‘General Hospital’ Star Billy Miller Dead At 43

The soap opera star Billy Miller, the Daytime Emmy-winning actor from “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital,” died last Friday in Austin, Texas. He was only 43 years-old, and he would have turned 44 on Sunday.

Very sad to hear about Billy Miller I so enjoyed his time on @GeneralHospital He was a really good guy and funny and kind to all !RIP Billy pic.twitter.com/6B8tEjanGp

— Kin Shriner (@kinshriner) September 17, 2023

Miller Passes Away

“The actor was struggling with manic depression when he died,” Miller’s manager told Variety.

Miller’s mother Patricia Miller later confirmed his death and elaborated on what happened in a statement of her own.

“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years,” she told Soap Opera Digest. “He did everything he could to control the disease. He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life.”

“The other causes of death being told are not true,” she continued. “I wish they were but they just aren’t. We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss. I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support.”

Billy Miller was a talented man with a heart of gold and always lit up the scene with amazing performances. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family and all who loved him. ❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bNUwvaWMt2

— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) September 17, 2023

Miller’s Life And Career

Born in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1979, Miller had a difficult childhood that saw him battle tarsal coalition, a rare condition that affected the cartilage in his ankles.

Miller started his career as a model with the agency Wilhelmina before successfully transitioning to acting, playing the character Richie Novak on “All My Children” from 2007-2008.

In 2008, Miller took over the role of Billy Abbott on “The Young And The Restless,” winning three Daytime Emmys, including two for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series and one for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, for his work on the show.

“What do these things mean? I guess they have the meaning you give them,” a visibly emotional Miller said while accepting his Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award in 2014, according to The New York Post. “I’m a product of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, a children’s hospital.”

“And for those of us who have to take three steps to make one that everybody else can make — I guess if you keep love in your heart and determination in your head, you’ll look up and you won’t be behind and you won’t be amongst the group,” he continued. “Sometimes you’ll lead. So, thank you very much.”

Check out Miller’s acceptance speech for yourself in the video below.

Related: ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’s’ John Schneider Credits His Christian Faith With Getting Him Through His Wife’s Death

Tributes For Miller

Miller eventually left “The Young And The Restless” in 2014 to join “General Hospital,” where he played the roles of Jason Morgan and Drew Cain on “General Hospital” as a series regular until 2019.

Tributes have been pouring in for Miller since his death.

“My heart goes out to him, and everyone who loves him – he is loved by so many. Warm, kind, incredibly talented .. a big hug to the daytime family. Rest in peace & happy heavenly birthday Billy,” said Risa Darkin, who co-starred on “General Hospital” with Miller.

Heartbroken about #BillyMiller. My heart goes out to him, and everyone who loves him- he is loved by so many.
❤️ Warm, kind, incredibly talented.. a big hug to the daytime family. Rest in peace & happy heavenly birthday Billy. pic.twitter.com/QYLcnnThqO

— Risa Dorken (@RisaDorken) September 17, 2023

Other tributes for Miller have come in as well:

RIP to my precious Billy Miller. You were and ARE  much loved by all of us who knew you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xaUTqM9Ho3

— Jess Walton (@JessWaltonYR) September 18, 2023

“it was her work that made my work, i’m actually more of her supporting actor than her lead.. she’s the highlight of me of me coming to work here.”

the SHIP – there will never be enough words to express our love and gratitude… just thank you.

❤️ #BillyMiller #Killy #DreamGH pic.twitter.com/IuMcSdmscS

— 🦋 (@__bk_dreamgh) September 19, 2023

Billy Miller passed away at 43

RIP legendpic.twitter.com/1AZg2Jef5b

— Elegiac (@Argo_Panoptes__) September 17, 2023

The story that won Billy Miller his 3rd Emmy. What an amazing actor. ♥️ #YR https://t.co/05cROx94t6 pic.twitter.com/Tkte1aF9qq

— Lene (@l3neee91) September 17, 2023

What a beautiful way for the cast and crew to honor Billy Miller on the set of Y&R pic.twitter.com/2JOYdf6GhI

— SoapOperaMagazine (@SoapOpera411) September 19, 2023

Related: New Details Emerge About Jimmy Buffett’s Final Days After He Dies At 76

Miller’s roles away from the soap opera world included appearances on primetime television shows like “Suits,” “Ray Donovan,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” He also had a small role in the Clint Eastwood movie American Sniper, which told the true story of the heroic U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.

Billy Miller playing as Naval Recruiter on American Sniper. #BillyMiller #BradleyCooper #AmericanSniper #GH pic.twitter.com/tg99X3RhCr

— Chelsea ღ Adam (@ChadamFan1) April 1, 2018

Aside from his mother, Miller is survived by his sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson and niece Charley. Please join us in saying a prayer for them during this difficult time.