Onscreen, General Hospital’s Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and his loyal enforcer Dex Heller (Evan Hofer) are entangled in a world of mob dealings, danger, and crime. But off-screen, the relationship between the two stars is something far more wholesome—and downright heartwarming.
From Day One: A Special Connection
Evan Hofer joined General Hospital in May 2022, and from the very beginning, Maurice Benard made a lasting impression on his new co-star. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Hofer shared how Benard’s kindness and warmth set the tone for their off-screen friendship. “From day one, he’s been warm and generous. He’s so wonderful to me, and I just love getting to hang out with him and chat with him.”
That bond didn’t go unnoticed by others on set. A camera operator, Vicky, once remarked to Hofer’s mom that their connection was something rare: “Mo doesn’t bond with everybody like he’s bonded with Evan. Their bond is very special.”
More Than Co-Stars: A True Mentor
On Benard’s podcast State of Mind in October 2024, the duo gave fans an even deeper look at their friendship. While discussing everything from football to mental health, Hofer opened up about how much Benard means to him as a mentor and friend. “I’ll talk endlessly about how much you mean to me,” Hofer said, emphasizing the invaluable lessons he’s learned from Benard about confidence and humility as an actor. “It’s a privilege to get to do what we do for a living.”
For Benard, the admiration is clearly mutual. The veteran actor has been instrumental in helping Hofer navigate the challenges of daytime television, creating a bond built on mutual respect and genuine camaraderie.
The Emmy Night That Showed It All
Their connection was on full display at the December 2023 Daytime Emmy Awards, where Benard was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor. For Hofer, it was his first time attending the prestigious ceremony—and who better to share the evening with than his mentor? “Mo and I went together and had the best time,” Hofer joked. “I picked him up, and we left from there, and the whole night was awesome.”
Though Benard didn’t take home the award, their friendship turned the night into something far more meaningful. On State of Mind, Benard reflected on the evening with gratitude: “That Emmy’s was the first Emmy that I was truly present from beginning to end. The fact that I lost did not affect me one bit.”
A Bond Fans Can’t Ignore
While their onscreen roles are laced with tension and high stakes, Benard and Hofer’s real-life friendship has become a bright spot for both actors. It’s a relationship built on trust, mentorship, and shared moments of joy—proving that sometimes, the best stories happen when the cameras stop rolling.
For fans of General Hospital, it’s yet another reason to love the show: the connection between its stars is just as compelling as the drama onscreen.
