Benard remembers California to seek professionally and
fondly, “I get a call out new challenges. personally.
in the morning the
day I was going to He succeeded. In Benard made a
leave (New York), 1991, Benard drastic mistake and
and they said they successfully landed went off his bi-polar
were creating this the role of Desi medication for the
role called Nico (for Arnaz in the feature, next two years. “I
me).” Lucy & Desi, Before thought I could do
the Laughter. it, (live without his
“It was a god-sent,” Benard remembers medication)”
Benard says with the coveted role Benard remembers.
joy. Just a short was won only after “But, you can’t do
while prior, Benard enduring five it.” He continued
was in a mental auditions to take classes, and
institution, and “a competing against audition. However,
year and a half actors all over. his parents even
later, I’m on TV,” he Finally, the had to help pay his
says. producers asked rent. Above all, he
him if he truly felt he is thankful for the
It is a tribute to could play Arnaz. emotional support
Benard that the role Benard replied with of his wife Paula.
created specifically a firm “YES!” He told “She’s my angel,”
for him was the type them how much Benard says,
of role he had been Arnaz reminded him lovingly.
gearing himself to of his own father,
play all along - - a and it would be a Just when Benard
dark, sexy natural fit. So, after had no idea what
scoundrel! Hence, a trip to the to do next, he finds
Benard successfully bathroom to slick his out General Hospital
made Nico Kelly hair back ala is very interested in
one of the most “Arnaz-style” for one him. He met with
popular characters final screen test, he producers Shelley
on All My Children got the role! Curtis and Wendy
for three years - - Riche (former
especially among Yet, after such a producers for
the ladies. high level of General Hospital)
success, Benard and he instantly
Eventually, all good ironically found clicked with them.
things come to an himself at a This time, Benard
end, and Benard standstill. The was the one sought
made the decision following couple of after, and was
to move back to years would pose presented with two
huge challenges, roles. He opted for
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