Billy Miller who burst onto the daytime scene in 2007 as Richie Novak on All My Children and later went on to play Billy Abbott on Young and the Restless and Drew Cain on General Hospital has died. He reportedly passed away on Friday, September 15, just two days shy of his 44th birthday, which is today.
In Memoriam: Billy Miller
Michael Fairman TV first reported the news of Miller’s death. No cause of death has been announced. According to Michael Fairman, Miller’s death was confirmed by someone at The Belmont, a Los Angeles restaurant bar that Miller co-owned.
Many colleagues in the soap world are responding to the news of his passing. Nancy Lee Grahn, still stunned by the news of Jacklyn Zeman’s passing earlier this year, had this to say, “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) was heartbroken to hear about her TV brother, “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, who took over the role of Billy Abbott in 2016, three years after Miller’s exit, was devastated by the news, “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 over at Y&R’s sister soap, The Bold and the Beautiful, released this statement, “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, DAYS) starred opposite Miller on The Young and the Restless in the role of Tucker McCall from 2010 to 2013 and shared this with fans, “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.
GH co-star Kathleen Gati (Liesl Obrecht) posted her thoughts on social media, “I am beyond sad to hear this tragic news.#BillyMiller was always so kind, professional and a wonderfully talented colleague @GeneralHospital Deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Co-stars such as GH’s ex-Danny Morgan, TK Weaver posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Devastated. Hard to find words. You always gave me such good advice. You were always there for me. You were an amazing person. #BillyMiller I’ll never forget you. Please join me in praying for his family and loved ones.”
Actor Michael Muhney (ex-Adam Newman, Y&R) sent a message out to his ex-castmate, “Billy, My fellow Texas brother. You lit up every room with your smile. Your quiet intensity onscreen was second only to your gentle kindness and genuine care in private.
Miller was born on September 17, 1979, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in communications, he relocated to Los Angeles and found employment in the mailroom of Industry Entertainment. Soon, he began auditioning for acting roles.
After signing with the Wilhelmina modeling agency, Miller obtained his first big break – a contract to appear in six commercials (including two for Electronic Arts’ The Sims). A subsequent screen test for As the World Turns resulted in an offer of employment, but due to bad management Miller lost the role and his interest in the profession.
Miller received another opportunity to work in daytime after he was cast in 2007 as bad boy Richie on AMC who terrorized his sister Annie (Melissa Claire Egan, who now plays Chelsea on Y&R). In 2008, the actor traveled to the West Coast to assume the role of Billy Abbott on Y&R. He played the part until 2014 and won three Daytime Emmys for his work in Genoa City. Miller won statuettes for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Drama Series in 2010, and in 2013. In 2014, Miller took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
After renegotiation talks came to an impasse, Miller left Y&R; Billy was in a car accident that presumably took the life of Adam Newman. Later that same year, Miller was scooped up by GH to play Jason Morgan, the role vacated by Steve Burton (Harris, Days of our Lives). When Burton rejoined the show, the GH scribes retconned Miller’s character, revealing that he was, in reality, Drew Cain, Jason’s twin. Miller stayed with GH until 2019.
Miller amassed many credits outside of soaps. He appeared in the Bradley Cooper 2014 film American Sniper, TV Movie Urban Cowboy, Fatal Honeymoon, and Bad Blood. He had roles in the TV series CSI: New York, Justified, Ringer, Suits, Ray Donovan, Castle, The Rookie, Major Crimes, Truth Be Told, and NCIS.
Soap Hub extends sincere condolences to Miller’s family, colleagues, and loved ones at this difficult time.
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