Actor Billy Miller, who delighted soap opera fans for years with his portrayal of Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless,” has died. He was 43.
Miller’s manager confirmed the news of his death in a statement to TODAY.com, adding that September 17 would have been his 44th birthday.
“Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Miller passed away on September 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas. The actor was struggling with manic depression at the time of his death,” the statement read. A cause of death was not released.
Soap opera fans saw Miller get his start on “All My Children” in 2007 before becoming a cast member on “The Young and the Restless.”
He won three Daytime Emmys – in 2010, 2013 and 2014 – for his role as reckless playboy Billy Abbott. He remained on the CBS soap opera until 2014, starring in 719 episodes.
Miller then joined “General Hospital” as Jason Morgan/Drew Cain, earning him another 2018 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
He left the ABC series in 2019 after 592 episodes.
In addition to his soap opera career, Miller appeared in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film “American Sniper” and also had recurring roles on “Suits,” “Ray Donovan” and “Truth Be Told.”
His last role was a guest spot on “NCIS” in 2022, according to IMDb.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, Miller graduated from the University of Texas, Austin before moving to Los Angeles. There he decided to become an actor and booked several commercials before being cast in “All My Children”.
The actor is survived by his mother, Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew, Grayson and niece, Charley.
The statement also said Miller “leaves behind a great many friends and colleagues who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit and genuine kindness.”
In the wake of his death, Miller’s former soap co-stars paid tribute to the actor.
“Selling Sunset” star Chrishell Stause took to Instagram to pay tribute to Miller. Stause played Amanda Dillon on “All My Children” from 2005 to 2011, while Miller joined the cast as Richie Novak in 2007, starring on the defunct soap opera for a year.
“Still processing this. Too many emotions but you’re gone way too soon and I’m so glad I got to work with you all those years but also call you a friend. I hope you’re at peace now ,” Stause wrote on her Instagram stories under a photo of Miller and another photo of him kissing her on the cheek as she smiles as they walk a red carpet.
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum and “The Young and the Restless” star Eileen Davidson shared a photo of her and Miller smiling next to each other as they both posed with their Emmys.
“I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Billy Miller,” she wrote X, formerly known as Twitter. “His infectious charm and warmth left lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives.”
The “Days of Our Lives” actor continued: “I’m going to miss that mischievous smile. Love you Billy.”
“The Young and the Restless” alum Michael Muhney, who appeared with Miller on the soap opera and “Truth Be Told,” said“Billy, my fellow Texas brother. You lit up every room with your smile. Your quiet intensity on screen was second only to your gentle kindness and genuine care in private.”
He included a photo of them in an episode of the CBS soap opera in his post.
Actor Jason Thompson, who starred on “General Hospital” from 2005 to 2016 before taking over the role of Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” in 2016, honored Milleras well.
He tweeted: “I am 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.”
