
The daytime community was shocked to learn that three-time Daytime Emmy winner Billy Miller passed away on Sept. 15. The actor — known for his roles as ALL MY CHILDREN’s Richie, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Billy, and GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Jason/Drew — would have celebrated his 44th birthday on Sept. 17.
According to a statement CBS News received from Miller’s rep, the actor was struggling with manic depression when he died. Miller is survived by his mother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. “He also leaves behind a great many friends and colleagues,” said the statement, “who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit, and genuine kindness.”
Below, some of those colleagues share touching tributes to the talented star, who was taken far too soon.
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Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe, Y&R)
Instagram “This one hits hard. We were co-stars. We were friends. We were complicated at times. What never changed was my love for you. I’ll always love you, Billy (BJ). So many memories. Holding them close to my heart right now. My heart is also with everyone you’ve left behind. So many people loved you. I’ll also remember the quiet moments. The soft and beautiful side of you. The person who always had my back even after everything we went through. There were times I still wanted to punch you in the face, but all in all, if I ever needed anything, I know I could have just called or sent a text. I’m really going to miss you, BJ. I hope that you’re throwing Heaven the most epic party and lighting it up like you did on this Earth.” -
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Jon Lindstrom (Kevin, GH)
Instagram “Billy Miller was gifted, smart, funny, and impressed me as a great friend to those close to him. He didn’t blink when I asked him to put on this shirt to help raise up the women in our industry. His heart was in the right place and I always laughed around him.” -
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea, Y&R; Annie, AMC)
Instagram From the moment you stepped onstage for your screen test, I said, “This guy is so charming.”You were so good. We were all always just trying to keep up with you, your talent, and your greatness. Always the most generous, with the best laugh and best smile. Huge heart. Kind to all. There were so many moments. My beautiful friend. There are no words. I love you. I’m so sad. And I’m so sorry. -
TK Weaver (ex-Danny, GH)
Instagram “Always friendly. Always funny. Always kind. Always helpful. My birthday twin. I will never forget Billy Miller or my time at GH. So many amazing memories and people. Billy is going to be missed. Please pray for his family and friends.” -
Rebecca Budig (ex-Hayden, GH; Greenlee, AMC)
Instagram “He was so kind. Generous to a fault. This is a tough one. RIP Billy.” -
Michael Muhney (ex-Adam, Y&R)
sean smith/jpistudios.com “Billy, my fellow Texas brother. You lit up every room with your smile. Your quiet intensity onscreen was second only to your gentle kindness and genuine care in private. After five years of sharing the stage with you, we shared our last scenes and departed together by way of a literal cliffhanger. (Move over, Thelma & Louise.) We recently shared work on an Apple series, and your encouragement during and after that process, and your kindness over the years, are now but a few things I’ll hold on to as warm memories of you. What a big heart you had. You were bigger and braver and bolder than this life. You were a legend. There is no landing to this final cliffhanger. The wings you’ve spent your lifetime earning have carried you up to that wonderful place in the sky. Happy Birthday, Billy Miller.” -
Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B)
Steven Bergman/MEGA “This is not fair. We deserved so much more of him,” wrote Clifton, who tied with Miller for the Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmy in 2013. “Rest in peace, Billy. You’re immortal now.” -
Coby Ryan McLaughlin (ex-Shiloh, GH)
ABC “Man, this sucks. Billy and I played on GH together for nearly a year. He was intense, focused, cool, and kind. He knew the hamster wheel that I was about to start spinning on all too well, and always made himself available to help the new guy. Rest easy, man.” -
Jason Thompson (Billy Y&R; ex-Patrick GH)
Jill Johnson/jpistudios.com “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.” -
Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Y&R)
Steven Bergman/MEGA “I'm so sad to hear of Billy Miller's passing. His infectious charm and warmth left lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives. I’m gonna miss that mischievous smile. Love you, Billy.” -
Nicolas Bechtel (ex-Spencer, GH)
Instagram “Your humor was incomparable, and your talent was undeniable. RIP.” -
Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R)
Twitter “My love and thoughts are with the family and friends of Billy Miller. How fortunate I was to have worked with him. So very talented.” -
Matt Cohen (ex-Griffin, GH)
Instagram “Fists up for Billy the Kid.” -
Adrienne Frantz (ex-Amber, Y&R and B&B)
Twitter “You lit up every room you walked into with your light and your charm and gave the best hugs ever. I’ll always remember the laughs and the great times we had together! Hope you’ve found peace, my dear friend. I’ll love you forever!”