Nathan Dean, formerly Nathan Dean Parsons, returned to Port Charles on April 17, 2026, as Ethan Lovett, after a nearly six-year hiatus. Since his return to “General Hospital,” Dean sat down with his co-star Maurice Benard for a candid interview on the podcast, “State Of Mind with Maurice Benard.”
The duo covered some heavy topics, including their mental health journeys. During the interview, the two actors reflected on the steady support their wives have provided during difficult moments. Read on to discover what the “General Hospital” stars shared.
Nathan Dean Says He Found the Same Kind of Support in His Wife That He Saw in Maurice Benard’s Marriage
Nathan Dean joined the cast of “General Hospital” in 2009, when he was just 21 years old. While talking to Benard on the “State of Mind” podcast, Dean said, “I’ve known you for 15-20 years. I’ve also known your wife.”
He continued, “I have never met someone who is more supportive of what you’re dealing with or more supportive of even like all the things that your kids went through because I was there for a lot of it.”
“I never thought I would meet someone equivalent to that until I met my wife. Because she has done the same thing for me.”
Dean added that finding that kind of partnership changed his perspective, saying, “When you find the right person, suddenly the entire world opens up to you, right?”
Benard agreed, responding, “Completely.”
Nathan Dean and Maurice Benard Reflect on How Finding the Right Partner Can Be Life-Changing
Nathan Dean and Maurice Benard continued their conversation by reflecting on how having the right partner can make a lasting impact, especially when navigating mental health challenges.
Dean continued, “And when we’re dealing with whatever it is that we’re dealing with to find that advocate for us, it is life-changing.”
Benard became emotional as he responded, saying, “When you find the person that’s your soulmate, that you know God or whatever you believe in has given you, it is amazing. It’s beautiful. But we have to, at some point, fix what’s wrong with us for them.”
He continued by speaking candidly about his own journey, explaining that his wife, Paula, has stood by him through some of his most difficult moments.
“My wife has been there through thick and thin with me. Not the first breakdown in the mental institution, she wasn’t there, but after that, everything,” Benard said. “I’m somebody who wants help. A lot of people don’t. So she sees that.”
Benard, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 22, has since become an advocate for mental health awareness. His “General Hospital” character, Sonny Corinthos, also lives with bipolar disorder, helping bring visibility to the condition.
He also opened up about a past manic episode in which his behavior deeply impacted his relationship, sharing that his wife has remained supportive throughout.
“People ask her, ‘Why’d you stay with him?’ Because he has a disease. It wasn’t him that night,” Benard said. “I was a different person.”
While their relationship has faced challenges over the years, Benard emphasized that his wife, Paula, has consistently been a source of support.
Nathan Dean Opens Up About His Wife’s Support During Personal Challenges
After Benard’s emotional story, Nathan Dean opened up about how his own wife has supported him through periods of depression and the loss of his brother. He noted that while they have been together for about five years, their relationship has had a meaningful impact on his mental health.
“My wife, we’ve only been together about four or five years, but there has never been a moment where she doesn’t check in,” Dean shared.
He also explained how she helps him navigate difficult days, recalling that she often tells him, “You may not be you today, but how do we get back to being you?”
Dean added, “That is such a blessing.”
Dean and his wife, Kate, announced earlier this year that they are expecting their third child together. In his Instagram announcement, Dean wrote, “I’m so lucky and blessed to have this wonderful woman in my life. She made me whole. And I can’t wait to see where this journey goes.”
Both Nathan Dean and Maurice Benard made it clear that having the right partner can make all the difference, especially when navigating life’s most difficult moments. As their candid conversation showed, support, understanding, and connection continue to play a powerful role in their lives both on and off screen.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
