The mother of three-time Daytime Emmy winner and “General Hospital” star Billy Miller has set the record straight: Her son committed suicide after a fierce battle with mental health issues.
“He fought a long and valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease,” Patricia Miller wrote in her statement to Soap Opera Digest, first thanking fans for their love and support following her son’s tragic death.
“He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end, illness won the fight and he gave his life back.”
Patricia released the statement to address rumors circulating about her 43-year-old son’s death that were “untrue” following his death on Friday.
“I wish they were, but that’s just not the case,” the mother wrote.
She revealed the family were “desperately trying to cope with our loss” and said she had “nothing else to say” about her son’s death.
“I want to personally thank the many fans and personal friends for the immense amount of love, prayers and condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ.”
The “The Young and the Restless” star agent confirmed to the Post on Sunday that he was suffering from manic depression.
Miller died two days before turning 44 in Austin, Texas.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 17, 1979 – Miller spent his youth in Grand Prairie, Texas – and later attended the University of Texas at Austin.
After college, he signed as a model with Wilhelmina after working in the mailroom at Industry Entertainment.
Miller joined the cast of “The Young and the Restless” in 2008 as the fourth iteration of Billy Abbott – remaining with the series until 2014.
He nabbed three Daytime Emmys for his efforts: two for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
The Soap star went on to play Jason Morgan and Drew Cain on “General Hospital” from 2014 to 2019.
He also had credits on Meghan Markle’s “Suits,” Showtime’s “Ray Donovan” and Apple TV+’s “Truth Be Told.”
Miller is survived by his mother Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson and niece Charley.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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