The land of daytime drama continues to mourn the passing of Billy Miller, the soap opera veteran best known for his parts on Young and the Restless (Y&R) as Billy Abbott and General Hospital’s (GH) Drew Cain. The 43-year-old actor passed away last Friday; two days shy of his 44th birthday, in Austin Texas.
The reason behind his death is still officially unknown, but his team did cite he was struggling with manic depression recently and may have taken his own life.
Billy Miller’s Legacy In The Land Of Soap Operas
Miller began his soap opera career in 2007 when he entered All My Children (AMC), playing the character of Richie Novak.
He left Pine Valley for greener pastures in 2008, jumping into Genoa City and stepping into the Y&R legacy character of Billy Abbott.
Unfortunately, contract negotiations didn’t go his way in 2014; however, while Miller ended up leaving the show, it didn’t take long for him to land in another daytime drama.
He quickly debuted later that year in Port Charles, recast in the iconic GH part of Jason Morgan, which later evolved into Jason’s twin brother, Drew Cain.
During his time in soaps, Billy won three Daytime Emmys, one in 2010, 2013, and 2014; all for his Y&R Billy Abbott character, and was also nominated once for his GH role.
In addition, Miller made prime-time appearances on shows like CSI, Truth Be Told, and Suits.
Fans Pay Tributes To Billy Miller On Social Media
Social media has provided a platform for former colleagues, loved ones, and fans to honor Billy Miller’s passing. Posts have flooded X-Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
X user and fan @l3neee91 posted a video of Billy Miller as Billy Abbott, doing a little dance for Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) during their Villy days, stating that it was “one” of their “favorite” scenes and it can’t help but make them “smile”.
Meanwhile, @justwalkerr tweets, “praying for Kelly”; referring to Miller’s girlfriend and former GH co-worker Kelly Monaco (Sam McCall). These are two of thousands, as fans digest the terrible news of Miller’s passing.
Tributes and testimonials have also come through on social media from some of Billy’s former co-stars including GH’s Laura Wright (Carly Spencer), Y&R’s Michael Muhney (ex-Adam Newman), GH’s Mark Lawson (ex-Dustin Phillips), and Y&R’s Jason Thompson (GH’s ex-Patrick Drake, current Y&R’s Billy Abbott).
On behalf of everyone here, we wish Billy Miller’s family, loved ones, and fans our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Log onto CDL regularly for daily soap opera news and updates.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.