happier.