General Hospital
General Hospital's Billy Miller Interview: Taking On The Role Of The Complex Jason AKA Jake!
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Since Billy Miller came on to the soap opera scene with his performance as troubled Richie Novak on All My Children, savvy soap fans knew that this guy had the “It” factor! Subsequently, after finishing up his time in Pine Valley, Miller’s next stop would be CBS The Young and the Restless where in 2008 he took over the role of the loveable rascal, Billy Abbott. In that role, Miller turned in memorable performance after memorable performance, and took with him three Daytime Emmys for his work over the course of his tenure with the series. At the end of 2013, contract talks broke down between the actor and Y&R and he decided to depart the series, wrapping up his run with some high stakes emotional scenes on-air in January of 2014.
After winning his first Daytime Emmy in late June of last year for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, rumors began to run rampant that Miller would end up being the recast Jason Morgan, previously played by Steve Burton (Dylan, Y&R), on General Hospital! And voila! It came to pass! Thanks in large part to the handy work of GH executive producer Frank Valentini, who added the stellar Miller to the already super soap-star cast in Port Charles.
Billy premiered in the late fall of last year as the believed-to-be-dead Jason, who now calls himself “Jake” … an amnesiac with a newly reconstructed face, thanks to Ava Jerome (Maura West) running the poor guy down with her car! As “Jake” has been taken in by Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and had developed feelings for her … connected with Carly (Laura Wright) … has had a strange reaction being around Sam (Kelly Monaco) … has his son Danny (that he doesn’t know he has) running towards him every time the little boy sees him … and the evil Helena (Constance Towers) hypnotizing him to carry out her dirty work as her “Soldier Boy”, including trying to kill the wife he doesn’t know he has … this guy is having significant trouble trying to figure out just who he is, why he is doing what he is doing, and what is going on around him. But that, in the hands of an actor of Miller’s capability, makes the journey intriguing to watch as viewers patiently wait for the day that Jason will remember his connection to those he loved in Port Charles!
On-Air On-Soaps caught up with Billy Miller last week at the ABC TCA Winter Press Tour cocktail reception, where we discussed his thoughts on: taking on the pivotal role of Jason, being a recast, leaving Billy Abbott and Y&R behind, and what he thinks of the men that succeeded him in that role, the Daytime Emmys, his new General Hospital leading ladies, and more. Ladies and gents, here’s Billy!
So, when the powers-that-be at GH came to you and said something along the lines of, “You are going to be playing Jason, but as “Jake”, and this is how we are going to pull this story off with you as the new actor taking over the role,” was that daunting for you?
Courtesy/ABC
BILLY: They did not actually explain much. It has been unraveling for me, as much as it has been unraveling for the viewers. It’s a different way for me to work, but we are navigating new waters, and a new working relationship, and we are going to figure it out together … and we will see where we go.
You have your very own distinctive acting style that has served you very well in this genre, and your popularity with the fans. And with this Jason AKA “Jake” role, you have noticeably, as has been your staple in the past, injected some humor into the character.
BILLY: You have to remember this is “Jake”, this is not Jason. If you think about it … it’s really three different personalities that will collide. “Jake” will evolve as a character, and if he gets his full memory back he could possibly be a Quartermaine depending on how they want to retell that tale. And, then we have Jason Morgan, and then this guy who is not going to lose his “Jake” memories. So, there is room with all that to put in a little humor, which I think is more of a strength of mine than not utilizing it. So, I hope I get to do that. Soap Operas are so melodramatic that you got to have some fun! You know, I do think fans like some humor. Think every time you may have been in a hospital with a loved one, and the first person to crack even slightly a joke really relieves the tension, and it is also part of that rollercoaster that we’re presenting on a soap.
What did you think when you got the scripts where “Jake” was now to be ‘Soldier Boy” to Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers), while wearing a ski mask to terrorize Sam (Kelly Monaco)?
Courtesy/ABC
BILLY: It’s definitely different than what I thought was going to happen, but it’s kind of fun to dress up like a power ranger and do whatever you want to do. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to get in trouble for not sleeping the night before …you’re never going to tell! (Laughs)
You have two GH leading ladies right now … Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth) and Kelly Monaco (Sam)! What can you say about these gals?
BILLY: They are both beautiful women. I have always been spoiled in that regard. Haven’t I been? … Amelia Heinle (Victoria, Y&R) and now these ladies! Rebecca is so sweet, and she has the best skin that has ever been graced upon, just no make-up and with just porcelain skin with not a flaw on it! Even as a guy, it really kind of bothers you when you walk in to the studio in the morning all blood shot, and beet red, and she looks so perfect! (Laughs) Rebecca always shows up bright and shiny and ready to work. And as for Kelly Monaco, again I have been very lucky! They are two very different people and both very fun to work with.
How has it been working in scenes with the incomparable Constance Towers? She can play the villainess like no other!
Courtesy/ABC
BILLY: She is an icon and a lot of fun. I am a mumbler, as I am sure you know. And so Constance will say to me, “Can you speak up? I don’t know what you just said!” (Laughs) Constance is so very regal, and still gorgeous at her age. She has this presence, and she keeps you on your toes, and she is ready for anything.
Were you at all worried when you came to GH from playing Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and how you would be perceived by this audience? After all, you took over the role from the very popular Steve Burton (Ex-Jason, GH, now Dylan, Y&R).
BILLY: Billy clearly worked out for me very well, but when I got there, and people don’t know this, but Y&R didn’t want to see me for the role of Billy at one point. People were hesitant for me to take over that role as a recast. And, at that point, I was replacing David Tom (Ex-Billy, Y&R). We were very different people, so I wasn’t that worried about it. And as for being the replacement for Steve Burton on General Hospital, I love Steve and I think he’s great. There is nothing that I can really touch that he has done. I have to find my own thing, and hopefully we can find it with the “Jake” character, and so when he becomes the Jason character, he can be augmented and that could throw him on to that trajectory, but I don’t know. I don’t write the show, but I hope that would be the case.
I know GH head writer Ron Carlivati has high hopes for this storyline, and this character, with you at the epicenter.
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
BILLY: They have dealt with him very well. I have been working quite a bit, and so it seems on how these things go … that they are definitely giving this story and my character a full shot, and again I am not the Twitter guy. Therefore, I don’t know how it’s playing to the audience, but I am sure there are some people that hate it and will never be able to accept someone else playing the role of Jason … but, let me tell you what? Steve Burton is fine in Genoa City. He is down at The Grove (a high-end shopping mall near CBS studios) everyday having a good time. (Laughs) I have talked to him, and he is very happy at Y&R. So, I don’t think he is coming this way.
The role of Jason affords you the opportunity to be the tough guy, a romantic guy, a sensitive guy, and a troubled guy. It has potentially many facets. However, are you at all questioning when you get the scripts right now, what exactly are “Jake’s” motivations?
