Soap opera star Billy Miller died by suicide after struggling with bipolar disorder, his heartbroken mother revealed.
“He fought a long, hard, valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease,” Patricia Miller said in a statement to Soap Opera Digest Monday.
“He loved his family, his friends and his fans, but in the end, the disease won the fight, and he surrendered his life.”
The grieving mom said “other causes of death being told are not true,” though she did not specify which reports.
“We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss,” she concluded. “I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support.”
Billy, best known for his roles in “The Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital” and “Suits,” died Friday in Austin, Texas. He was 43.
His journey to becoming a three-time Emmy Award-winning actor started in 2007 when he landed his first notable TV role as Richie Novak on “All My Children.”
A year after securing the gig, he was cast as Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless.”
Billy then secured recurring roles as Drew Cain and Jason Morgan on “General Hospital,” on which he appeared for five years.
His other acting credits include roles in “Ray Donovan,” “Truth Be Told,” “NCIS,” “The Rookie” and the 2015 Oscar-nominated film “American Sniper.”
Billy is survived by mom Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson and niece Charley.
He also leaves behind “a great many friends and colleagues who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit and genuine kindness,” his management said.
