The late actor Billy Miller, who played on General Hospital (Drew Cain and Jason Morgan from 2014 to 2019) and The Young and the Restless (Billy Abbott from 2008 to 2014), passed on September 15th.
His family has created a scholarship fund in his memory to help students in need. Billy graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. He earned a bachelor’s in radio, television, and film (RTF). Billy, born in Oklahoma and grew up in Texas, was one of 20 students accepted into The university’s prestigious production sequence program in RFT.
A Scholarship in Billy Miller’s Name
Miller’s love of movies and desire to act began when he saw his first film in theaters, “ET.” He was blown away by cinema and saw acting as his secret passion. No one found out his goal was to make it in acting until he was in college.
Now, in his honor, Billy is helping other students achieve their dreams. Deserving students who need a little financial help will be eligible to receive the William John Miller II “Billy Miller” Memorial Scholarship.
The late actor died after a long struggle and fight with bipolar depression. The scholarship will serve not only to help students but also Billy’s legacy of his life and his stunning acting work.
Billy’s sister, Megan Hubbell, expressed her sentiment that was posted on the university’s Moody College of Communication homepage.
“ We want something positive to be held in his name in perpetuity through the university he loved. He would be honored to know that even in death, he can help someone else realize their dreams.”
Billy Miller Worked Hard, And His Dream Came True
By winning three Emmy Awards, Billy’s dreams were certainly realized. Billy received two for Outstanding Supporting Actor and one for Outstanding Lead Actor. All three Emmys were for his role on Y&R as Billy Abbott.
The Oklahoma-born actor also appeared in the legal drama, “Suits,” as Harvey Spector’s brother, Marcus Spector.
Many people praised Miller for slipping into his roles effortlessly and for brilliant acting skills. His contribution to the landscape of daytime drama is unforgettable.
“I always admired the guts it took to go after a dream in Hollywood that so many people tried to discourage,” Hubbell beamed with sisterly pride. “He heard, you’ll never make it more times than I can count, but he used those comments as fuel and said: watch me.”
His family also wants to honor Billy’s passing by encouraging people who are experiencing mental health issues to be honest, talk to someone, and get help if it becomes too painful and overwhelming.
Miller loved and cared about people and would not want to see anyone suffer like he did. He fought a long, hard battle, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his illness. Mental health is too precious to let it get to that point.
Billy’s sister Meghan said,
“I hope BJ is remembered for the kind-hearted, funny, goofy, silly, generous, beautiful soul that he was. His mega-watt smile, deep belly laugh, and gorgeous mug were gifts on screen, but his true self was a bright light that will be carried with us forever.”