Billy Miller who played Billy Abbott on Young and the Restless and Drew Cain on General Hospital has passed away on Friday, September 15, just two days before his 44th birthday, which is today.
Co-stars Mourn Billy Miller
The cause of Billy Miller’s death is yet to be announced but it was confirmed by someone at The Belmont, a Los Angeles restaurant bar that the late actor co-owned. However, TMZ was told that the late actor was struggling with manic depression at the time of his death.
His team say that he may have taken his own life. Billy’s’ colleagues have taken to social media to mourn him. Nancy Lee Grahn wrote, “So very sorry to hear this very sad and unexpected news. I would like very much for my beloved General Hospital to have no more of it. #RIPBillyMiller“
Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, Y&R) also took to social media to say, “I’m so sad to hear of Billy Miller’s passing. His infectious charm and warmth left lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives. I’m gonna miss that mischievous smile.
Love you Billy.” Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott Y&R, 2016) wrote “I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about my friend, Billy Miller. Heartbreaking. He was funny, had a great laugh and very talented.
Light and love to his family and friends.” Bradley Bell, headwriter of The Bold and the Beautiful, also mourned the late actor, saying, “Billy Miller was a great man and a gifted actor. Billy left an indelible mark on The Young and the Restless with his brilliant portrayal of Billy Abbott. He will be sorely missed.”
Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson, DOOL) and Tucker McCall from 2010 to 2013 on Y&R, wrote, “Oh, Billy Miller. I so enjoyed his fun-loving spirit and immense talent. We had some good times. This is a great loss. Rest peacefully. Love to his family and all who loved him.”
Billy Miller’s Journey into the Entertainment World
Miller was born on September 17, 1979, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After he graduated from University of Texas with a degree in communications, he went to Los Angeles and started working in the mailroom of Industry Entertainment, and began to audition for acting roles.
He went on to sign with the Wilhelmina modeling agency, and got his first big break in the entertainment industry– a contract to appear in six commercials (including two for Electronic Arts’ The Sims).
He got a screen test for As the World Turns resulted in an offer of employment, but as a result of bad management, he lost the role and also lost his interest in the profession.
In 2007, Miller was cast as bad boy Richie on AMC. In 2008, he traveled to the West Coast and started his role as Billy Abbott on Y&R until 2014 and won three Daytime Emmys for the role.
Miller also bagged statuettes for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Drama Series in 2010, and in 2013. Also in 2014, the late actor won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Later on, he joined General Hospital as Jason Morgan.
Outside soap operas, Miller starred in the Bradley Cooper 2014 film American Sniper, Fatal Honeymoon, TV Movie Urban Cowboy, and Bad Blood.
He also featured in the TV series CSI: New York, Ray Donovan, Justified, Ringer, Castle, Suits, Truth Be Told, The Rookie, Major Crimes, and NCIS.