BILLY: As it is now, it is something I never quite fathomed. Drama-wise, GH plays more the camp of soap, whereas at Y&R it’s more old-school melodrama. Y&R moves slower and GH moves faster, and here we will have more outlandish events. I am not seasoned in that in my own life, (laughs) but I am finding how to play that, and playing some of the tough guy material is fun. I like to do it in a slightly different way. There are some things to play there that don’t have to be portrayed as exactly the big bulky badass. “Jake” clearly has some muscle memory and instincts as an enforcer type. It’s fun, but don’t get me wrong. I miss some of the Billy Abbott fun stuff. A lot that I am doing with “Jake” has that in it, and that is because “Jake” is a transient character. I know a lot of people are like, “That’s not how Jason acts!” However, Jason is a different guy right now.
Courtesy/CBS
Speaking of Billy Abbott, the way you interpreted that character was a soap classic. You have become so beloved by the fans of daytime, and in particular, the women in the audience love you!
BILLY: Well, they haven’t seen me in person… and they might be very disappointed!
I hear that you submitted yourself in the race again this year for Outstanding Lead Actor for your work on Y&R for this year’s Daytime Emmys.
BILLY: I was talked into it, and I don’t know if I will stay in the competition. I might pull out, actually. It seemed like some of my last scenes on Y&R were some of my best work. I hear Y&R might use that for their Drama Series submission, and then I thought, “Well, if they are then I will, too!” I mean, it’s tough to submit or not submit, and decide whether to be a part of it. The whole idea is not about winning, really. If people don’t submit then nobody’s getting together, and if people don’t realize that in a genre that is supposedly “dying”, then people should be celebrating every chance they can to get together. If you don’t participate then it’s going to be between two guys and one going, “I really want one!” (Laughs) I have to worry about my mom’s Emmy expectations now that the Oscars are upon us, too! (Laughs)
You have also been very busy appearing in primetime roles including Suits, Castle, Major Crimes among many others!
Courtesy/Twitter
BILLY: I got a good little gig on Suits, and I got a small part in the film American Sniper, which is cool. I got to work with Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper. Now every five minutes I get a call from Texas with someone yelling: “God damn! I didn’t know you were in that movie!” (Laughs)
Were you considering just continuing along the lines of doing episodic work and feature films, instead of returning to the soaps?
BILLY: The way things kind of shook out, I was very lucky. I was working constantly doing a lot of independent films and series, but there is something about General Hospital that offers me the ability to be here, and yet do other things. The schedule is drastically different from Y&R. I lived at CBS Television City and there wasn’t a lot of time off. I don’t think I ever paid for a plane ticket a week out, and here at GH, I know that I got bulks of two weeks off like every other month. The only way there is more leeway here is that when you are shooting, you are shooting, you are there on set working. They take lots of breaks, which makes it easier to potentially book a guest-star role here, or an episodic role over here, and so it worked out. At Y&R, there is just too much going on with a lot of people to be able to do that, as it was explained to me, and that’s why I left.
Had you checked in to see David Tom, and his replacement Burgess Jenkins, in the role of Billy Abbott on Y&R after you left the show?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
BILLY: I saw some of David Tom and some of Burgess’ work. I met Burgess at the Daytime Emmys last year, and he is a very nice guy. I want to meet David and I never have, but I do know his sister Heather Tom (Katie, B&B) well. We are all three very different people, and we are going to interpret the role of Billy three different ways. And just like it is playing this role that Steve Burton used to play, not only is it cheap to mimic somebody else, it’s boring. One is not better than the other, it’s just different. It all depends if anybody finds what you’re doing appealing, and if they are going to back you and that is where it gets tough.
As a three-time Daytime Emmy Award winning actor, have you had conversations with GH executive producer Frank Valentini, and head writer Ron Carlivati, about how you would like to see Jason’s story evolve?
BILLY: The only conversations we had at the beginning was about: if this was a good idea for me to come to General Hospital to do this character … and what their landscape is all about. We are about to have those conversations now. I wanted to wait till after the first of the year to feel it out. I don’t want to fall flat on my face, and I don’t think we have yet, but I haven’t had the breath to do some stuff, but again, back to the Emmys, I want to make it so we can all be a part of this thing. There was nothing from the eligibility period for me to submit from GH this time. We are not there yet, and I want to get there. I don’t want to take a job, just to take it. I gotta knock their socks off, and I need the material to do it. If I am going to come in and do this, I don’t want it to end up being, “Well, I like Billy, but it feels like he is just holding somebody else’s spot.” I want a shot to do what I did with Y&R, and I heard that may be damn near impossible to do on two different shows, but I think I can handle it.
GH has an A-list heavy hitter cast. The show does it’s best to spread the story around, so everyone eventually gets their turn up to the plate. Do you like to be working a lot?
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
BILLY: I grew up as a boy from Texas, and so I am always going to work. If you leave me alone for too long, I will always find something to do. I own bars and stuff, too! While I was at Y&R, I practically lived there, and shot over 200 episodes a year. That can be difficult to continue to make it interesting for everybody, including the writers. There is a little bit more fluidity here, but Y&R has a huge cast as well.
Is there a part of you that really misses being on Y&R?
BILLY: There is a part of me that misses Y&R, and a part of me that misses All My Children! Being in your 20’s, and acting in New York, and having some money in your pocket is a damn good time! You should try … its fun! I miss all the people I have worked with in the past.
Did you ever think you would be this soap opera star entity?
BILLY: I have definitely developed a name in this genre, but it’s never going to be an Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R) or Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R) type of thing, or Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) here. I came in a little late for that, but hopefully, at best, I will be a considered a good actor in this genre.
How is working with Laura Wright (Carly)? The Jason/Carly relationship is one of the most pivotal to his story and hers!
Courtesy/ABC
BILLY: She is a trip, man. Laura is great, and they give her a workhorse amount of material. I think the Jason/Carly relationship got picked right back up without a hitch. I think that is going very well. Laura is a lot of fun. She knows the genre inside and out. Laura has been on a lot of soaps, and she has a lot of good advice to offer. She is very welcoming. I kind of came in head down and mouth shut, and not like my normal self! (Laughs) At Y&R it was like, “Here comes that crazy bastard!”(Laughs)
Has there been any scene thus far during your time on GH that you have truly liked your performance in, or enjoyed doing?
BILLY: I really have enjoyed getting to know the other actors, and how they work and what makes them tick, and what buttons you get to push with some of them, and what buttons they find in you. As far as a particular scene … not yet … because for “Jake” things are so broken up. They are not full tangible things yet. Just like he is! “Jake” is not a fully realized anything. If you think about it, he has scrambled eggs for a brain. He has such a disconnect from himself, and everybody else, that we don’t really see him alone very much unless he is having a bad dream. You can’t really do that much with that, as in soaps, you really need someone to bounce off of. That can be a difficult character to write – when he doesn’t have the connections he needs – or to know how to interact with people – and then to show him talking to himself is tough. And when you think about it, the only conversation he would have with himself is trying to figure out who he is! However, the guy trying to figure out who he is has become a very interesting part of the story for me to play.
Courtesy/ABC
So GH watchers, what do you think of Billy Miller’s performance, and the Jason AKA “Jake” story thus far? Which gal do you hope he ends up with romantically on-screen … Sam or Elizabeth?
