Amelia Heinle and the late Billy Miller created soap opera supercouple magic as Victoria Newman and Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless. The actors were costars for six years before Miller left the CBS soap.
Miller earned two Daytime Emmys for his portrayal of the charming Genoa City power player, who is now played by Jason Thompson. Miller died by suicide in 2023 at the age of 43. In a rare interview, Heinle opened up about her onscreen connection with Miller.
“Working with my dear, departed Billy Miller was probably the most incredible period,” she told. “It was so special, and the kind of experience you’re forever grateful to have had.”
Heinle acknowledged that her chemistry with Miller was something she didn’t expect. “It’s so rare that you have that incredible chemistry with your scene partner, and it’s parlayed into a beautiful story,” she admitted.
The actress recalled that she and Miller had “so much fun” on set. “I think anyone who worked with Billy or met him had fun,” she gushed. “He was just the most fun person. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. I never wanted it to end, and I told myself it was never going to get any better, because it was just the best time I’d ever had.”
Heinle believes that Victoria was forever “changed because of that time in her life. They were yin and yang, and it allowed Victoria to loosen up, and to realize there was more to life than work and being Victor Newman’s daughter.” She said Miller’s presence was simply “unforgettable.”
Miller went on to have a notable role on General Hospital as Jason Morgan and later Drew Cain. His final role before his tragic death was a 2022 guest appearance on NCIS.
