*Content warning: the following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Soap opera star Billy Miller died Friday in Austin, Texas, at the age of 43, and his mother confirmed in a statement to Soap Opera Digest that he "surrendered his life" after struggling with bipolar disorder for years.
Miller's mother Patricia said of the General Hospital and The Young and the Restless star's struggle:
“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years."
“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 statement continued, addressing speculation surrounding the actor's death:
“The other causes of death being told are not true."
“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.”
A representative for Miller also confirmed that he "was struggling with manic depression when he died" ahead of what would've been his 44th birthday.
Several of his former costars as well as The Young and the Restless itself took to social media to share their heartbreak.
Heartbroken about #BillyMiller. My heart goes out to him, and everyone who loves him- he is loved by so many.\n\u2764\ufe0f Warm, kind, incredibly talented.. a big hug to the daytime family. Rest in peace & happy heavenly birthday Billy.— Risa Dorken (@Risa Dorken) 1694969185
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. Im gonna miss that mischievous smile. Love you Billy.— Eileen Davidson (@Eileen Davidson) 1694964897
The daytime community mourns the loss of Billy Miller who graced Y&R with his talent for many years as Billy Abbott. Our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.— Young and Restless (@Young and Restless) 1694974106
Many others online also expressed their sadness over this tragic loss.
@RisaDorken Oh my gosh, devastating news!! He was one of the best. Heartbreaking for sure \ud83d\udc94— Patricia McBrien (@Patricia McBrien) 1694976975
@RisaDorken This loss is hard for me as a GH fan... I loved Billy's performance as the always true, good and loving son to his mother Monica (Leslie Charleson). RIP \ud83d\udc94\ud83d\ude4f— Nancy J - Alan and Monica GH STAN (@Nancy J - Alan and Monica GH STAN) 1694977410
@RisaDorken How very sad his passing is. \ud83d\udc94\ud83d\ude4f So young. Gone too soon. \ud83d\udc94— Karin Charmley.#BIDEN/HARRIS \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\udf0a (@Karin Charmley.#BIDEN/HARRIS \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\udf0a) 1695007468
@RisaDorken Billy's death hit my husband and I hard. He was amazing and will be missed by so many.— Nancy Auten (@Nancy Auten) 1694995387
@RisaDorken Can't stop my tears...my Condolences to family friends ...RIP Billy\ud83d\ude2a\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude2a\ud83d\ude2a\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude2a\ud83d\udc99\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udc99— rosemarybrody (@rosemarybrody) 1694971431
OMG I am crying, Billy honored at the entrance of #YR studios \ud83d\ude2d This smile that nobody will ever forget \ud83d\udc94 RIP Billy, we love you. Forever the one and only Billy Abbott \u2764 Thanks Annika for capturing this beautiful tribute \ud83d\ude22 #BillyMiller— Elodie \ud83d\udc9c (@Elodie \ud83d\udc9c) 1695147514
@eileen_davidson Oh, this is sad sad news. I really loved him on Y&R and missed his presence for ages. My condolences to all affected.— Chalfonte Queen (@Chalfonte Queen) 1694980319
@eileen_davidson This continues to break my heart. So sorry for his family & all his loved ones. No matter what character he played, all you had to do was look at his face and know his heart was gentle, loving, and kind. I am so sorry. Truly sorry. \ud83d\udc94— Sandra (Sandy) Cedar (@Sandra (Sandy) Cedar) 1695146627
@YandR_CBS The one and only Billy Abbott. Sad to hear, he was a wonderful actor.— Giovanna Quinney (@Giovanna Quinney) 1694982037
@YandR_CBS Sweet Billy. He was so beautiful inside and out. \ud83d\ude30\ud83d\udc94— Daphne Jean (@Daphne Jean) 1695035782
@YandR_CBS \ud83d\udc94\ud83d\udc94\ud83d\udc94 Billy Miller \ud83d\udd6f\ufe0f— Linda Tanguay (@Linda Tanguay) 1694974969
Miller rose to fame in 2008 as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, for which he won three Daytime Emmy Awards, before leaving in 2014 for a five-year run on General Hospital. He also had recurring roles on Suits and Ray Donovan.
Miller's mother also thanked her son's many fans in her statement, saying:
“I want to personally thank the many fans & personal friends for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers & condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ — Billy Miller.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/.