How do you see the story playing out … and which persona do you hope ultimately comes forward with their memories … Jason Morgan, Jason Quartermaine, or a fusion of such with Jake?
What do you think about Billy’s comments on replacing Steve Burton in the role on GH, and Burgess Jenkins taking over his former role on The Young and the Restless? Comment below!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
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I love billy Miller..
His character has just begun.. there sooooo much more to come..
We have be a bit patient with the Jake character,..
…. ”Buckle up, it’s going to be bumpy ride !!!!
endgame;
Jake will inevitably become Jason Quartermaine ..
((RC wants to build up the Q’s as much as possible..
He has Ned and Michael.. and coming- Jason Quartermaine ..
I absolutely agree with this entire post! I can’t wait for Jason Q with, I hope a little of Jake still there.
Yes, Jason Q! I want him to hate Sonny!
I miss Billy Miller as Billy Abbott. Im sorry I can’t get into Villy right now. I do think Villy should be together but not now. I think Chelsea should be written off and Billy if we can’t have Villy
I want to see Monica surrounded by all her boys – Jason, Michael, & Danny – by Mother’s Day 2015. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
I really hope a new Billy will be hired then maybe Chelsea will be good with Billy but right now I dont see it. Billy and Vicky were a great great couple. Chelsea does not belong with Adam that is for sure. Chelsea would know her husband. I think Sharon gets 5 minutes alone with Gab/ Adam and she will know its Adam. Adam and Sharon go down as one of the true romances of all time Shadam 🙂
ohh also wanted to say;
Billy Miller has the personality to be Jason Quartermaine ..
Jason Quartermaine was fun more-so light hearted guy who could make people smile and laugh before he was turned into stone cold Jason Morgan,,
I really believe we will have Jason Quartermaine back!! 🙂
Billy Miller is the best actor. Love him as Billy Abbott. No Billy should be with that Chelsea con. They need to go back and look at the history better. Chelsea will never be right for Adam she never understood his pain or whats important to him . Adam ONLY married Chelsea because what happened instead of Victor trying to frame Adam for Skyes death Victor changed it to frame Sharo because Sharon went to Hawaii to clear Adams name & ask Skye to come back. But Skye fell into the volcano & Victor watched Sharon try to help save Skye but instead he let Skye die and Sharon take the blame. Then Sharon was forced to give up Adam to keep Faith. When will they repair Nick he is such a hypocrite
Billy Miller certainly has that “it” factor to spell
Billy Miller certainly can…. and does… intrigue and smitten
the end result…. had better be….. add more Q
Billy Miller certainly has that requisite to toy dance spar, rekindle, enjoy the Quartermainia
get him at the hosp…. get Lucas Jones back in the mix…. with Silas, Kevin, Liz, Brad… prop Felix, Epiphany to steer
all this focus… on … was relevant… but… these ladies are busy…. Liz with Ric…. Sam with Patrick…. Carly with Sonny…. Jason goes back to his past… with brainwashed trigger at a moments notice to envelop the audience… with his personality… coming on … be it doctorate… a Q …. a free man…. home… ladies in tow…. Helena… oyster
we waited so long for Nina… to come around and star
Billy Miller was an easy wait…. savor feast and marquee
“Quartermainia”….what a wonderful way of putting it, Patrick!!!!
Yay, Patrick! Quartermania is perfect for the Q’s! You win the merry moniker award for sure!
Comparing BM to SB as Jason is like apples and oranges…i prefer BM as Jason…SB was a little too stiff as a maniquin for me…BM brings Jason more to life…imo…i dont care whom he is paired with as long as it isnt that SKANGSTER moll Carly whose tacky tainted lips have already been all over STANKO Franco and SCUMMY Sonny!!!…lol
Ahhhh, jimh. You are a man after my own heart! What can I say about certain characters that you have not already said? Thank-you, friend.
‘Tis unfortunate people can’t buy personalities….and, it would be doubly unfortunate for our Billy Miller falling prey to Carly….wow, she’s massive!!. It still amazes me how TPTB coupled her with Sonny.
I actually look forward to seeing Jason and Elizabeth partake in the dance of love. LOL. Later.
Ok-
I like Carly .. she is a strong woman to put up with the azzhollie men that came her way.. I really her with Jake, they are a natural ..
I feel sorry for the character at time..
But– Carly rocks!
Sonny and Carly are a couple that is meant to be, they compliment each other in many ways. Their love runs deep and silent ..
I hope there is a short play for Jason and Elizabeth, Liz is a snore and too dull for Jake/Jason..
I would be happy if Jake did not hook-up with anyone until he finds himself .. and then some time after that..
geez let the man get a grip on his life before he has love stuff to deal with..
Hi, su.
Trust me. I most definitely agree with you about Sonny and Carly belonging together, as a couple. My problem is THIS Carly. He and she do not look good together. I dug up old episodes…way back and then some. The original Carly and Sonny made the greatest couple. She was amazing….Sarah Brown? Later.
I’d love to see Jason and Elizabeth partake in the dance of love too!
Liason deserve a real chance. <3
Sorry, su0000 Sonny and Carly are a volatile couple but ENDGAME will be Sonny and Brenda…..every GH fan knows that lol
“SKANGSTER moll”….what a fabulously descriptive term, jimh!!!!! And it perfectly fits Carly!!!!
I like them down and dirty lol but past couple of years Carly has become too mellowed out.. Wish she would get a nasty, again..
She has great love for family, that is good thing..
Carly, I like her.. 🙂
And i really liked your ‘Julivia, Shay…cant wait to see Julian and Olivia together…they were fun and had the best chemistry of any GH couple that i havent seen in a long time…hope Ron C. doesnt reunite Julian with Alexis and her ‘boobsey twins’…its team ‘Julivia’ all the way for me!!!
Olivia is a bevy of surprise
hot tamalie cut to the bronx this lady doles delves and finesse
as the hottest cousins to mix any where…. Connie and Livia
OLIVIA: she’s shown : starred: she can and does… MIX with sonny, Duke, FLUKE, which is LUKE too…. Ned, which she’s , to our distaste… ( i’m jelous! there, I said it) angst ridden… and Julian … forgot about Alexis….
Olivia is fire
Thanks, jimh!!! I’m not confident that there is a future for “Julivia,” but count me in as another who hopes for this new (and improved) pairing. Those two displayed such an unexpected and exciting chemistry…quite the upgrade from the boring Alexis and her b-twins “act” with Julian….during the last year it’s been the same monotonous thing with them….she tracks him down, chews him out, then does the dirty with him. To me, that rates as neither romantic nor sexy, just desperate and pathetic!!!! Enough already!
yeah, it reeks , ok we went their… your mannerism… ethics… get in the way… but you know… as well as Julian… it is was what it is…. no need to diss him… he can move on… and ‘Livia is my choice as well
a full on bestie wink
olivia quiets retreats in to her own shell … again
@jimh….Totally off-subject, but thought of you when I read of the death of Anne Kirkbride, aka, Deidre Barlow on your beloved “Corrie.” The UK’s reaction to her passing has been massive. Such a shame…..that lady was a national treasure and too young to be gone so soon.
