Jason Thompson Celebrates 10 Years as Billy Abbott — and the Powerful Role Billy Miller Played Behind the Scenes
Jason Thompson has reached a major milestone on The Young and the Restless. On January 14, the actor officially marked 10 years portraying Billy Abbott, a role that has become a defining chapter of his career.
While fans know that Billy Abbott was originally made iconic by the late Billy Miller, what many may not realize is just how instrumental Miller himself was in encouraging Thompson to take on the role—and how meaningful their friendship truly was.
From Port Charles to Genoa City
Before arriving in Genoa City, Jason Thompson spent more than a decade on General Hospital as Dr. Patrick Drake, a fan-favorite role that made him a daytime television staple. When news broke that Thompson would be leaving Port Charles, viewers were stunned.
According to Thompson, early conversations about The Young and the Restless didn’t initially involve Billy Abbott at all. He believed the show was considering him for a completely new character. Once he learned the truth, however, reality set in—and so did the nerves.
Billy Abbott wasn’t just any role. It was a beloved character with a passionate fanbase, already portrayed memorably by Billy Miller, who had earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance.
Seeking Advice From the Man Who Defined the Role
At the time, Thompson and Miller were working together on General Hospital, which made the situation even more daunting. Thompson has openly admitted that knowing how deeply Miller had defined Billy Abbott made the decision intimidating.
Naturally, Thompson turned to Miller for guidance. Miller didn’t hesitate to ask him directly if he was considering taking over the role. Thompson was candid, admitting that he wasn’t sure where his career was heading.
Complicating matters further, General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini had asked Thompson to remain a bit longer so Patrick Drake could receive a proper, feel-good ending with Robin—something Thompson ultimately agreed to.
During that period of uncertainty, Billy Miller offered Thompson the reassurance he needed most.
In essence, Miller told him that if anyone could step into Billy Abbott’s shoes, it was him.
For Thompson, that validation meant everything. Hearing encouragement from the very actor who had defined the role carried enormous weight—and gave him the confidence to move forward.
A Decade of Making the Role His Own
Jason Thompson officially debuted as Billy Abbott in 2016. Over the past ten years, he has transformed the character into something uniquely his own, delivering layered emotional performances and navigating some of the show’s most memorable storylines.
His work has earned him three Daytime Emmy nominations, including a well-deserved win in 2020—a year made even more unusual by the pandemic, when the ceremony went virtual and Thompson’s Emmy was delivered directly to his home.
A Milestone Made More Meaningful
Looking back, Thompson admits it’s hard to believe that a full decade has passed. By his own account, it’s been an incredible journey—one made even more meaningful by knowing it began with the support and blessing of Billy Miller himself.
As The Young and the Restless continues, Jason Thompson’s legacy as Billy Abbott stands as a testament not only to his talent, but also to a friendship and moment of generosity that helped shape one of daytime television’s most enduring recasts.
