All actors who played Billy Abbott on The Young and The Restless, explored

Sayan
Jason Thompson in The Young and The Restless (Image via CBS)
Jason Thompson in The Young and The Restless (Image via CBS)

Billy Abbott has been a big part of The Young and the Restless for decades. The character first appeared as a baby in 1993. Different actors have played him over the years. His story has covered everything from teenage drama to struggles with gambling and messy relationships. David Tom was the first to play a grown-up Billy. He won a Daytime Emmy for his performance.

Billy Miller took over later and earned three Emmy awards for his work. Jason Thompson is the current Billy. Fans like his take on the character. Billy's role on the show has changed a lot because of the different actors. Each actor brought something new to the character.

The frequent recasting is a normal thing in daytime TV. It keeps the character fresh. Billy’s history on Y&R is not just about his storylines. It is also about how each actor helped shape the character. The many faces of Billy Abbott show how change can keep a show interesting.


Here are all the actors who played Billy Abbott on The Young and The Restless

1) David Tom (1999–2002, 2014)

David Tom starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via X/@davidtom_23)
David Tom starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via X/@davidtom_23)

David Tom played Billy Abbott from 1999 to 2002 and returned for a short stint in 2014. He was the first actor to show Billy as a teenager and young adult, bringing a mix of charm and rebelliousness to the character. Tom’s version of Billy faced real challenges, from dealing with his family’s expectations to making mistakes in love and life.

He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2000 for his work. His performance during the storyline with Mackenzie Browning showed Billy’s vulnerable side. When he returned in 2014, he stepped into an adult version of Billy, but the role did not fit as well as before. Tom’s initial run helped define who Billy Abbott was on the show, making his portrayal a benchmark for future actors.


2) Ryan Brown (2002–2003)

Ryan Brown starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Youtube/@The Actor’s Audience)
Ryan Brown starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Youtube/@The Actor’s Audience)

Ryan Brown played Billy Abbott from December 2002 to July 2003. He brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the character, showing Billy as a young man finding his place in Genoa City. Brown's portrayal gave Billy a mix of wit and charm, making him a lively presence on the show.

He only appeared in 10 episodes, but he made every scene matter. Brown showed how Billy could be playful while still dealing with the weight of being an Abbott. His performance kept Billy’s character strong during a time of change for the show.

Brown managed to show a lighter side of Billy without losing the depth that made the character interesting. His portrayal helped keep Billy relevant and set the stage for future storylines.


3) Scott Seymour (2006)

Scott Seymour starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Youtube/ Kevin Crenshaw)
Scott Seymour starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Youtube/ Kevin Crenshaw)

Scott Seymour played Billy Abbott from August to November 2006. His role came during a time when Billy was not heavily featured on the show. Seymour's portrayal kept Billy present in the story, showing him as part of everyday life in Genoa City. He appeared in 26 episodes, giving the character stability without diving into major storylines.

His performance helped keep Billy's character relevant even without the spotlight. Seymour's version of Billy acted as a placeholder, ensuring the character stayed part of the Abbott family's world while the show focused on other characters. His portrayal showed Billy as a steady presence, ready for new developments when the time was right.


4) Billy Miller (2008–2014)

Billy Miller starred in The Young and The Restless (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for ATI)
Billy Miller starred in The Young and The Restless (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for ATI)

Billy Miller played Billy Abbott from September 2008 to January 2014. He showed Billy as a character who was both charming and deeply troubled. Miller's performance took Billy to new places, showing his battles with love, loss, and addiction. He brought real emotion to the storyline where Billy lost his daughter Delia.

His portrayal showed how grief changed Billy, making his pain feel real and raw. Miller won three Daytime Emmy Awards for his work, showing how much his performance connected with fans. He turned Billy into more than just a soap opera character.

Miller showed how Billy's mistakes led to real consequences and a difficult journey toward redemption. His time on the show changed how people saw Billy, showing him as a character who struggled but never gave up.


5) Burgess Jenkins (2014–2016)

Burgess Jenkins starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Instagram@bejenkins34)
Burgess Jenkins starred in The Young and The Restless (Image via Instagram@bejenkins34)

Burgess Jenkins took over as Billy Abbott from 2014 to 2016. He stepped into the role during one of Billy's hardest times, showing how Delia's death affected him deeply. Jenkins brought a serious and thoughtful approach to the character, showing how grief led Billy down a dark path.

His portrayal focused on Billy's struggles with drinking, gambling, and dealing with the ghostly memory of Delia.

He played Billy as someone who wanted redemption but found it hard to move on. His time on the show highlighted Billy’s inner battles and how he tried to find his way through his pain. Jenkins managed to keep Billy relevant by showing how deep his struggles went, making the character's journey toward healing both real and compelling.


6) Jason Thompson (2016–Present)

Jason Thompson in The Young and The Restless (Image via CBS)
Jason Thompson in The Young and The Restless (Image via CBS)

Jason Thompson has played Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless since January 2016. He brings a fresh take to the character showing Billy as a mix of charm and chaos. Thompson shows how Billy tries to enjoy life while always battling his own flaws. His portrayal gives depth to Billy's struggles with addiction and his messy love life.

Thompson makes sure every scene feels real as Billy faces his demons and tries to make things right. He plays Billy as a man who often makes mistakes but keeps fighting to get back on track. Thompson’s work as Billy is not about quick fixes or easy redemption. He shows the hard path Billy walks every day.

His performance in The Young and The Restless earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Lead Actor in 2020. Thompson keeps Billy evolving, showing a character who never settles and always brings something new to Genoa City.


Stay tuned for more articles on The Young and The Restless.

Edited by Apoorva Jujjavarapu
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