Meghan Markle's Suits co-star 'dies by suicide' aged 43 as his mum pays tribute

19 September 2023 , 07:04

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Billy Miller died at the age of 43 (Image: REX)

Billy Miller has died at the age of 43, just days before his birthday, with his cause of death now being revealed.

The actor, who starred alongside Meghan Markle in Suits, died by suicide on Friday, his heartbroken mother Patricia Miller has confirmed. Patricia issued a statement paying tribute to her son and thanking his fans for their support.

She said Billy's family and friends have received an "overwhelming amount of love, prayers and condolences" following the death of her son. She also opened up about his mental health struggles as she revealed he had been diagnosed with bipolar depression in the years before his death.

Billy Miller starred as Marcus Specter in Suits (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

"He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease," Patricia said in a statement shared with the Soap Opera Digest. She added that he loved his family and friends, "but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life."

Billy's death has been the subject of unfounded speculation on a number of fan blogs, with Patricia hitting out at the rumours. She said any other causes of death being told "are not true". She added: "I wish they were but they just aren't."

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Thanking fans for their ongoing support, Patricia said her family are now "desperately trying to deal with our loss." In a statement shared with The Mirror, Billy's management said he is survived by his mother, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson, and niece Charley.

Billy's manager added: "He also leaves behind a great many friends and colleagues who will miss his warm personality, generous spirit, and genuine kindness." Tributes have been pouring in for Billy, including from Suits co-creator Aaron Korsh.

He was 43 years old when he died (Picture Perfect/REX/Shutterstock)

Meghan Markle is yet to pay tribute to her co-star (Frank Ockenfels/USA Network)

Aaron took to X, formally known as Twitter, on Sunday to share a touching tribute. "Very sad news for the entire Suits family. I flew home once with Billy. We had a great time, bonding over the five-hour flight, which seemed like it was over in minutes. A funny, smart, kind, gentle man," he wrote.

Meghan Markle, who played Rachel Zane in Suits, is yet to speak out on Billy's death. The Duchess of Sussex worked with Billy on five episodes of Suits.

Billy started his acting career when he was signed to Wilhelmina modelling agency and went on to appear in a number of TV adverts for brands such as Pizza Hut and JCPenny. In 2006, when he was 26, Billy starred in CSI: NY before he landed the role of Richie Novak on the soap opera All My Children.

He first appeared on the ABC Daytime show on August 30, 2007. After his character's demise, Billy landed a role on The Young and the Restless. He took on the role of Billy Abbott and made his first appearance on the show in 2008.

In 2014 it was then announced that Billy would take on the role of Jason Morgan in General Hospital. However, in 2017 Steve Burton returned to take over the role. He played the role of Marcus Specter in Suits from 2015 until 2019.

Fans have been left devastated by the news of his passing, with one person writing: "I am so sad to learn of Billy Miller passing I loved watching him on all my children young and the restless and general hospital May he rest in peace." Another said: "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."

For emotional support in the UK you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website. Or in the US if you are in crisis or feel suicidal and need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Scarlett O'Toole