I didnt know that…i always loved her gravely voice…this is shocking…Corrie wont be the same without my beloved Deirdre Barlow!!!
It happened just a few days ago, jimh…. check the Brit papers online. Lotsa coverage. Apparently, that is why Kirkbride’s “Deidre” was given a break away from the show in October. Not many knew that she was ill at the time, but she quickly became worse. Very sad….she seemed a lovely lady. Her two closest cast mates were there when she passed: William Roche and Bev Callard.
@jimh….Even though it didn’t post, I received your response in my inbox. While you are obviously most welcome, I’m so sorry that I was the bearer of bad news regarding Ms. Kirkbride….didn’t mean to bring you down. (I thought you would have been aware since you are such a huge Corrie fan….I just assumed that you would have followed the show online for news and spoilers.) Still, it was important that you knew of this beloved actress’ passing since I’m sure it will seriously affect the show. The entire cast is shattered over Anne/”Deidre’s” loss, particularly William Roache (spelled it right this time….) There was a national awards show Tuesday night in the UK and he presented a deeply heartfelt tribute to his onscreen “soul mate.” Apparently, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Anyway, once again, I apologize for being the one to share this horrible bit of information…it’s true that losing certain celebs really can feel like grieving a family member, especially when it’s someone from a long-standing soap opera that one has watched for an age.
I’m going to get some flack for this, but am glad he’s in the role of Jason. I was growing tired of Steve Burton and the entire show revolving around Carly, Sonny and Jason. I have never been a big Jason or Steve fan and I think Billy is doing a fine job of Jake/Jason.
@ Colleen – Well said…I’m in total agreement with you. Loving Billy Miller as Jason.
I love billy, too!!
But i’ll bet the farm he will not be Jason Morgan-
It is obvious-
Billy Miller was ‘not’ brought on to replace SB’s stone cold Jason Morgan..
RC is not replacing Jason, he is giving us a Quartermaine !!!
and Billy Miller is the ticket to a great Jason Quartermaine..
I really like that RC will not give us back ‘a’ Jason Morgan but give us something new and different by giving us another Q ..
The transformation will not be quick, it will be a journey!
RC holds onto GH history and will rebuild the core Quartermaine’s.
I really liked how he gave us a back-look into Luke and Bobbies history.. a trip back to their childhood to their home and an insight to their past..
sister Patricia was brought up and of course cousin Bill Eckert and Sly Eckert..
That was a fun going back..
Makes me wonder who the next ”vet from the past” will be to brought back..
Colleen, you won’t catch flack for that here. The Only-Steve Burton-as Jason fan group meets two doors down next to the Scrub room which is next to the Silas room. Interestingly enough, the three aforementioned groups are all dressed in black.
You are in good company here.
I love me some Billy Miller–he is The Electric Company!
(Oh Lord help me, I am starting to sound like SU000).
Thumbs up
Harry, you got it going now!! 🙂
Always a pleasure ..
I’m with you Colleen. Billy Miller is my opportunity to like Jason. SB left me “stone cold”. Hated the Carly/Sonny/Jason show, with Sam there to constantly prop him up.
I hope he merges as Jake–with his own personality. I didn’t watch back in the day of Jason Q. but if he’s known for his humor, I want to see it. I also want him to be with Elizabeth, not Sam. I’m loving Sam and Patrick, and I say this as a former Sam hater and a true Scrubs fan.
I don’t mind if he’s friendly with Carly, but no more than that.
Billy Miller is known for his humor, subtle and awesome..
but-
he is better known for his remarkable charisma !!!
Billy just arrived, give it time to develope , he will dazzle you 🙂
Your right su0000 and that why he will be a Q! [Thank God!] Billy Miller could never be Stone Cold and thats a good thing!
I have loved Billy Miller since his stint as ‘Richie’ on AMC. He was the ‘baddest’, most gorgeous , most talented and most charismatic character I had ever seen on a soap….the ‘mostest’ of the most, for lack of another superlative.
Then, when he assumed the role of Billy Abbot? Well, that gift fell right onto my lap. Steve Burton cannot hold a candle to him.
I love Billy even more as Jake/Jason.
Burton as Dylan is a robot on steroids….he is able to go right through brick walls with his ‘Hulkish’, trunky, barrel-like body. Plus, he can’t act. It is no wonder he was paired with Sam…..they share the same amount of talent.
On the Y&R site, k/kay questioned what the fascination with Steve/Dylan was? What is it?
I am ready for the avalanche of criticism hurled my way…..’Tis just my opinion.
No criticism here, CeeCee……Although I never actually minded SB as Jason the Anti-Quartermaine, his range was an extremely limited one, which was conveniently concealed by the notion he was supposed to be presenting as brain-damaged and as such, conveyed little emotion. That ploy worked for a brief while, but the “Stone Cold” persona became stale and predictable, so when the character was “killed off,” I cannot say that I necessarily missed him or pined for his return….particularly after Burton defected to Y&R. Since that point, I couldn’t envision anyone successfully stepping into that rather bland and thankless character’s boots…….that is, until Billy Miller was recast in the role. What a vast difference this actor with charm, charisma and personality to spare has made to the previously stilted and stony-faced hitman portrayed by Burton ….he has reinvented and reinvigorated this formerly leaden lunk of a leading man role and infused it with a warmth, heart and depth that was once wholly unimaginable for Mr. Morgan….until now. Beyond the fact that I am simply loving the skillful and soulful job Miller is doing, I am genuinely excited for the endless possibilities that have materialized for the character he has now transformed into a hopeful hybrid of vintage JasonQ and a new, improved and most importantly, reformed, Morgan, as well. .
“Trunky.” What a perfect choice of word, CeeCee!!!! It really fits….
What Lucy said.
Billy is good. Not floored by him..but he’s good. What is obvious, and what he himself said in the interview is that he is not at this point Jason Morgan. His portrayal is different than SB’s because he is not “stone cold” right now. He’s a lost man reacting to situations instinctively; the essence of who he is remains the same. he’s a good listener, a good friend, loyal, and smart. His body is conditioned to fight as per his mob enforcer days. If the writers decided to make him Jason Morgan again the only reason he might be able to inject his humor is because amnesia has changed him, so regardless of which “original self” he becomes shades of Jake will remain. Had Billy been a recast of Jason Morgan as he was before he was “killed”…he’d probably seem just as boring to those who didn’t like Steve Burton’s performance. Flat and stoic was what and how the character was written…and that’s what SB played.
I might add that Billy the person seems really likable, and I think as time goes on whoever he winds up being is going to be a great character…as Jason will be a new incarnation.
Well I have to say that I was first to raise my hand in saying that no one could take the place of Steve Burton in the role as Jason. My hand is DOWN now..lol. WHAT a super talent Billy is. Absolutely LOVE him!! Love his own angle in the role. Looking forward to more. Of course as a Jason and Sam fan hoping for a reunion in the future. GREAT WORK BILLY!! Gh is LUCKY to have you!
