News
Y&R’s Jason Thompson Pays Tribute to Billy Miller: “For as Long as the Opportunity is Mine, I Will Forever Dedicate Myself to the History You Built for Billy Abbott”
The soap community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved actors, Billy Miller. The three-time Daytime Emmy-winning star passed away on Friday, in Austin, Texas at the age of 43, just two days before what would have been his 44th birthday.
Throughout the last 36 hours, heartfelt videos, photos, and posts have been shared all over social media by so many of Billy’s friends and castmates, sharing their grief at the loss of such a talent, so suddenly.
The Young and the Restless’ Jason Thompson took to his Instagram on Monday. In his video, he tried to express how he feels about the passing of his colleague and former co-star.
Photo: JPI
Thompson and Miller share the interesting distinction of both playing the pivotal role of Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and working together on another soap opera, General Hospital.
Miller played Billy Abbott from 2008-2014, and Thompson took over the role in January of 2016 and has played the part ever since. On General Hospital, Miller played Jason Morgan, while Thompson played Dr. Patrick Drake.
Jason talked about Billy in his IG video, expressing: “It’s hard for to think about him being gone.” He added, “More than a few years ago, I was very much aware of Billy while I was on General Hospital, because he was a fantastic actor. I remember being in the audience when he won a few of his Emmys and he had that kind of thing when he is up on screen where you believe every word that he said … he was in it.” Thompson noted, “We got to work together and became friends.”
Photo: JPI
Accompanying the video, Jason posted these words in tribute to Miller: “Billy was a special actor. My heart goes out to his family, his friends that loves him so much, our cast mates and his many, many fans. Billy-thank you for keeping me honest. For as long as the opportunity is mine, I will forever dedicate myself to the history you built for Billy Abbott on @youngandrestlesscbs. Light and love, my friend. ❤️”
Later, Jason posted a second video to continue his thoughts on the loss of his friend and former co-star. You can watch both IG videos below.
What did you think of the sentiments shared by Jason Thompson at carrying on the legacy of the role of Billy Abbott from the late Billy Miller? Let us know in the comment section.
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I posted a comment earlier can’t find it but brain was moving faster than I was writing. When I said laughing on the outside crying on the inside I was referring to Billy obviously if reports are true he was troubled and I hate that because the guy had so much class and each role he portrayed on different soaps he left his impression on them. God speed you were loved
Jason is so gorgeous and so classy.
Beautiful JasonWhile we mourn the loss..You have made Billy Abbott your own and you are a fabulous Actor and Billy Abbott.. Many know this..You are so humble humble an endearing quality..Don’t ever lose that..You’ve brought on a more mature Billy Abbott that was necessary and your loved in the role..You are such a classy gorgeous man..You’ve made the character your own.. Very very sad that Billy passed so sudden and young..May Billy Miller rest in peace in Heaven. Condolences to his loved ones and all who loved him..
I am 77 and have watched Y&R since the 1st show. I have always loved Billy Miller. He makes you smile when he smiles. He is special. He reminds me so much of my own son. They look alot alike and my son has challenges also. I just related to him and am heartbroken from the loss of a wonderful actor and person who touched me so deeply. GOD BLESS YOU BILLY.
How very sad you don’t know and I hope all of them can find some peace
Jason. you made it your own. Billy Will so be missed. we do love him so much. but don’t think for a moment we don’t love you just as much. Sending love and prayers to his family friends and you. You hold the torch! burn bright Jason!
News
Jensen Ackles to Make His ‘Tracker’ Debut
This Sunday, May 12th, (9pm ET/8pm PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+), Jensen Ackles (ex-Eric Brady, Days of our Lives, ex-Dean Winchester, Supernatural) makes his first on-screen appearance in his new TV role on Tracker.
Jensen was cast as Russell Shaw, the brother to Justin Hartley’s (ex-Adam Newman, Y&R and Fox Crane, Passions) Colter Shaw.
In the episode entitled “Off the Books”, Colter is forced to team up with his estranged brother, Russell, who enlists his help to track down a former army buddy who’s gone missing after several weeks of paranoid behavior. The investigation takes the brothers into the world of Special Forces missions, shady off-the-books programs and conspiracy theories, all while they contend with their family’s past.
Photo: CBS
Colter’s past with Russell is one of the main themes of the freshman season of Tracker which has been picked up for a second season. Ackles appearance comes in the penultimate episode of season one.
