The Young and the Restless Stars Pay Tribute to Jason Thompson (Exclusive)

This week marks a major milestone for Jason Thompson, who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his first appearance as Billy Abbott on Young and Restless. Following his 2005-16 run as Dr. Patrick Drake on General Hospital, the actor joined the cast of Y&R to take over the role of Billy beginning with the January 14, 2016, episode. Thompson has received multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations over the course of his soap career and took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2020 for his work on Y&R. To help mark the milestone of his decade in Genoa City, many of Thompson’s co-stars shared heartfelt tributes to the actor with Soap Opera Digest.

Jess Walton (Jill)

“Happy 10th anniversary to Jason Thompson. One of the most accomplished and conscientious actors I have ever worked with. His character is forceful, intelligent, and very lovable. Same as he is in real life! It’s been my joy and privilege to have worked with you all these years!”

Peter Bergman (Jack)

“Jason Thompson is a perfect Billy Abbott, a supremely talented actor, and an all-around great guy. That he plays my brother is one of the great gifts of my long career in daytime. I knew his brilliant work on GH, expected a lot when they cast him as Billy, and he has far exceeded my every expectation. Congratulations, Jason, on your magnificent 10-year run on Y&R.”

Beth Maitland (Traci)

“The privilege of working with Jason Thompson is a highlight of my professional and personal life. He absolutely radiates warmth, sincere connection, and professionalism on and off the screen. He once told me no storyline would fail because he wasn’t trying (or words to that effect). What a testament to his commitment to his craft, his co-stars and his colleagues, and the work itself. He loves his family deeply, loves his friends as well. He’s grateful to a fault, a smart businessman, my sweet advocate and brother in the trenches. It’s just too bad he’s so hard to look at. Love you, Jason. Happy Ten Years!!”

Eileen Davidson (Ashley)

“What can I say about ‘J’ that I’m sure hasn’t already been said? His immense talent speaks for itself! But did you know that he’s also hilarious and kind and an incredible family man? He’s all those things and more wrapped up in a gorgeous man! So fun to work with as well. Love having him as my little bro!”

Courtney Hope (Sally)

“Jason is an outstanding artist and an even more incredible human. I admire his authenticity and his ability to create depth and groundedness in each conversation on and off screen. It is such a privilege getting to work with him! Congratulations! Here’s to many more decades to come!”

Michael Mealor (Kyle)

“From the beginning, Jason welcomed me with open arms to the Abbott family. At Y&R, he’s been a scene partner, a coach, a friend and he’s one of my favorite actors to watch on screen. Congratulations on 10 years, Jason!”

Michelle Stafford (Phyllis)

“I love Jason so much! He is a soulful man. Absolutely as lovely as you would imagine. I really love the Billy/Phyllis thing we have going. So complicated and fun. He is just a joy to work with! I feel really lucky to call him a friend and coworker!”

Amelia Heinle (Victoria)

“Jason is handsome, smart, funny, and kind. He is a very, very talented actor as well and he has a charming way about him. We are blessed he came to the show. Actors like him are few and far between. Happy Anniversary to JT!!!!”

Susan Walters (Diane)

“Besides being naturally cool, effortlessly interesting, and extremely talented… Jason has that elusive ‘ease’ that actors strive for. I have loved working with him (when I’ve been so lucky to do so), for three of his 10 years at Y&R.”

Joshua Morrow (Nick)

“My dude JT is easily one of the top 400 soap actors of all time. But that’s a small part of who he is. He’s funny, kinda smart, a great father and a good friend. He makes me laugh all the time and I’m honored to say he’s my favorite Canadian. He’s outdoorsy… he has a flamingo or something tattooed on his arm, which is super awesome and edgy. I know if I needed 20 bucks, I could go to him and I’m confident he would say no, but that doesn’t diminish the quality of our friendship. I love me some JT! Congrats, my friend. Thank you for being such a huge part of what we do around here! I will always see our characters the way we see them… Dumb and Dumber Sincerely and from a much bigger deal… Joshua.”

Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea)

“Jason is such a phenomenal actor. He’s so nuanced, talented, and interesting to watch. I’m grateful some of the most intense scenes I’ve ever done were with him. He’s also an all-around great guy! Congrats, buddy!”

Christel Khalil (Lily)

“Congrats, Jason, on 10 years! Y&R is beyond lucky to have you. Your talent, kindness, and humor are unmatched. Here’s to another decade!!!”

Nathan Owens (Holden)

“Jason is such a solid, down-to-earth talent. Happy to have him and his energy at the studio.”

Kate Linder (Esther)

“10 years — wow! From Jason’s first day, he made the role of Billy his own. He is kind, giving and definitely talented. We are all fortunate to have Jason Thompson part of our Y&R family. Congratulations Jason! Happy 10th anniversary! Here’s to many, many more!”

Billy Flynn (Cane)

“At the risk of sounding like I have a man crush on Jason (p.s., I do), Jason is super talented, kind and for as many years as he’s been in this business, he still loves it. He cares about the work, he’s always present and striving for the best and most truthful performance. I had a lot of fear about making such a big move at this stage in my life and he was a lot of help to me when I came to The Young and the Restless. I’m honored to work with him and I’m grateful for his friendship.”

Bryton James (Devon)

“Jason is easily one of the best people I know, on and off set. His talent to be naturally entertaining yet completely grounded in scenes is only matched by his ability to squeeze every bit of positivity out of life. His passion for creativity is inspiring, through not only his work on camera, but also his successful business endeavors like [his beer company] Rancho West. But more than anything, he is kindness personified, which makes for the best kind of person to spend a decade at the office with. Congratulations, Jason, on 10 years!”

Lauralee Bell (Christine)

“Happy 10th Anniversary, Jason! You are such an amazing person, which shines through in your acting and everything you do! In your years at Y&R, I so clearly remember the excitement of nominations, baby watch and the launch of Rancho West! You are a true success in all your avenues! Congratulations!”

Eric Braeden (Victor)

“Jason is a wonderful actor and a great person. Happy Anniversary, Jason!”