No offense to BM but I would rather have Steve back. I liked Jason Morgan. Not too interested in Jake.
That room is down the hall, Brenda.
Hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Harry!
It will be lonely in that room, ‘down the hall’, Harry!
The guy has the charisma of a stop sign!.
That is the good thing, Billy is not Jason Morgan ..
and Jake will be Jason Q .. (betcha)
so no more Jason Morgan 🙂 all gone! ,,, lol
Yeayyyyy!!!!
The fact is, Su, that Steve Burton, the actor , is rigid. This traIt may have been what the writers intended to bestow upon Jason Morgan, but Burton carried this stuffy, no-humor -kind-of-boring personality onto Y&R as Dylan. An actor should be able to assume any personality, right?….any role . But, it seems, the actor, cannot separate himself from Jason Morgan. So, the final product on Y&R is, JASON MORGAN PART II.
Steve Burton is a great guy but I agree with other here, the Carly, Sonny, Jason show was getting old!
I agree Brenda. The mumbling, no personality Jake is a bore.
meh… i like him better on Y&R.
To be honest I do too, but I like him much better as Jason than I did Steve Burton. The big problem is, Y&R hasn’t found a suitable replacement in Burgess Jenkins, which makes me miss BM so much more. If they had found someone with the acting ability to take over the role, like they did with GT as Phyllis and JH as Adam, it would not have been such a blow.
Billy is a drastic improvement as Jason IMO! He has more depth as an actor. I really enjoy his scenes with Carly best, but I want them to remain friends. I am all for Carly and Sonny now. As for Jason, I REALLY want him and Elizabeth to give it a go. Rick can hook up with Sabrina now that Patrick and Sam are an item (shockingly I like Samtrick)
Samtrick is a plot point forced pairing just like Patrick and Sabinra. GH needs Kimberly back and then Robin and Patrick reunite, I can’t buy Patrick with anyone after how he loves Robin. He isn’t believable with anyone but Robin played by Kimberly.. In fact this guy is pod Patrick.
Well, guess what? Kimberly is not coming back. She is dine at GH. She has said she will visit, but is done fulltime. She wants to focus on directing. Just like Steve Burton she has moved on.
Cathy…I truly understand your admirable devotion to “Scrubs”….they were quite the super couple in their day, but there comes a time when one must abandon the dream….just as “Luke and Laura” shall probably never again be, so is the case with “Robin and Patrick.” Given the fact that it is primarily due to KMc’s own personal decision to all but vacate her role on GH should make it a bit easier to accept…Believe me, no one more savagely skewered the “Sappy” shackles that annoyingly imprisoned Dr. Drake for far too long than did I….my God, that pairing was absolutely unbearable!!!! (I fondly recall your posts of protestation whilst commiserating over that insipid nurse….we were quite the diehards on that subject!) But the time has come for the man to move on…..I find JT’s new relaxed and happy attitude with KM to be refreshing….they seem to “get” each other and genuinely enjoy one another’s company…particularly over the past few days…LOL. Hence, while the description of “pod Patrick” fit him to a “t” during his sorry Sappy incarceration, he now looks more like a man who has been set free!!!! And if his little romance with Sammy is not your cup of tea, well, I suspect their romantic idyll shall not be long-term….makes me wonder who shall next be on Drake Jr.’s “dance card?”
Kathy…people actually do move on….in real life! I think fictional Drake can too.
I love Billy Miller as Jake, and know that he will be an awesome Jason,I can’t call him Jason just yet..I hope that when he finally remembers who he is that he will have a little bit of the Jason Quartermaine and a whole lot of the Jason Morgan..I told some friends that I would not like him to be Jason Q. I liked Jason Q. when he was a teenager and young adult, but I fell in love with Jason Morgan..that is who Jason is.. or was and certainly hope that that’s who he will mostly be when he remembers..
It consistently amazes me that women love to watch cold blooded unrepentant males on television and consider it entertainment.
Well, remember, Aden, they’re “good” mobsters, they only do it to protect the ones they love, etc. etc. etc. (In other words, I do not get it either.)
Women? What about all the men who belong to the Everything About Life I Learned From “THE GODFATHER” Club? I have never understood why the fictional Corleones & that life has been romanticized to the extent they have.
Hey, Aden. LOL. Not all women are attracted to mobsters and gore….I’m a woman….I detest anything even close to that lifestyle and I abhor Sonny…..soooooooo…..
I love Billy Miller as Jakeson. Though I’m ready for his story to get rolling where he becomes a fully formed person with true connections to other characters.
Billy Miller had some great moments on YR, but he got stuck in the “Villy” rut and his character became boring. Exited to see him doing new things on GH. Great interview!
Billy miller has just begun as Jason. He is about to explode as the part. but who will he be jason Morgan or Jason Q. We have to wait to find out how it goes.
Great interview, Mr. Fairman! And what a charming subject! BM has brought a breath of fresh air to GH….despite his star status and considerable, varied resume’, I have never felt that this actor was out to dominate the show or impose himself on the viewers…..his approach to taking on SB’s role has been very measured, humble and gentlemanly. Likewise, his character’s journey back to Port Charles has been a careful and respectful one that he has engagingly shared with us….for the first time, I have really enjoyed the story of Jason/Jake, and look forward to all that will be developing in his continuing saga.
As always, well said, mr. Shay-man. I lost interest during the stone-cold days. Though, I really enjoyed Steve Burton as “Jason Quartermaine”, the early days. Anyways, Billy Miller and the writers are doing what makes us welcome Billy as “Jason”… to make him likeable, new, and changed. GH is succeeding in this recast. I love it.
And, I’m grateful that this ‘charming subject’ that is Billy Miller… is all ours! Well done to GH, for taking the time to develop Jake, to Jason.
Thanks again, Jeremy!!!! We’re definitely on the same page when it comes to BM! Seems we have a lot of thoughts on GH in common….however, there is one thing that we don’t share….a “name prefix!” (I’m a member of the fairer sex….LOL. Hey, I made the same mistake with a favorite poster not long ago…it happens!!!!) ; )
Hey, Jeremy….had to interject……you’re infringing on my territory here. I am the number one Shay-fan. LOL.
Seriously speaking, Shay is amazing as a person, whom I’ve never met, but I sense it….and, as a writer. Your writing is also notable, Jeremy…not too shabby….LOL
Hey Shay, you tell it like it is and I appreciate that. You do not hold anything back….keep doing your thing!
I feel the same way about how Billy has joined the GH family. I didn’t have any other history of him since I wasn’t watching Y&R while he was on, but I do like how he has become Jason/Jake.
I had the same experience, Rose….I hadn’t watched Y&R in forever and day, so I was not familiar with BM on that show. I had previously seen him in a primetime series (“Ringer”) and really enjoyed his work there, but I didn’t make the connection to his well-regarded place in daytime until he was named as a possible recast for SB’s Jason. Needless to say, he was an excellent choice as the new Mr. Morgan.
Great post!
@ Shay – my apologies for speculating. Let the exchanges continue!
