“General Hospital” Star Maurice Benard Reveals Why He’s ‘Terrified’ About His Daughter Cassidy’s Upcoming Wedding

**General Hospital Star Maurice Benard Prepares for Daughter’s Wedding with Mixed Emotions**

Maurice Benard, renowned for his long-running role as Sonny Corinthos on the popular soap opera *General Hospital*, is feeling the emotional weight of a significant family milestone. The actor announced on social media that his daughter, Cassidy Benard, is set to marry her fiancé, Anthony Cammarata, on Friday, October 16th. In a heartfelt post, the 63-year-old shared his feelings of trepidation about officiating the ceremony, suggesting a mix of nerves and excitement that many parents can relate to.

In a candid Instagram post on October 12th, Benard expressed his anxiety about the upcoming event. “Friday, my baby girl @cassidybenard is getting married, and I’m terrified!!!” he wrote, accompanied by several nostalgic photos of father and daughter. His apprehension stems from the emotional responsibility of officiating the wedding, which he anticipates will be a tearful affair. “I’m thinking it’s gonna be through a lot of tears,” he added, humourously asking his followers to wish him luck.

Fans quickly rallied to support Benard in the comments section. Encouragement flowed in as many reassured him that emotions are to be expected on such poignant occasions. Suggestions ranged from practical advice on keeping tissues handy to heartfelt affirmations of his ability to perform his role excellently, even amidst the tears.

Cassidy, 27, is the eldest daughter of Benard and his wife, Paula Smith. The couple, who have been married for an impressive 36 years, also share two other children: daughter Cailey, 32, and son Joshua, 21. In addition, Benard took on the role of guardian for Smith’s sister, Heather, legally adopting her in 2008.

This recent announcement marks yet another significant moment in the Benard family’s journey. Earlier in April 2025, Benard publicly celebrated Cassidy’s engagement, showcasing the couple’s fairytale proposal during a trip to Japan, where Cammarata surprised Cassidy at Disneyland. “My baby girl Cassidy is getting married to a great man @anthony_cammarata,” he shared, reflecting on the magical nature of that moment.

Despite the jitters he feels now, officiating Cassidy’s wedding is not an entirely new experience for Benard. In 2020, he had the honour of presiding over his daughter Cailey’s marriage to Carlos Avila. Looking back on that day, he fondly remarked on how unexpected it was for him to officiate a wedding at all, particularly one so close to home. “Marrying Cailey and Carlos was an honour and a privilege not to mention very very sweet,” he noted on social media at the time.

This week’s forthcoming wedding not only highlights the joy of family celebrations but also serves as a testament to Benard’s enduring love and commitment to both his children and wife. The couple marked their 36th wedding anniversary on August 11, a milestone which Benard celebrated with heartfelt tributes on social media. Reflecting on their journey together, he remarked on their early days, stating, “I met my wife [when] she was 16 years old. Forty years later, I consider myself the luckiest man alive.”

In another touching post, he expressed his deep appreciation for Smith, extolling her unwavering support throughout their life together. “What can I say about the woman who put up with me for 40 years? She has saved me from ruins, given me four incredible children, and four wonderful grandchildren,” he shared. “She is strong, but kind, always putting others before herself.”

As Benard prepares to take on the challenging yet thrilling role of officiant for his daughter’s wedding, the blend of fatherly pride and emotional vulnerability paints a vivid picture of familial love. The upcoming wedding is not only a celebration of Cassidy and Anthony’s union; it also reflects the tight-knit relationships within the Benard family, forged through many years of shared experiences and unwavering support.

As the day approaches, it is clear that Maurice Benard’s journey from a soap opera star to a proud father-of-the-bride is filled with a particular kind of magic. Whether through tears of joy or heartfelt laughter, this family gathering promises a beautiful new chapter in their lives.