How many actors have played Billy Abott on The Young and the Restless? Complete list explored

The Young and the Restless, which first aired on March 26, 1973, quickly became a staple of US daytime television, known for its dramatic twists and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. One of its iconic characters is Billy Abbott, the wayward son of John Abbott. His complex journey, shaped by various relationships and conflicts, has made him a key player in the series.

Over the course of its remarkable run of more than 12,000 episodes, 6 actors have played the role of Billy. Each and every actor has brought their own flair and nuance to the character. This continuous evolution reflects the show's captivating narratives. With this character development, the audience has been entertained for years.

Actors who have played Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless

A total of 6 actors have played Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Here’s a detailed description of each of those:

1. David Tom (1999-2002, 2014)

David Tom played Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless twice. He first played the character from 1999 until 2002 and then just temporarily in the year 2014. Dealing with both conventional adolescent narratives and more dramatic soap opera plots, his first stint as Billy highlighted the character's transformation from a child to a teenager.

Particularly about his mother Jill and brother Jack, Tom's performance helped define Billy's rebellious attitude and complicated connections with his family. Tom came back to the part in 2014 following Billy Miller's leaving to keep consistency with the character's past.

His second term, though, was brief—just a few months. Tom's performances as Billy Abbott, particularly during his first run, greatly influenced the early adult years of the character and set the foundation for the next actors' interpretations even with the brief second run.

2. Ryan Brown (2002-2003)

Ryan Brown (Image via Youtube/@The Actor’s Audience)

Following David Tom's leave, Ryan Brown resumed Billy Abbott's role on The Young and the Restless from 2002 to 2003. Brown's performance coincided with Billy's character development's pivotal point since the show kept examining his journey from a teenage rebel to a young adult.

Billy ran into various dramatic narratives common to soap operas throughout Brown's tenure. These included familial strife, love entanglements, and personal hardships that shaped Billy's character even more. Brown's portrayal kept the character's impulsive and occasionally reckless attitude while still highlighting Billy's room for development.

3. Scott Seymour (2004)

Scott Seymour (Image via Youtube/@Rotten Tomatoes Indie)

On the enduring American soap opera The Young and the Restless, Scott Seymour played Billy Abbott in 2004. Billy Abbott, key player in the program, is renowned for his intricate relationships and dramatic narratives. Seymour's performance as Billy was somewhat short since several performers had filled the part over the years.

Billy Abbott would have been a young adult in 2004, most likely juggling family drama, romantic entanglements, and perhaps business-related strife common to soap opera stories. The Abbott family is crucial to The Young and the Restless, and Billy's actions have had knock-on effects around Genoa City, the fictional location of the program.

4. Billy Miller (2008-2014)

Billy Miller (Image via Youtube/@General Hospital)

From 2008 to 2014, Billy Miller played the part of Billy Abbott. The character developed into a more multifarious and important presence in Genoa City throughout Miller's reign.

His performance highlighted Billy's battles with addiction, his turbulent relationship with Victoria Newman, and his mixed feelings towards the Abbott family. Miller gave Billy's appealing yet self-destructive demeanor nuance, and his portrayal won him several Daytime Emmy Awards and critical praise.

5. Burgess Jenkins (2014-2016)

After Billy Miller left, Burgess Jenkins played the character of Billy Abbott. The duration of his role was from 2014 to 2016. Billy stayed a major player in Genoa City under Jenkins' direction, juggling personal and professional demands.

Jenkins portrayed Billy Abbott during a time of emotional turmoil as the character struggled with the death of his daughter, Delia. This loss shaped much of Billy's development, influencing his relationships and decisions. During this period, Billy faced challenges like a gambling addiction, a rocky relationship with Victoria Newman, and frequent conflicts within the Abbott family.

6. Jason Thompson (2016-present)

On The Young and the Restless, Jason Thompson replaced Billy Abbott in 2016 and still plays the part now. Billy's complexity is further developed during his stay through a mature portrayal of him.

Billy has had many difficulties and narratives under Thompson's performance, including professional ups and downs, complicated love entanglements, and continuous battles with his drug troubles. With the pair going through several reunions and separations, his connection with Victoria Newman has stayed a major focus.

Thompson has given Billy's challenges with his identity as an Abbott, his conflict with his brother Jack, and his attempts to establish himself in the corporate world. Critics have praised his performance; he has received Daytime Emmy nominations as well.

Closing thoughts

Billy Abbott has been played by several actors over the years. This has showcased his tremendous growth from a mischievous child to a complex adult. Each and every portrayal has added unique depth to Billy's character, contributing to the show's long-standing success.

As fans continue to follow his evolving storyline, they appreciate the rich history and evolution of Billy Abbott, a character that remains integral to the fabric of The Young and the Restless.

Edited by Divya Singh