No apologies necessary, Jeremy, but thanks just the same. With these androgynous “monikers” so many of us employ, it’s anybody’s guess what we are…LOL! As I said, I made the exact same mistake with someone whom I “conversed” for over a year!!!! It happens….and of course, let the exchanges continue!!!!
CeeCee….There’s always space in the Shay “universe” for another new acquaintance, but as I’m never one to forsake my “firm and fond favorites”—here, or in “real life”—- you have a permanent “VIP Pass,” girlfriend! Hence, as long as you–and our ever-expanding circle of consistent MF-cohorts— stick(s) around at this sublime soap site, then I can’t imagine my passion for opining and posting will diminish!!!! Still, thank you ever so for your most generous thoughts…however, I would be remiss were I not to note that you are also quite the gifted one when it comes to being candid and clever…..I derive just as much pleasure from your quick quips and creative commentary as vice versa….I believe that’s called a “mutual admiration society.” Yep…that’s what we are.
Thank you, Shay.
I look forward to him being Jason Quartmaine that would have a different twist!
BILLY: “They did not actually explain much. It has been unraveling for me, as much as it has been unraveling for the viewers. It’s a different way for me to work, but we are navigating new waters, and a new working relationship, and we are going to figure it out together … and we will see where we go.”
More evidence that they make it up as they go on GH. No real story planning and no way for an actor to really understand their character or motivation.
As for the mumbling, I’ve noticed it and it drives me crazy. I personally haven’t found anything extraordinary in Mr. Miller’s acting and I’m really not sure how you can be considered a great actor when you can’t enunciate, project and basically get your dialogue out.
You must hate Eric Braeden, as well? He mumbles. Matter of fact, Jack has mentioned that before. I have a tough time picking up on his dialogue and have to rewind it at times but with Victor he never really says anything we havent heard before! Its always a threat! As for Billy Miller, he does it but not as much. It doesnt annoy me, though.
Hi, Timmm.
Maybe Billy is cursing under his breath. Whom do you think that to be?….LOL
don’t even get me started on Victor. Later.
Timmm….I have to go with CeeCee on this one. I haven’t noticed any “Mumbles Miller” either. But then we all listen with a different perspective….one of my friends swears she cannot understand Anna’s divine British accent, which I simply adore! It would seem that “enunciation” is in the “ear” of the beholder.
There are quite a few “great” actors who have been accused of “mumbling.” Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino (mostly men it seems). When Brando exploded in movies, many older people in the 1950’s disliked his style as well. He & James Dean were both “mumblers” in movies with modern settings because they felt it was more realistic to speak like average people spoke, usually because their characters were from the working class. But, Brando also came from the stage where he was able to project well enough for Broadway audiences to hear him. IMO, an actor can definitely mumble & still be a great actor. Just watch Brando in ON THE WATERFRONT or A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, where he speaks his dialogue while eating. A great actor doesn’t need any dialogue for the audience to know what is going on. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. 😉
Funny, but I never noticed Billy’s mumbling, considering I am obsessed with perfect enunciation and diction. I guess staring at his gorgeous face makes me oblivious to everything else……LOL.
Now, try deciphering a Bostonian accent. That is truly a challenge….and they talk about “Nu Yolkahs”.
Loved the interview! Love Billy Miller and really am enjoying him on GH. Still miss him at Y&R. I really like the humor he has given Jake/Jason. The character badly needed a shakeup, long before SBu left. I do hope they integrate all parts of him Jake/Jason Morgan/Jason Quartermaine. Billy can play it.
Enjoying him and Becky too. I really hope whatever happens with Jason’s love life down the road that the Liason connection/friendship is kept solid.
I never understand when someone says an actor has injected humor into a role. He speaks the dialogue that’s written…and acts accordingly. That’s not to say that some actors aren’t better at playing humorous parts…but Steve Burton wasn’t given a witty Jsson to play. It’s not that I am or am not a Steve Burton fan, I just think the comparisons are unfair because it’s the dialogue that’s written with humor…the actor didn’t inject his own…
His best scens so far has been today with Kimberly even though they were short. But then she makes everyone look good. She will be an awesome director some day. Which bring me to why is it that now even BM gets to do other things while doing GH and FV doesn’t complain about schedules. That’s not fair since KIMBERLY is a GH vet who should be allowed the same. BM has the availability to do GH and other things so why not Kimberly.,GH could have used Kimberly to direct like theyngave AS from DOOL the ability,to direct and she isn’t even from GH. FV would have had Kimberly when they wanted if she directed GH. H
Kimberly comes and goes as she pleases leaving a path a destruction behind in robin’s wake. I love kimberly don’t misunderstand me, but this character is twisted and not robin as wev know and love her.
I think it might be apples and oranges, Cathy. It doesn’t sound to me as though they’re making any special arrangements for Billy, but that within the way GH normally schedules its tapings, he can find a way to do other acting (but Y&R tapes differently and he couldn’t there). It could be that the kinds of acting jobs he’s going after—one-off guest roles and such—are possible within the GH shooting schedule, but directing jobs of the kind Kimberly wants to pursue, are not. Kimberly knows how the GH shooting schedule works; I have no doubt that if she thought she could do both, and do justice to the directing work that is clearly her priority at the moment, she would. But he’s talking about the GH schedule offering the actors two weeks off every other month, and I could easily see how that wouldn’t necessarily work for a directing project.
Billy keeps a full schedule. Kim just wants to pop in and out. If Kim was full time at GH she could star in other projects. She chose to direct and that not something you can pop in and out of. Its her choice not GH’s fault. I would strongly suggest, and I love Kim, they need to recast and Elizabeth Hendrickson would be perfect and her and Billy Miller have a working history together, a big one.
I love Billy Miller,,think he’s a great actor,,he’s playing Jason wonderful,, doing a great job..I would. like too see him end up with sam.and their son Danny
donto won’t him with Elizabeth
I love Billy Miller. He has the talent to keep up with the rest of #GHs cast of heavyweights. Love that I get to see him develop into a new Jason. Thank you Frank for bringing him to Port Charles
If Billy Miller submits himself as Lead Actor based on his Y&R scenes from last January, then certainly Michael Muhney should as well. They were equally incredible.
That was such a powerful storyline. I accidently stumbled upon the scenes where Adam is talking into the camera and confessing…… I fell in love with Billy and Adam and Chloe.. can’t belive they’re all three gone. But wow hard to find words, just rivetting, heartwrentching television.
Oops, I meant I stumbled upon that scene and that’s when I started watching..
Jill S, totally agree! However, I doubt that Michael Muhney will submit; therefore, the right thing to do would be for neither Y&R or Billy Miller submit the late January 2014 scenes. Totally unfair to Michael Muhney!! I personally feel that Michael’s acting was the best of The two. Y&R needs to stop riding on the coattails of either of these two talented actors.
I enjoyed this interview and getting to know more about Billy. So far I am enjoying him on the show and looking forward to see where his story unfolds. Right now I am liking his chemistry best with Carly, I really hope they maintain their long time friendship. It has always been one of my favorites on GH. I know some didn’t like Sonny/Carly and Jason trio , but I sure did. Different strokes I know.
