Billy Miller, an award-winning actor who was best known for his work on the U.S. television soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” died on Sept. 15, according to his manager. He was 43.
Mr. Miller’s representative confirmed in a statement obtained by People on Sept. 17 that the actor was “struggling with manic depression” when he died in Austin, Texas. He would have turned 44 on Sept. 17.
No other details about the actor’s death were provided.
The soap star portrayed Billy Abbott for hundreds of episodes on the long-running television series “The Young and the Restless,” winning three Daytime Emmy Awards—two for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 2010 and 2013 and one for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2014. He appeared on the show from 2008 to 2014.
Mr. Miller was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sept. 17, 1979, and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he received a communications degree at the University of Texas in Austin.
After his graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked in the mailroom at Industry Entertainment before signing a contract with the Wilhelmina modeling agency.
In 2006, Mr. Miller got his first role in an episode of the American police procedural television series “CSI: NY.” A year later, he portrayed Richi Novak on “All My Children” from 2007 to 2008 before joining the cast of “The Young and the Restless” in 2008.
He also landed a small role in Clint Eastwood’s war-themed movie “American Sniper,” and had roles in “The Rookie,” “NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” “Truth Be Told,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Castle,” and “Suits.”
In 2014, Mr. Miller parted ways with “The Young and the Restless” and joined another popular soap opera, “General Hospital,” where he played Andrew “Drew” Cain and Jason Morgan. In 2018, he earned a nomination for outstanding lead actor for his portrayal of Jason Morgan.
Mr. Miller is survived by his mother, Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson and niece Charley.
Tributes Pour In
An account of “The Young and the Restless” on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, mourned Mr. Miller’s passing on Sept. 17, saying the actor was “a talented man with a heart of gold” who will be sorely missed.
“Billy Miller … always lit up the scene with amazing performances. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family and all who loved him,” the post reads.
Jason Thompson, who appeared alongside Mr. Miller in “General Hospital” and later took over his former role of Billy Abbott in “The Young and the Restless,” said he was “saddened” about the death.
“I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about my friend, Billy Miller. Heartbreaking. He was funny, had a great laugh and [was] very talented. Light and love to his family and friends,” Mr. Thompson wrote in a post on X.
Frank Valentini, executive producer for ABC’s soap opera “General Hospital,” also paid tribute in the wake of Mr. Miller’s death, offering condolences on behalf of the “entire General Hospital family.”
“I am devastated to hear news of the incredibly talented Billy Miller’s passing,” Mr. Valentini said on X. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
