Bill Hayes, renowned for his portrayal of Doug Williams on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98.
Hayes’ character was a pivotal figure on the show for over five decades, making his last appearance on December 22, 2023. He died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, including his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has also been a long-standing actress on the same show.
Hayes’ journey with “Days of Our Lives” began in 1970 when he took on the role of Doug Williams, initially depicted as a lounge singing scam artist. His on-screen chemistry with actress Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Olson, quickly captivated audiences. The pair’s romance extended beyond the screen, culminating in their marriage on October 12, 1974. Remarkably, their characters also shared matrimonial ties on the show, marrying three times, with their first on-screen wedding featuring vows from the couple’s real wedding.
In 1976, Hayes and Seaforth Hayes made history by becoming the only daytime drama stars to grace the cover of Time magazine, a testament to their significant impact on the genre. The article, titled “Soap Operas: Sex and Suffering in the Afternoon,” underscored the cultural prominence of soap operas during that era.
However, the duo’s journey on “Days of Our Lives” was not without its challenges. In 1984, they clashed with the show’s producers over storylines, leading to a reduction in their roles. Despite these setbacks, both Hayes and Seaforth Hayes continued to make appearances on the show, even after its transition to the Peacock network in 2022.
Prior to his iconic role, Hayes had a diverse entertainment career. He was a singer-songwriter, best known for his 1955 hit “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” which soared to number one on the U.S. charts. Additionally, Hayes was a familiar face on Sid Caesar’s groundbreaking TV variety series, “Your Show of Shows.”
Beyond his work on “Days of Our Lives,” Hayes’ contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized when he and his wife received Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2018. This accolade highlighted their longstanding influence and dedication to the world of daytime television.
Susan Seaforth Hayes, born in 1943, has been a prominent figure on “Days of Our Lives” since 1968, portraying Julie Williams. She holds the distinction of being the only actor to appear on the show across all seven decades of its run. For her portrayal of Julie, Seaforth Hayes has been nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards.
The news of Hayes’ passing was met with tributes from fans and colleagues.