Jason Thompson leaves 'General Hospital' for 'The Young and the Restless'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Longtime General Hospital cast member Jason Thompson is joining the ensemble of the daytime drama The Young and the Restless.

TVLine said the 39-year-old actor has taped his last episodes as GH's Dr. Patrick Drake and will be seen playing Billy Abbott on Y&R early next year.

The role of Billy has been played by several actors, including Billy Miller, throughout the years. Miller now plays Jason, Patrick's rival for the affections of Kelly Monaco's Sam character, on GH.

Thompson began playing Patrick in 2005.