Jason Thompson Celebrates 10 Years On The Young And The Restless

Jason Thompson as 10 years as Billy Abbott

In a new interview with TV Insider, Jason Thompson looks back on a decade in Genoa City and the life-changing decision that brought him to The Young and the Restless.

Jason Thompson Celebrates 10 Years On The Young And The Restless

Long before he stepped into the role of Billy Abbott—a part deeply beloved by fans and once portrayed by the late, legendary Billy Miller—Thompson had already built a powerful legacy of his own. The actor made his daytime debut as Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital in 2005. Ten years later, he found himself craving the unknown.

“I didn’t necessarily have a plan, but I was ready for a change,” Thompson reflects.“I was at General Hospital for 10 years, and Paloma and I made the decision to move on.”

At the time, GH’s former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps—the very person who hired him years earlier—was now running Y&R. When she learned Thompson was leaving, she immediately reached out. Thompson assumed their meeting would be about a new character. Little did he know, she had something much bigger in mind: the role of Billy Abbott.

Billy Abbott: Big Character, Big Shoes

Taking over a role made iconic by Billy Miller was no small task. Before accepting, Thompson turned to Miller, who was working at General Hospital at the time.

“Billy said, ‘Hey, are you going to take over Billy?’” Thompson shares.“I told him I wasn’t sure what was happening. He said, ‘If somebody’s going to take that character over, you can do it.’”

That quiet encouragement meant everything. Knowing how much the character meant to Miller—and to fans—helped guide Thompson into the next chapter of his career.

A Dramatic Entrance: Billy in a Coma

Thompson’s first day on Y&R was unforgettable in the most soap-opera way possible: Billy Abbott was in a coma.

“People were so supportive and kind,” Thompson says.“I remember Kristoff St. John coming up to me and saying, ‘I’ve watched your work. I can’t believe you’re here right now.’”

Those early moments eased the nerves of being “the new kid” in a legendary hallway.

Jason Thompson marked his debut as Billy Abbott in the coma.

A Special Bond: Jess Walton (Jill Abbott)

One of the strongest connections he formed was with Jess Walton, who has played Jill Abbott for decades.

“We have a very special relationship,” Thompson says warmly.“She’s called me her son from day one. I just listen to her and trust her fully. She’s an amazing person with an incredible legacy.”

Their on-screen dynamic—equal parts combustible, loving, and unpredictable—has become one of the most cherished elements of the Abbott family story.

Ten Years Later… Still Going Strong

Today, Jason Thompson remains a cornerstone of The Young and the Restless. Whether Billy is in turmoil, redemption mode, or blowing up his own life (again), Thompson consistently delivers some of the most layered performances in daytime television. From Port Charles to Genoa City, from Patrick Drake to Billy Abbott…Jason Thompson has spent 10 years proving exactly why he’s one of the best in the business.