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Benard Film In The Works!

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After playing Sonny on GENERAL HOSPITAL for almost 20 years, Maurice Benard is spreading his wings in a new film role that has the Emmy winner very excited! The Ghost And The Whale will be shot this January in Bodega Bay, a small “village” along the northern coast of California. The story is about a man who goes through a spiritual journey after his wife dies mysteriously at sea and he’s accused of her murder. Championing this film are the incomparable Gaudioso Twins, maverick directors responsible for Duke and Medium.

“I believe in Maurice Benard and am intrigued by him,” says Anthony Gaudioso. “He played a small role in Duke, and my brother James and I both took notice. The Ghost And The Whale has Maurice in the lead role where he will undoubtedly stretch his acting muscles. It will be exciting to see what this fantastic veteran brings to the character.”

This particular project means a lot to Benard for many reasons, all of them very personal. First, his wife, Paula Benard, is executive producing along with the Gaudioso Twins. In addition, the thing hitting him the hardest (in a good way!) is the affirmation that others believe in him as an actor. In fact, one of the financial backers (close friends Tori Burns Humphrey, who is part owner of the San Francisco Giants, and her husband, Steve Humphrey) green-lit the film after telling the directors, “It’s because we believe in Maurice.” Hearing that touched Benard deeply.

“We all know it’s tough, especially when you’ve been on a soap for as long as I have,” Benard says. “In terms of trying to break out, nobody really cares about soaps. Within the soap world, it’s the greatest job in the world. But for me, it will be tough unless somebody gives me that break. I believe that this film is that break.”

In Depth will keep you posted on further developments!

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