John J. York’s positive outlook on his current medical diagnosis is quite remarkable, as his approach might be one many facing the same circumstances might consider.  The beloved General Hospital vet, where he has played Mac Scorpio for 22 years, revealed last week that he is battling cancer.

The popular soap star shared that he has been fighting myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, and multiple smoldering myeloma: two blood and bone marrow disorders.

York spoke with PEOPLE about how he found out about his diagnosis, the support his wife Vicki has shown throughout, and how he lives life day to day, while he waits for an all-important bone marrow transplant.

Photo: JPI

The actor shared what happened the moment he learned of his diagnosis: “(The doctor) was explaining all these different things and cells and all different levels and words that had, you know, 25 letters in them. And I didn’t understand. And Vicki finally came out and said, ‘Does John have cancer?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ And I’m sitting there, I’m really just like a fly on the wall, listening to him talk to Vicki because she was the one asking all the questions.  At the end of his doctor’s conversation with Vicki, York’s one question was simple: ‘Why do I feel so good?’”

Vicki and John were in the process of moving to Tennessee to be closer to their daughter, Skyler, but considering UCLA in Los Angeles as John’s treatment center.  In the end, Skyler’s husband suggested Vanderbilt University for John’s cancer center so he did not have to travel back and forth to the west coast.

Since March of this year, John has had IV chemo treatments every month, with another one coming up in September. On that, John expressed: “It is what it’s, you know what I mean? And then everybody’s gotta get their treatment. And then you go home, go about your life and you play with the kids. And here we are.”

Currently, York is waiting for a bone marrow transplant. He has been moved up the donor priority list. If anyone is interested, and you are between 18-40, you can join the registry here bethematch.org/matchformac.

Photo: JohnJYorkX

York shared how Vicki is coping with what’s ahead: “Yeah, she’s scared, but believe it or not, I really kinda wasn’t because I feel great. Personally, I feel like it’s in God’s hands. God’s will be done. It’s gonna work out okay, one way or another. I’m either gonna survive or I’m not. And life goes on and things are gonna be okay for everybody… Let’s just go one day at a time.”

Share your well-wishes, and support and love to John, as he goes through the next phase of his health battle and let’s hope a bone marrow transplant donor is found for him soon. After all, we all want to see Mac Scorpio return to Port Charles, but more importantly, we all want John to feel better and beat this.Comment below.

Patricia Miller, the mother of the late Billy Miller, has come forward and issued a touching statement on the tragic death of her beloved son at age 43.  The statement was shared by Billy’s longtime manager, Marnie Sparer, via social media.

Billy was best-known for his performances as Richie Nowack on All My Children, Billy Abbott of The Young and the Restless and Jason Morgan/Drew Cain on General Hospital, as well as countless primetime roles.  Throughout his career, Miller took home three Daytime Emmys for his work.

“I would like to share the following thoughts,” Patricia began. “I want to personally thank the many fans & personal friends for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers & condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ – Billy Miller.”

Photo: JPI

Patricia continued with these sentiments, as she wanted to clear up any misinterpretations on this death: “He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. 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. The other causes of death being told are not true. I wish they were but they just aren’t. 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.”

The soap world as well as Billy’s family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues are in deep mourning for this talented man, who was gone too soon.

Share your thoughts, and send your condolences to Patricia Miller and the rest of Billy’s family, via the comment section below.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

UPDATED: On Sunday, longtime friends and co-stars of actor Billy Miller took to social media to share their remembrances and sorrow on the passing of the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star.

Miller passed away on Friday, September 15th as first reported and confirmed by Michael Fairman TV.  While the official cause of death has not been revealed, it has been related to the press by his management that Billy was suffering from manic depression.

Billy played Jason Morgan/Drew Cain on General Hospital from 2014-2019, and prior to that won 3 Daytime Emmys for his role as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless from 2008-2014.  He started his soap career on All My Children in the role of Richie Novack back in 2007-2008.

Below are just some of the tributes pouring in for Billy:

Eric Braeden: “We lost BILLY MILLER! It saddens me deeply! He was a very gifted actor! Amelia(Victoria) and I took him to dinner one evening while he was in tough negotiations, and I remember telling him to reconsider, because rarely is an actor given a part that describes him almost perfectly, and to not make the mistake I had seen some actors make over my 60’years in the business, that they are indispensable! Once an actor thinks that or is told that by some sycophants, they step onto a slippery road…usually to oblivion! “BILLY BOY” was not only a damn good actor but a nice man! May he rest in peace and meet up with KRISTOFF in the BEYOND, ‘the undiscovered country from whose bourn no Traveller returns “ and tell each other jokes! They were both loved by their colleagues!”

Photo: JPI

Melissa Claire Egan: “My beautiful friend. I love you. I’m so sad. And I’m so sorry.”

