Jason Thompson may be best known today as Billy Abbott on The Young and the Restless, but for longtime soap fans, he will always hold a special place as Dr. Patrick Drake from General Hospital. Now, the fan-favorite actor is opening up about why he would welcome the opportunity to step back into Patrick’s scrubs—and why the role still means so much to him years after his departure.
In a recent interview, Thompson reflected candidly on his time at General Hospital, where he portrayed Patrick Drake for over a decade. Introduced as a cocky but brilliant neurosurgeon, Patrick quickly evolved into one of the show’s most beloved characters, especially through his iconic romance with Robin Scorpio. Their love story, marked by loss, resilience, and devotion, became one of daytime television’s most enduring pairings.
“Patrick is a character that really shaped my career,” Thompson shared. “He came into my life at a time when I was growing not just as an actor, but as a person. I don’t think you ever fully let go of a role like that.”
Although Thompson left General Hospital in 2016 to join The Young and the Restless, his affection for the ABC soap and its fans has never faded. Over the years, viewers have continued to ask whether Patrick Drake could ever return—if only for a guest appearance or special storyline. According to Thompson, the answer is a hopeful “never say never.”
“I’d absolutely love the chance to play Patrick again,” he admitted. “If the timing was right and the story made sense, it would be incredibly meaningful. That world, those characters—they’re family.”
Thompson emphasized that his interest isn’t driven by nostalgia alone, but by respect for the character’s unfinished potential. Patrick Drake, he noted, was a role that allowed for emotional depth, growth, and vulnerability—qualities that still resonate with audiences today. “Patrick wasn’t perfect,” Thompson said. “He made mistakes, he struggled, but that’s what made him real. I think fans connected with that.”
While his current commitment to The Young and the Restless keeps him busy, Thompson has continued to earn praise for his nuanced portrayal of Billy Abbott. Still, the actor acknowledged that daytime television has a unique way of allowing characters to return, evolve, and surprise audiences—sometimes years later.
“Soap operas are special like that,” he explained. “You’re never really gone. The door is always open, and that’s something I truly appreciate about this genre.”
Fans, of course, have been quick to react to Thompson’s comments, flooding social media with messages of excitement and hope. Many have expressed a desire to see Patrick reunited with familiar faces in Port Charles, while others simply want closure—or a new chapter—for a character who meant so much to them.
For now, no official plans have been announced regarding a General Hospital return. But Thompson’s openness has reignited speculation and enthusiasm across the soap community. In an industry where legacies matter and emotional connections endure, the idea of Patrick Drake resurfacing feels less like a fantasy and more like a possibility waiting for the right moment.
As Jason Thompson continues to shine on The Young and the Restless, one thing is clear: his bond with General Hospital—and with Patrick Drake—remains strong. And for fans who still believe in soap opera magic, that lingering connection is reason enough to hope.
