Reaching ten years on a daytime drama is no small achievement, but for Jason Thompson, the milestone carries a deeper emotional weight. January marked a full decade since Thompson first stepped into Genoa City as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, and the anniversary has prompted fans to revisit a behind-the-scenes story that feels almost destined: Thompson’s decision to take the role came with the encouragement—and blessing—of the late Billy Miller, the actor who made Billy Abbott iconic in the first place.

In an industry where recasting beloved characters often sparks controversy, this passing of the torch stands out as something rare: a moment of genuine respect, friendship, and trust between two performers whose careers became forever linked by one role.

From Port Charles to Genoa City

Before he ever arrived at Newman Enterprises or crossed paths with the Abbotts, Jason Thompson was already a daytime staple. For more than a decade, he played Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital, earning a devoted fanbase and establishing himself as one of the genre’s most reliable leading men. When word spread that Thompson might be leaving Port Charles, viewers were stunned. Patrick Drake was deeply woven into the fabric of General Hospital, particularly through his relationship with Robin Scorpio.

What many fans didn’t realize at the time was that Thompson himself wasn’t even sure what the next chapter would look like. In early conversations with The Young and the Restless, he reportedly believed the show was interested in him for a completely new character. The truth—that producers were considering him for Billy Abbott—came later, and with it, a wave of anxiety.

Billy Abbott wasn’t just another role. He was a legacy character, one whose modern identity had been shaped decisively by Billy Miller.

The Shadow—and Support—of Billy Miller

By the time Jason Thompson learned Billy Abbott was on the table, Billy Miller had already left an indelible mark on the character. During his original run, Miller transformed Billy from a reckless playboy into a layered, emotionally complex figure, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and redefining how audiences viewed the Abbott heir.

Adding to the pressure was the fact that Thompson and Miller were not strangers. At the time, the two were working together at General Hospital, where Miller had taken on the role of Jason Morgan. That proximity made the situation even more delicate. Thompson wasn’t just stepping into a famous role—he was potentially stepping into a role still emotionally owned by a colleague and friend.

Rather than avoiding the subject, Thompson did the opposite. He went straight to Miller.

According to Thompson, he was honest about his uncertainty. He wasn’t sure where his career was heading, nor was he confident about whether he should leave General Hospital. Part of that hesitation stemmed from loyalty. Executive producer Frank Valentini had asked Thompson to stay a little longer so Patrick Drake could receive a proper, feel-good ending with Robin—something Thompson agreed was important.

“If Anyone Can Do It, You Can”

It was during this period of limbo that Billy Miller delivered the words that would ultimately change everything. Rather than guarding the role or expressing hesitation, Miller offered Thompson something far more powerful: reassurance.

In essence, Miller told him that if anyone was going to take over as Billy Abbott, Thompson was the right choice.

For Thompson, that moment meant everything. Hearing encouragement from the man who had defined the role—and who knew exactly what it demanded—lifted a weight he hadn’t realized he was carrying. It wasn’t just professional validation; it was personal. Miller understood what Billy Abbott represented to the audience, and his confidence signaled that the character could evolve without losing its soul.

That support didn’t end once Thompson accepted the job. Even after Thompson officially transitioned to The Young and the Restless, the two actors remained close, their friendship extending beyond shared credits and into mutual respect.

Making Billy Abbott His Own

Jason Thompson debuted as Billy Abbott in 2016, stepping into a role loaded with expectation. From the start, it was clear he wasn’t trying to imitate Billy Miller’s performance. Instead, Thompson brought his own interpretation—one shaped by vulnerability, emotional volatility, and a quieter intensity.

Over the next ten years, Thompson’s Billy Abbott would navigate some of the show’s most dramatic storylines: fractured romances, business wars, personal loss, and the constant struggle between self-destruction and redemption. His portrayal leaned into Billy’s flaws without stripping away his humanity, allowing audiences to see both the damaged man and the wounded child beneath the bravado.

The industry took notice. Thompson earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on The Young and the Restless, culminating in a well-deserved win in 2020. In a twist emblematic of that strange year, the ceremony was held virtually due to the pandemic, and Thompson’s Emmy was famously delivered straight to his doorstep—a surreal footnote to a career-defining moment.

A Decade Later, a Full-Circle Legacy

Looking back now, Thompson has admitted it’s almost hard to believe ten years have passed. By his own account, the decade has been deeply rewarding, both professionally and personally. What began as a nerve-wracking leap of faith became one of the defining chapters of his career.

And woven through that journey is the quiet, powerful presence of Billy Miller. Knowing that his time as Billy Abbott began with Miller’s blessing gives Thompson’s run an added layer of meaning—especially in the wake of Miller’s passing. It transforms the recast into something more than a career move; it becomes a shared legacy.

In a genre often driven by competition and comparison, this story stands apart. It’s a reminder that behind the drama, the rivalries, and the ratings battles, there are real friendships and moments of generosity that shape the stories viewers eventually see on screen.

As The Young and the Restless continues to evolve, Jason Thompson’s ten-year milestone isn’t just a celebration of longevity. It’s a testament to what can happen when one actor honors the past, another believes in the future, and a beloved character is allowed to live on—stronger, deeper, and forever connected to both men who brought him to life.