Maurice Benard, The King of the Soap World

Written by Stephanie Andolino


Casting Call years ago. It
Magazine located actually led him to
on CastingCall.com him to what many
sat down to talk with actors have felt they
legendary soap star, had to do. He
Maurice Benard, changed his name,
about his journey to legally, from
become one of the Mauricio Morales to
leading daytime Maurice Benard.
actors of our time to
provide insight for us “It was for a music
all. video… and the
director did not
“Deserve want to hire me
everything, expect He soon got the because they
nothing,” Benard acting bug and wanted an Italian
says, summing up started taking guy, Benard
some of the best classes. It was then explains. “It had to
advice he ever he knew he truly take Bill Graham
received. wanted to act for a (famed music
living. Benard promoter of the
Benard was born of remembers, “It was Fillmore West in San
Hispanic decent probably in my first Francisco)... to say
with the birth name acting class. It just this is who we
Mauricio Morales, felt right when I did want.”
and raised in San it.”
Francisco. After that, he took
He took inspiration his grandmother’s
Benard took from his favorite maiden name of
advantage of his acting heroes. “For Benard since it
striking sex appeal me, it was always Al sounded more
and started Pacino, ” Benard versatile for various
modeling in his early says. “But I studied roles. “It could be
twenties. Yet he all actors.” French, Spanish,
recalls: “I was short (etc),” according to
and I’d have to lie Benard remembers Benard. Plus, it was
about my height all vividly his first acting important to keep
the time.” job, twenty-five
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