“The Young and the Restless” pays tribute to late star Billy Miller: 'Will forever be in our hearts'
The Young and the Restless is honoring the memory of Billy Miller, days after the former cast member's sudden death at 43.
Thursday's episode of the long-running soap opera paid tribute to the Daytime Emmy-winning actor by concluding with a montage of some of Miller's memorable moments from his time in Genoa City. The montage began with the message "In loving memory" and ended on a black-and-white image of the actor with his name and the text "1979-2023."
The tribute was also shared on social media with a heartfelt message: "To end today's episode we paid tribute to a greatly missed member of the Y&R family. Billy Miller will forever be in our hearts."
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Yani Gellman and Billy Miller on 'The Young and the Restless'
Miller joined Y&R in 2008 as spoiled rich boy Billy Abbott, a role originated in 1999 by David Tom. Miller was the third actor to portray Abbott but had the longest tenure, six years, from 2008 to 2014.
Miller's Abbot was a fan favorite, and the actor won three Daytime Emmys for his performance: two for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and one for Outstanding Lead Actor.
After leaving The Young and the Restless, Miller took over the role of General Hospital's Jason Morgan from Steve Burton, who played the part for 21 years. When Burton returned to GH in 2017, Miller's role was retconned as Jason's twin brother, Andrew Cain.
General Hospital also paid tribute to Miller this week, posting on social media, "It's been a tough year for our family. Rest in peace, Billy." (GH regulars Jacklyn Zeman and Gerald Castillo died earlier this year, while vet John J. York recently revealed he's undergoing treatment for two separate blood and bone marrow disorders.)
Miller died Sept. 15, just days before his 44th birthday. His mother, Patricia Miller, said in a statement that he had "fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years" but ultimately "the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life."
"We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss," she added. "I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support."
If you or someone you know need mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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