Photo: CBS
Hartley revealed in a post on Instagram two weeks ago that Ackles was coming to Tracker as his brother and he was the perfect person for the part.
Check out a sneak peak of Sunday night’s episode of Tracker below.
So, looking forward to seeing Jensen and Justin together as on-screen brothers on Tracker? Comment below.
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General Hospital
Dee Wallace to Play the Late Jackie Zeman’s On-Screen Sister on ‘The Bay’
The Daytime Emmy-winning streaming series,The Bay, has revealed some major casting news. Former General Hospital guest star, Dee Wallace (ex-Patricia Spencer), who is best known for her roles in the blockbuster films ET and Cujo, is joining the show for its ninth season.
Wallace will take on the role of Charlotte Grace, who in story, happens to be the sister of Sofia Madison, played by the late Jackie Zeman (ex-Bobbie Spencer, GH).
In an intriguing twist, Dee came to General Hospital as the older sister of Luke (Tony Geary) and Bobbie. Patricia was key to the plot in the “Fluke” storyline where GH played out the harrowing backstory that Luke killed both his parents to protect himself and his siblings.
Photo: JPI
Dee was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2016 for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series for her work on GH.
Additional casting news from The Bay for season 9 includes: Mack Wilds, best known for his role as Dixon on 90210, joining the show as a recast Will Campbell. The character was last seen in season 3.
Photo: Oliviadabonet
In addition, Olivia d’Abo who played Karen Arnold on the the sitcom, The Wonder Years joins the show in the role of Felicia “Fifi” Garrett-Martin, the daughter of Lex Martin played by Tristan Rogers.
What do you think of Dee Wallace playing the on-screen sister, once again to the late Jackie Zeman on The Bay? Comment below.
American Idol
ABC Renews ‘American Idol’ for Season 8 and ‘The Bachelor’ for Season 29
While Katy Perry is exiting her gig at the judges table on American Idol at the end of this season, that will not stop the show from continuing on. The popular reality-singing competition had been renewed for its 8th season on ABC and its 23rd season overall.
American Idol started on Fox and was given new life at ABC seven years ago. The announcement of the renewal comes ahead of its Season 22 finale set to air on Sunday, May 19th.
As for Perry, she revealed back in February that she is stepping away from the show to pursue other career interests. The show is actively looking for the right chemistry and person to sit alongside judges and music superstars, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who will be back next season, as will longtime host, Ryan Seacrest.
Photo: ABC
In other renewals, The Bachelor will be back following Joey Graziadei’s ratings winner of a season. The reality-dating competition will serve up its 29th season.
There is no premiere date set, but as has been in the past, the series usually premieres in January of the new year. While ‘Bachelor Nation’ will need to await, just who will be the next ‘Bachelor’, that person will most likely be selected from Jen Tran’s season of The Bachelorette, which is currently in production.
Photo: ABC
Jen’s journey to find love as the lead in The Bachelorette, marks that shows 19th season. It’s set to premiere this summer on July 8th and will again be hosted by Jesse Palmer.
Glad to hear “Idol” is coming back? Who should replace Katy Perry? Are you over ‘The Bachelor’ or did the last season featuring Joey as the lead, reinvigorate your interest in the show? Comment below.
Jensen Ackles to Make His ‘Tracker’ Debut
Dee Wallace to Play the Late Jackie Zeman’s On-Screen Sister on ‘The Bay’
ABC Renews ‘American Idol’ for Season 8 and ‘The Bachelor’ for Season 29
GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Victor to Jordan: “You’re a Delusional Vicious, Bitch!” But, Is He About to Sic Her on Jack?
John J. York Back at General Hospital
Y&R’s Zuleyka Silver Gets Engaged
Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
General Hospital Alum Chloe Lanier to Guest Star on ‘Law & Order’
Jensen Ackles to Make His ‘Tracker’ Debut
(INTERVIEW) Y&R’s Peter Bergman Deconstructs Jack’s Desperate Move to Sober Up Nikki, the Repercussions Ahead, and the Loss of TV Mom, Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) Adam Huss Talks on His Latest GH Return, Maura West, Nicholas Chavez, and Being a Swiftie
Richard Simmons Recalls His Time On General Hospital and Meeting Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Rick Springfield and More
(WATCH) B&B’s Katherine Kelly Lang and Annika Noelle Talk Lead Actress Emmy Nominations and Brooke and Hope’s Mother/Daughter Relationship
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