If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Following the tragic death of Billy Miller, his mother, Patricia Miller, released a touching statement expressing her appreciation for the overwhelming support her family received in the aftermath of the actor's "valiant' struggle with bipolar depression.
Billy died on Friday, September 15, in Texas just a few days before his 44th birthday. The actor's manager revealed that he had been "struggling with manic depression when he died."
Billy Miller's mother Patricia Miller releases a heartfelt statement for actor
In her statement, Patricia Miller revealed that Billy Miller had "surrendered his life" after a long and arduous battle with bipolar depression.
"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," said Patricia.
She added, "He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease," reported Soap Opera Digest. "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. I wish they were but they just aren’t," continued the mother, along with, "We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss."
Patricia concluded, "I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support."
News of Billy's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from his former colleagues in the soap opera world.
Risa Dorken, his former 'General Hospital' co-star, expressed her condolences, saying, "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."
Billy Miller's career as a soap opera actor
Billy Miller's soap opera career commenced in 2007 with a role in 'All My Children'.
Notably, his portrayal of Billy Abbott on 'The Young and the Restless' earned him three Daytime Emmy Awards for the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2010 and 2013.
He also bagged the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the same show in 2014.
In the same year, Billy stepped away from his role in 'The Young and the Restless' to join the cast of 'General Hospital', where he portrayed Jason Morgan for two years, filling in for Steve Burton, the character's previous actor.
His 'General Hospital' journey culminated with him playing Jason's twin brother, Drew Cain.