Chrishell Stause: “Still processing this. Too many feelings, but you are gone 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 ”

Jess Walton: “RIP to my precious Billy Miller. You were and ARE  much loved by all of us who knew you”

Daniel Goddard: “The world is going to be just that little bit more dull without you in it… you had that “it” factor that lit up every room you were in. Rest In Peace Mate ”

Photo: JPI

Nancy Lee Grahn: “So very sorry to hear this very sad and unexpected news. I would like very much for my beloved General Hospital to have no more of it. #RIPBillyMiller“

Eileen Davidson: “I’m so sad to hear of Billy Miller’s passing. His infectious charm and warmth left lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives. I’m gonna miss that mischievous smile. Love you Billy.”

PhotoL JPI

Jason Thompson” “I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about my friend, Billy Miller. Heartbreaking. He was funny, had a great laugh and very talented. Light and love to his family and friends.”

Brad Bell: “Billy Miller was a great man and a gifted actor. Billy left an indelible mark on The Young and the Restless with his brilliant portrayal of Billy Abbott. He will be sorely missed.”

Stephen Nichols: “Sure gonna miss you, man.”

Finola Hughes: “Billy … far too soon … peace be with you”

Kin Shriner: “Very sad to hear about Billy Miller I so enjoyed his time on @GeneralHospital He was a really good guy and funny and kind to all !RIP Billy”

Jon Lindstrom: “Billy was gifted. He was also good-natured, smart, funny, and always impressed me as a great friend to those close to him. He didn’t blink when I asked him to put on this shirt to help raise up the marginalized artists in our industry. He always seemed to have his heart in the right place and I always laughed when I was around him. #FlightOfAngels. #RIP #BillyMiller #bereft”

Frank Valentini: “I am devastated to hear news of the incredibly talented Billy Miller’s passing. On behalf of the entire (General Hospital) family, our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Photo: JPI

Elizabeth Hendrickson: “Today I should have been sending you a Happy Birthday text BJ. Truth be told i hated calling you BJ but that’s what your closest friends /family called you. I eventually caved. The last couple years we kept in touch through birthdays and monumental moments or when we wanted to vent about “ work”. You gave me a lot of advise. When i understood it always mumbling your words. We always joked about that.
We didn’t text or talk often. But I’m glad the last couple times we did, we had a great banter like we used to. I knew that we always held a special place in each others hearts, no matter what. You were such an amazing friend to your inner circle. They were your family. You would do ANYTHING for them. That’s who really were. As loyal as they came. I’m sad and yes, mad at myself that I wasn’t being a better friend, checking in more often because I was thinking of you recently. I was. I hope you know that we are all here now texting each other, sending pictures and sharing memories of how fucking AWESOME you were. This hole in my heart will never be filled. Goodnight, sweet Billy.”

Scott Clifton: “This is not fair. We deserved so much more of him. Rest in peace, Billy. You’re immortal now.”

Photo: JPI

Coby Ryan McLaughlin (ex-Shiloh, GH): “Man… this sucks. Billy and I played on GH together for nearly a year. He was intense, focused, cool and kind. He knew the hamster wheel that I was about to start spinning on all too well, and always made himself available to help the new guy….. Rest easy, man…

Michael Muhney (ex-Adam, Y&R):  “Billy, My fellow Texas brother. You lit up every room with your smile. Your quiet intensity onscreen was second only to your gentle kindness and genuine care in private. We recently shared work on an Apple series, and your encouragements during and after that process, and your kindness over the years are now but a few of the things I’ll hold on to as warm memories of you. What a big heart you had. You were bigger and braver and bolder than this life. You were legend. There is no landing to this final cliffhanger, the wings you’ve spent your lifetime earning have carried you up to that wonderful place in the sky. Happy Birthday Billy Miller.”

The Young and the Restless: “The daytime community mourns the loss of Billy Miller who graced Y&R with his talent for many years as Billy Abbott. Our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

Kathleen Gati: “I am beyond sad to hear this tragic news.#BillyMiller was always so kind, professional and a wonderfully talented colleague  @GeneralHospital Deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

TK Weaver: “Devastated. Hard to find words. You always gave me such good advice. You were always there for me. You were an amazing person. #BillyMiller I’ll never forget you. Please join me in praying for his family and loved ones.”

Greg Rikaart: Generous, passionate, fun, soulful and brilliant Billy. Can you just imagine the reunion between him and Jeanne? I can. Rest well, dear Billy

Sean Kanan: “Shocked and saddened to hear that Billy Miller is no longer with us. He was a terrific actor and always kind when we would see each other. I pray that his family and friends find comfort and peace during this unimaginably difficult time. #BillyMiller #YR”

Share your remembrances for Billy Miller and his work and performances on Y&R, GH and AMC below.  But first, check out Michael Fairman TV’s interview with Billy following his Daytime Emmy win for Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2014.

 

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