‘General Hospital’ (GH) Interview: Bryan Craig Discusses Bipolar Disorder And Maurice Benard’s Support

“General Hospital” has broadened the daytime drama’s bipolar disorder storyline to include Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) son Morgan Corinthos (Bryan Craig). The writers incorporated Benard’s real-life struggle with mental illness many years ago. Now the on-screen father and son will share that battle together. Bryan was enthusiastic about doing research on his own in order to educate himself. He also had the full support and first-hand knowledge of his co-star.

In a recent interview with Michael Fairman of On-Air On-Soaps, Bryan discussed how he has been able to use Maurice as a coach in order to realistically – and sensitively – portray a young man with bipolar disorder. Recently “GH” executive producer Frank Valentini asked Bryan to shave his head. Many fans thought that the actor had made the decision to do so on his own. According to Bryan, “It was a way to show another way that Morgan can be impulsive, and it was a random thing he just did.” This also gave Morgan a harder look, which then hinted that he was a suspect in the murder of Dr. Silas Clay’s killer. Almost overnight Morgan’s look went from one of a young, soft, stupid kid to a tough and angry man.

Bryan Craig found it to be emotional for both he and Maurice to delve into the storyline, especially for Benard because he was forced into dealing with the illness at work when he didn’t have to do so. It was an exhausting month of filming for both actors. They were in touch daily over the phone after work. But it wasn’t just Maurice helping Bryan remain sane during the process – the young actor was also there to keep the veteran actor sane as he peeled back the layers of his own mental illness.

The one thing that is very important to Bryan is that bipolar disorder be portrayed correctly – “It would be terrible to portray it wrong if half those people felt mocked.” And the actor has many people in the bipolar community who have stepped forward and reached out to him and have praised him and have great things to say about the way he has handled the storyline. “That’s all I wanted to do was give it justice.” And Bryan also had the support of his fiancée Kelly Thiebaud (ex-Dr. Britt Westbourne). His off-screen lady love cried when she watched the scenes with her husband-to-be and Maurice. She was also  very supportive via social media.

The emotionally-charged scenes between Sonny Corinthos and his son Morgan have been electrifying and riveting. But what happens next for Morgan when he discovers his father has been shot? Will he spin even further out of control in an attempt to find and bring to justice the shooter?

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