Beloved soap stars Maurice Benard and Vanessa Marcil helped give one fan an epic surprise for her 60th birthday. The fan has been a “General Hospital” watcher for over 47 years. Marcil’s Brenda and Benard’s Sonny are her favorite couple on the ABC soap from back in the 90s. Over the weekend, the fan got a surprise of a lifetime thanks to Benard and especially “Beverly Hills: 90210” alum Marcil.
Vanessa Marcil and Maurice Benard Bring Fan to Tears
Mercedes Gonzalez Mayo used social media to share her happiness at pulling off the surprise of a lifetime for her mom on her milestone birthday. Taking to Instagram, Mayo shared a video of her mom tearing up after receiving a surprise video message from Benard.
Benard sang Happy Birthday to the fan, who turned out to be just a decoy for the real surprise. Once he finished signing, Benard admitted that, since he couldn’t be there, he had sent his friend in his place.
“Sorry, I couldn’t be there. I have business to take care of in Port Charles, but I am sending you an old lover of mine,” he shared without giving away that she was waiting in the wings.
The camera pans to Marcil waiting in the wings. Soon, the camera is back on the fan, and a voice announces Marcil is there in person as the fan tears up and screams, “What?” It turns out the voice was the fan’s son, and he revealed that Marcil is his mom’s favorite actress.
It was smiles all around for Marcil, who instantly hugged the shocked fan. They chatted up a storm in the video, which was such a special moment.
“Months of planning this surprise for my mom @mabelnietogonzalez and there was truly no greater feeling than watching her reaction and giving her the surprise of her life on her 60th birthday! @mauricebenard & @vanessamarcilmlovesk I can’t thank you enough! Vanessa is an icon, legend, beyond genuine, and truly beautiful inside and out!⭐️ thanks for making my moms birthday dreams come true!” read part of the caption on Mayo’s social media share.
Mayo went on to reveal that her mom has been watching “General Hospital” for 47 years, since she was 13, and has never missed an episode. Mayo recalled getting home from school at 3 pm and having no choice but to watch “General Hospital” because that was on the TV.
“My brothers and I low key loved it though and also became life long GH fans. We literally grew up watching Brenda & Sonny! This was such a special moment for not only my mom but our whole family! Truly a memory we will never forget🥹 #happybirthday #generalhospital #birthdaysurprise #sonnyandbrenda #vanessamarcil,” ended the caption.
Fans and Familiar Faces React To the Touching Video
The comment section of Mayo’s Instagram post was filled with sweet reactions to the sweet moment.
“General Hospital” alum Rena Sofer (Lois) chimed in to say, “The greatest woman giving another great woman a birthday to remember!!! Happy birthday!!!” “Beyond the Gates” creator Michele Val Jean said, “@vanessamarcilmlovesk is everything. That is all.” Fans also gushed over the footage.
One fan called it “absolutely epic,” while sharing their love for the show, especially the super couple, Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis). Several insisted the moment was “awesome,” and others made sure that the fan’s children got mad props for giving their mom such a special gift on her 60th birthday. Many fans shared how long and how much they love the hit ABC show.
