Actor Billy Miller’s Mom Details His “Valiant Battle with Bipolar Depression” Prior to His Death
Billy Miller's mom is reflecting on her late son's mental health struggles.
Days after the General Hospital star's passing, his mother Patricia Miller is speaking out about the tragic loss, thanking friends and fans for the "overwhelming amount of love" their family has received during this time.
"He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years," Patricia said in a Sept. 18 statement to Soap Opera Digest. "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."
Patricia went on to clarify speculation surrounding her son's passing, adding, "the other causes of death being told are not true."
"I wish they were, but they just aren't," she continued. "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."
Miller's manager previously confirmed the Young & Restless star died at the age of 43 on Sept. 15 in Austin, Texas, noting that the actor was struggling with manic depression around the time he died.
Embarking on his soap opera career in 2007, Billy played Richie Novak on All My Children until the following year, after which he began his run on The Young and the Restless. For his portrayal of Billy Abbott, the son of John and Jill Abbott, Miller won three Daytime Emmys.
Fellow friends and celebs paid tribute to the TV star shortly after his passing, including his Truth Be Told costar Octavia Spencer, who remembered Billy as a "talent that will truly be missed."
"I am speechless," she wrote in a Sept. 18 Instagram post. "I'm laying here scrolling through IG and came across a post that we lost Billy Miller. To his family, legions of fans, and our #TruthBeTold family, my deepest condolences."
Chrishell Stause—who worked alongside Billy on All My Children—wrote in a social media post that she was "still processing this," adding, "Too many feelings, but you are gone way too soon and I'm so happy I got to work with you all those years, but also call you a friend. I hope you are at peace now."
The Emmy winner was also honored by his Ringer costar Sarah Michelle Geller, who noted in an Instagram Story post, "It was an honor to work with you but more of an honor to know you."
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