Steve Burton, a beloved actor known for his portrayal of Jason Morgan on General Hospital (GH), recently opened up about the emotional journey he faced following Kelly Monaco’s exit from the show,
as well as the profound support he received from his co-star Maurice Benard during this difficult time.
Kelly Monaco, who played the iconic character Sam McCall, was not just a colleague to Burton, but also a close friend with whom he had shared countless storylines, personal milestones,
and years of on-screen chemistry. Her departure from General Hospital marked the end of an era for the show and left a noticeable void in the lives of both the characters and the fans who had followed the duo’s dramatic love story over the years.
Burton, who had been with General Hospital since 1991, had experienced many highs and lows in his long career, but Kelly Monaco’s departure felt particularly significant.
The two actors had formed an inseparable bond over their years on the soap opera, with their characters, Jason and Sam, becoming one of the most beloved couples in the show’s history.
Their relationship had been the focal point of numerous storylines, often drawing viewers in with its intense drama, emotional twists, and deep love for each other, despite the many challenges they faced. Monaco’s exit, however, marked a major turning point for Burton. It was not just a professional change, but also a personal one, as he had to navigate the emotional weight of losing a trusted friend and a long-time collaborator.
For Burton, the process of adjusting to Monaco’s absence from the show was not easy. In a recent interview, he revealed how deeply her departure affected him, both professionally and personally. He spoke about how challenging it was to transition to a new dynamic on set, especially after having such a strong connection with Monaco over the years. Burton admitted that, as a seasoned actor, he was used to changes in casting and storylines, but Kelly’s exit felt different because of the bond they had shared. The loss was palpable, and it was something that affected not only Burton, but also the entire General Hospital family, including the fans who had grown attached to the duo.
In this difficult time, one of the most significant sources of support for Burton came from his long-time co-star Maurice Benard, who plays the character Sonny Corinthos. Benard and Burton have worked together on General Hospital for decades, developing a friendship that extends beyond the confines of the show. In the interview, Burton spoke candidly about how Maurice Benard played a crucial role in helping him navigate the emotional aftermath of Monaco’s departure. He revealed that Benard, who has been through his own personal struggles and ups and downs in the public eye, offered him valuable advice and emotional support that helped him get through what he described as a challenging time in his career.
Burton mentioned that Benard was not only a supportive friend on set but also someone who was always willing to lend an ear and offer guidance. Benard, who has been open about his mental health journey and his struggles with bipolar disorder, has earned a reputation as someone who deeply understands the emotional and psychological challenges that can come with being in the public eye. His ability to connect with Burton on a personal level and offer genuine advice was something Burton deeply appreciated. According to Burton, Maurice’s support helped him maintain a positive outlook and find the strength to continue performing at his best, even when dealing with such significant personal and professional changes.
Burton also shared that the bond between him and Benard goes beyond the usual camaraderie between co-stars. Their friendship has weathered many storms over the years, both on and off the set, and Burton expressed his gratitude for having someone like Maurice by his side during a time when he felt particularly vulnerable. Their relationship is a testament to the deep connections that can form between actors, particularly in a long-running show like General Hospital, where the cast members often become more than just colleagues—they become family.
The loss of Kelly Monaco from General Hospital was a turning point for Burton, but it also served as an opportunity for him to grow both personally and professionally. His close friendship with Maurice Benard helped him weather the emotional storm, and with Benard’s encouragement, Burton was able to push through and continue his career on the show. As for the fans, they remain deeply invested in Burton’s portrayal of Jason Morgan and are hopeful that he will continue to deliver the same compelling performances that have made him a staple of the soap opera for over three decades.
In the world of soap operas, where relationships—both on-screen and off—are often as dramatic as the storylines themselves, the friendship between Steve Burton and Maurice Benard stands out as a true example of loyalty, support, and genuine camaraderie. While the departure of Kelly Monaco was a significant moment for General Hospital, it was clear that Burton was able to find solace in the strong bonds he had built with his co-stars, particularly Maurice. As the show continues to evolve, fans can rest assured that Burton, with the support of his friends and colleagues, will continue to navigate the ups and downs of the soap opera world with grace and resilience.
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