I like Steve as Jason, but the character was lost for me in the later years during JaSam 2.0. I thought that considering that Jason was estranged from AJ for years over Michael that it wasn’t true to the character that he would go back with a woman who set out to cause his own child harm. That wasn’t the actors fault, but the backstage agenda. But Billy is right, Steve is happy as a clam on Y&R and it shows onscreen.
I hope they do something different with Jason. I understand they need to play the beats of a JaSam reunion, but both Sam and Jason have changed. I’m excited for what Billy brings to the role. I like his chemistry with Becky and Laura so far and I like the humor that has been injected.
2 words. Steve, who?
I love what Billy has brought to gh with jake/jason. I’m so excited to have a new side to a character that’s been so utterly missed.
Loving Billy as Jake/Jason. I prefer his chemistry with Becky, so I hope RC circles back to Liason once JaSam plays out.
I LOVE Billy Miller as Jason! He brings a lightness and fun to the character that I haven’t seen since the early days of Jasam. His take on Jason is fresh and fun and I actually prefer it to SB. I hope that once he remembers who he was, he doesn’t just pick up where Jason left off. I’d like to see him continue to branch off and rediscover his roots as a Quartermaine. And of course, as a huge Jasam fan, I am hoping for a reunion. I love Samtrick, but Jasam are end game to me. I really like Elizabeth as a character, but I just feel like the second Jake came into the picture, she became this desperate, sanctimonious mess and I’d like for the writers to reel that in a bit, because it doesn’t do her justice. I think Liz belongs with Nicholas. Let Sam, Jason and Danny be a family. 🙂
Billy is wonderful…I want Jake to get out of Helena’s clutches & become a nice guy.No more of this masked man. I loved him from his days on Y&R. He brings so much reality to everything he does & injects some humor here & there.I love that he’s never a one dimensional character. I hope to watch Billy as Jake/ Jason for a very long time…..
He sounds unhappy to me. Like he doesn’t get the writing, misses Y&R and would go back if they afforded him the right deal.
JMO.
ICAM
Not the impression I got at all! Sounds like he was ready for a new character and new storyline at GH and now wants to make an Emmy-worthy impression there. And I have no doubt he will achieve it.
I’ve really enjoyed him so far on GH. So many more places he can go as an actor on GH.
I agree Cassie. Billy said it best when he stated gh does more of the camp model. I honestly hate it. Never liked camp on any show. Ever since Ron took over as head writer, I stopped watching gh. It cheapens a show, and Billy is to good of an actor for that, as is so many of the vets on gh.
Wow. That’s interesting. I didn’t get that at all. I picked up on some wariness, because he isn’t sure he’s made a mark as Jake yet, but it sounds to me that the more accommodating GH taping schedule and the way it allows him to do other things have made it a very good move for him.
I enjoyed Steve Burton’s portrayal of Jason, but I definitely agree with those that say that GH became the Sonny & Jason show under Phelps and Guza, which is part of the reason why the show was on the verge cancellation when ABC finally showed them the door.
It was time to take the character in a different direction, and I’m liking Billy Miller’s take on the role so far. He’s worked well and fit in with pretty much everyone he’s shared the screen with, whether it’s Rebecca Herbst, Kelly Monaco, Laura Wright, Rick Hearst, Constance Towers, and so on.
There is so much more story to tell, and so many potential directions it could go in, which is what I personally love about FV and RC’s vision for GH, you never know which way a story is gonna go, and that’s why I enjoy watching.
I love, love, love Billy & am so loving him on GH. Besides being incredibly good looking, I love the humor he brings to the role. Even before he joined the cast, I watched YouTube videos of him on Y&R and totally fell in love w his acting. Please, please, please give us more Jake!!!
I love billy miller has new Jason in gh
I don’t think that BM gets the character of Jason really. While there are some that want him at JQ.. no thank you…. and the fact that they aren’t even playing the Sam/Danny story is a shame. For them to just glaze of Jason and Sam.. Thay had a story and when these new writers came, they F’d with McBain, so Jason and Sam, after 9 years finally had their child and we get ripped off! Now Jason is back and we are getting ripped off again, for Sam and Patrick and Liz and Jake.. Also, BM kinda just rolled over Sam in this article and raved about Becky’s skin, although I agree with him on that.. Its just a shame that a huge fan base can’t have their story.. I hope BM realizes that there are a lot of fans that don’t want the comedian Jason.. sad actually..
Loren I agree with you, it seems at least in this article he is a Becky fan. Not to much of a Kelly fan. Well I guess we will always have our Jasam on youtube. I stop watching the show not interest in Jake or Jason Q, Tell me how does Jason becomes Jason Q, that part of his brain was damaged, so ridiculous. Jason Morgan would never leave his wife and son to be with Elizabeth. I guess the Elizabeth Jason fans will finally get what they want. now Danny has to grow up in a broken home. Really sad.
Just because he said nice things about Becky, doesn’t mean anything bad about Kelly. It’s not a zero-sum game situation.
But following your logic about what Jason would never do. Jason would have NEVER left his first son to be with the woman who watched him be kidnapped and then had him threatened with a gun.
I guess real Jason died in Mexico.
I was a big Sbu fan as Jason. I knew it was going to be hard for anyone to replace him as Jason. BM as Jake has won me over though. I have enjoyed him from day one. I think he and Becky look good together and the characters have lots of chemistry. I also like him and Carly scenes. I am still waiting to see him with Sonny. scenes. That will be a big test for me. I really hope the writers go with Liz and Jason this time around. I agree with Billy GH is more Camp then Y/R. It would be nice if GH was less Camp and more oldtime drama like Y/R.
@ Tammy – exactly, that’s what I was thinking of too, the 1st encounter between Jason (BM) and Sonny. You’re right in saying that is the big test. I think Billy (as Jake), has effectively worked well with Laura (Carly), I see it between them…friends for life… that look between them…I see that bond there. Now, he’s got to relate… on some level with Sonny. THAT should definitely be an interesting GH moment, the reunion between Jake/Jason and Sonny.
LOVE Billy! Great interview Michael. I hope RC is creating a whole new “Jason” one that is not controlled by Sonny and Carly. I really enjoy Becky and Billy together their scenes seem so natural they just fit, you can’t force that kind of chemistry!
@ Joy – since day one…undeniable instant chemistry between Becky and Billy, for sure! I’m all for the love triangle between Jason/Jake, Liz and Rick.
I am enjoying Billy and I really hope he ends up wanting to embrace his Quartermaine roots. I would love to see he and Michael in the Q mansion and at ELQ. As far as which woman I want to see him with, I don’t really like him with Liz or Sam at this point although I think right now, his chemistry with Liz is hotter than Sam. Of course the writers have changed my opinion about storylines and couples and characters before do anything is possible. Maybe Jake can be a single daddy for awhile. Why not have him meet someone new?
love the interview, love his jake and love him with becka’s liz, period….
