Billy Miller, who played Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” for years and thrilled soap opera fans, has died. He was 43.
Miller’s management confirmed his death in a statement to TODAY.com, noting that his 44th birthday would have been on September 17.
Billy Miller, an Emmy Award-winning actor, died on September 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas.” “The actor was suffering from manic depression at the time of his death,” according to the statement. The cause of death was not given.
Miller made his soap opera debut as Richie Novak on “All My Children” in 2007. He was on the show for a year before joining the cast of “The Young and the Restless.”
He won three Daytime Emmys for his performance as the wild playboy Billy Abbott in 2010, 2013, and 2014. He appeared in 719 episodes of the CBS serial drama till 2014.
Miller later joined “General Hospital” as Jason Morgan/Drew Cain, for which he was nominated for another Daytime Emmy in 2018 for best lead actor in a drama series.
After 592 episodes, he left the ABC series in 2019.
Miller also appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “American Sniper” in 2014, as well as recurring roles on “Suits,” “Ray Donovan,” and “Truth Be Told.”
According to IMDb, his most recent appearance was as a guest on “NCIS” in 2022.
Miller, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and reared in Grand Prairie, Texas, attended the University of Texas at Austin before moving to Los Angeles. He chose to become an actress there and landed many commercials before landing a role on “All My Children.”
His mother, Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson, and niece Charley survive him.
Miller, according to the statement, “leaves behind a great many friends and colleagues who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit, and genuine kindness.”
Miller’s former soap opera co-stars paid homage to the actor upon his passing.
Eileen Davidson, a “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” veteran and “The Young and the Restless” actress, uploaded a picture of herself and Miller beaming next to each other as they posed with their Emmys.
“I’m so sad to hear of Billy Miller’s passing,” she said on X, previously known as Twitter. “His infectious charm and warmth left long-lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives.”
“I’m gonna miss that mischievous smile,” the “Days of Our Lives” star concluded. Billy, I adore you.”
Michael Muhney, who co-starred with Miller on “The Young and the Restless” and “Truth Be Told,” stated, “Billy, My fellow Texas brother.” Your grin brightened every room. In private, your soft warmth and real caring were second only to your calm intensity onstage.”
In his post, he posted a snapshot of them from an episode of the CBS soap series.
Jason Thompson, who played on “General Hospital” from 2005 to 2016 before taking over as Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” in 2016, also paid tribute to Miller.
“I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about my friend, Billy Miller,” he tweeted. Heartbreaking. He was hilarious, had a fantastic chuckle, and was quite skilled. Best wishes to his family and friends.”
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