Soap Star Billy Miller Dies at 41 After Battle with Bipolar Depression

Billy Miller, a popular soap opera actor who starred in The Young and the Restless and General Hospital, died on September 18, 2023, at the age of 41. His mother, Mary Miller, confirmed his death in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying that he had been struggling with bipolar depression for years and that he took his own life.

“Billy was a beautiful soul who touched many lives with his kindness, generosity and talent. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He had a passion for acting and storytelling, and he brought joy and laughter to millions of fans around the world,” Mary Miller said.

She also revealed that Billy Miller had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 19 years old, and that he had been receiving treatment and medication for it ever since. However, she said that he had recently experienced a “severe episode” that led him to isolate himself from his family and friends.

“He was in a dark place that he could not escape from, and he felt hopeless and helpless. He was suffering from a mental illness that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. He did not want to be a burden to anyone, and he did not want to live in pain anymore. He made a tragic decision that we will never understand or accept,” she said.

She added that she hoped that Billy Miller’s death would raise awareness and compassion for people who suffer from bipolar depression and other mental health issues. She also urged anyone who is feeling suicidal or depressed to seek help and support from their loved ones or professionals.

“Billy was not alone in his struggle, and neither are you. There is hope and there is help. Please do not give up on yourself or your life. You are valuable and you are loved. You matter,” she said.

Billy Miller was born on September 17, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue his acting career, after working as a model and a business analyst. He landed his breakthrough role as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless in 2008, for which he won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He left the show in 2014 and joined General Hospital as Jason Morgan, a role he played until 2019. He also appeared in other shows such as Ringer, Suits, Ray Donovan and American Sniper.

He was known for his charismatic and charming personality, as well as his versatile and nuanced performances. He had a loyal fan base who admired his work and his advocacy for various causes, such as animal welfare, environmental protection and mental health awareness. He was also close friends with many of his co-stars, who expressed their shock and grief over his death on social media.

Some of the tributes included:

• Kelly Monaco, who played his love interest on General Hospital, wrote: “I am heartbroken and devastated by the loss of my dear friend and partner in crime. Billy was one of a kind. He was funny, smart, talented, generous and kind. He was my rock, my confidant, my soulmate. I will miss him more than words can say. I love you Billy. Rest in peace.”
• Peter Bergman, who played his father on The Young and the Restless, wrote: “Billy was like a son to me. He was a joy to work with and a pleasure to know. He had so much potential and so much to offer. He was taken from us too soon and too tragically. I am heartbroken for his family and his fans. I will always remember him fondly.”
• Michelle Stafford, who played his sister on The Young and the Restless, wrote: “Billy was my brother in every sense of the word. He was my friend, my colleague, my protector, my partner in crime. He was always there for me through thick and thin. He had a huge heart and a bright spirit. He made me laugh like no one else. I will miss him terribly.”
• Steve Burton, who played his brother on General Hospital, wrote: “Billy was my brother from another mother. He was an amazing actor and an even better person. He was always positive, always supportive, always fun. He had a great sense of humor and a great sense of adventure. He was like family to me. I will miss him dearly.”

Billy Miller is survived by his mother Mary Miller; his father Bill Miller; his sister Megan Miller; his brother Ryan Miller; his nieces Emma Miller and Ava Miller; his nephew Liam Miller; and his dog Scout.

His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, but they have also set up a memorial fund in his name to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an organization that provides education, advocacy and support for people with mental health conditions and their families. Donations can be made at [nami.org].

Billy Miller will be remembered as a talented and beloved actor, a caring and generous human being, and a brave and valiant warrior who fought a hard battle with bipolar depression. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on through his work and his impact. He will always be in our hearts.