I want him to become a fusion of all. Jason Morgan has to make a comeback. He was my favorite character at one point. But I do think now he needs to fuse together w/this Jake character. And I mean if he’s going to remember some things, I wouldn’t mind him remembering some of his Jason Q side as well. I would LOVE for his leading lady to be ELIZABETH. 🙂
Big disappointment for me to see this three time Emmy winner talents wasted on the return of Helena. Doesn’t sound like he feels at home at GH.
I’m loving the Jason & Helena interaction. But it’s hardly like that is going to be his only story. His story is just getting started!
I’ll take Billy Miller as Jason vs. Helena any day over Billy Miller as Billy Newman (formerly known as Abbott) on Y&R. But different strokes for different folks.
Sounds like he loves the way they work over at GH and is excited to see what he can do in the role of Jason. If he considered Y&R “home”, he wouldn’t have left so he could do other things.
Though really I don’t think he wants GH or Y&R to be “home.” Sounds like he wants to continue to do great things in the soap genre while also trying out other roles. As a Billy Miller fan, I couldn’t be happier about that. I get to enjoy him on GH every week while also watching him on primetime and film in other roles.
I think Billy Miller is superb in the role of Jason. Steve Burton is too morose for my liking. I just love him with all the characters he has been involved with so far…even the mean old Helena!
Even though I really miss Billy Miller on Y&R, I am sure glad that GH picked him up. I am eager to see what he’s going to bring to this exciting character. Glad to see that the writers are weaving him slowly with the characters that were important to Jason.
However, regarding Burgess Jenkins as Billy Abbott, I’m just not feeling it. I feel that Jenkins was miscast in the role. The casting crew needed to take more time to find the best replacement like they did with the new Phyllis and the new Adam. They’ve done a phenomenal job with those two.
100% agree with you!
Thank you toscanti 🙂
You have said it perfectly, Donna. Agree with everything you wrote.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Burgess Jenkins completely fell flat as Billy, I don’t know what they saw when they hired him for a role previously played by Billy Miller, a multiple Emmy winner and fan favourite. BJ just doesn’t have the acting chops to pull such a central character.
Gina Tognoni and Justin Hartley are doing great in their roles, and it really shocks me that the same people who picked these two for recasts of such pivotal roles also managed to completely miscast Billy, another pivotal role.
I agree about BM on GH though, great casting choice and a great character he is making into his own. I can definitely see him sticking around for a long time, and Jason becoming a much more layered and multi-dimensional character than before.
awesome interview!!!
I love Billy Miller as Jake/jason he has been great, with everyone he meets. I love his friendship with Carly , and never want that to end, but I do want him to get his memory back, and fuse Jason Morgan, with Jake , and Jason Q. If anyone can do it, he can. He was a great re-cast, and I feel lucky that GH got him
I think he should be a fusion of Q, M and Jake! That’d be the most interesting. JaSam have had their time (Frons and Guza saw to it… years and years of it…) I think it’s time to move the character of Jason on… to ELIZABETH! Liason were a pairing I always liked, but with Becky and Billy, there is something really special. And I think this new hybrid Jason will be much better suited to Liz.
I think we’re all ready for this storyline to move forward, but at the same time, I’ve really enjoyed what RC/FV have done so far. I really hope BM sticks around. He has brought me back as a regular viewer to GH!
Great interview and thank you!!! I am lovinggggg Billy as Jason…. I’m so glad Billy decided to do it. I loved the scenes of him yesterday looking at the picture of Jason and Sam.. it was just heartbreaking. I’ve just enjoyed every second of him. He is right, no one can be Steve Burton’s Jason but Steve, just like no one could be Billy Miller’s Billy but Billy MIller… every actor HAS to give their own interpretation and make the role their own…………. I like what Billy said about these three characters, Jake, Jason M and Jason Q.. they coudl potentially collide. I can’t WAIT for that and I hope it happens. I am a big Jason Morgan fan, so I really want him in the mix too…. there is so much potential for a great story there especially in regards to his relationship with Sonny…..all the Jason Morgan memories in tact.. his love for Sonny, knowing ever REASON why he did what he did for Sonny.. yet THOSE memories doing battle with Jason Quartermaine who would have been horrififed to think he woud ever do those things. Love and hate for Sonny.. that’s what I want to see. But his love for SAM needs to stay in tact….. I cant’ wait tilll he remembers her. I love Sam with Patrick, but she belongs with Jason. OH!! and Spinelli has to be part of this!!!! Jason will be so confused, he will need his sweet, dear freinds Spinelli to help him sort it through!! I hope he comes back to stay and I can’t wait to see all the rest of this story unfold.
Oh i live for Billy Miller…sexy and he is so good on GH and i hope he becomes Jason Qutermamne not Jason Morgan ,i would like to see Sam and Patrick get together and be a family and then give danny and emma a true family
But as the girls say at work that man can get it any time he likes. Lol
I wasn’t too interested in seeing Jason Morgan return, but I like what Billy has done with the role so far. I really grew to like the Jake-Elizabeth dynamic, which surprised me pleasantly. Yesterday’s scenes have me excited to see what Billy does when we finally get to the climax of this tale.
I actually love him with Elizabeth. I hope they go that route.
Well speaking as a Sam fan and a Daniel Edward Morgan fan I would like it if he would acknowledge his son and wife..that is important
But somehow I want him to be jealous of Sam tryst with Silas..I don’t know how RC would write it though… I think Michael East on and Billy Miller could irk good together…
Why would he be jealous of Silas when she’s currently with Patrick…who he actually saw in bed with Sam. If he was going to freak out over anyone it would be Patrick.
He was great as Billy Abbot. Here on GH I was excited but there are three problems. #1 I still feel as if he is Billy Abbot. #2 I hate that he has to deal with identity crisis and Helena’s brainwashing. #3 In the end, is it really Jason? If Steve Burton returned Billy’s “Jason” would have been nothing more than a lab creation by Helena. He is a great actor and he does have chemistry with whomever he is with BUT I just cannot invest in this actor for these three reasons.
Great point of view, Timmm. Your conjecture definitely puts a different spin on the “revival” of Jason.
I hope nuJason will be honed as JQ, and stay put. I would hate to see Dullard back. Later.
Seems like Billy has taken quite the liking to Becky, and their chemistry is palpable on screen, so why not give Liason the chance other regimes continually tried to squander? Sam works with Patrick, and whatever happens with Jake’s memory, I still think this nuJason works better with Liz.
Excited to see where all this story goes.
I love Billy Miller and how he has made the role of “Jake” his own. I think he has great chemistry with most characters he shares scenes with: Carly, Elizabeth, Michael. The only part of the storyline that I do not like is that Helena has exerted “mind control” over Jake. I think it’s a ridiculous storyline. It’s too campy. It makes the show look like a cartoon.
Hi dmr. Not sure how long you’ve been watching GH but the Cassadines have been the sinister cast of characters for many years now. Helena brainwashed Lucky decades ago…it’s one of her many “talents.” And I think it was this family that also tried to freeze the world…and Cassadines aside…we also had Casey the alien back in the day. Welcome to Port Charles…where anything is possible!