The entertainment world, particularly the daytime television landscape, experienced a profound loss with the passing of Bill Hayes in January 2024. At 98 years old, Hayes left behind a legacy that spanned decades, most notably his iconic role as Doug Williams on the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
In the wake of Hayes’ passing, Days of Our Lives paid tribute to the beloved actor through a poignant episode centered around the Horton family. The burning of the Horton house served as a symbolic backdrop for Doug and Julie to reminisce about their family’s rich history. The episode concluded with a touching tribute to Hayes, borrowing a quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “Good night, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Due to the show’s advanced filming schedule, viewers will continue to see Doug Williams on screen for several months following Hayes’ real-life passing. This unique situation creates a bittersweet experience for fans, allowing them to cherish Hayes’ final performances while preparing for the character’s eventual departure.
July 11, 2024, marks a significant milestone as it features Bill Hayes’ final appearance on Days of Our Lives. The episode promises to be emotionally charged, with previews showing tender moments between Doug and Julie. In one particularly moving scene, Julie asks Doug, “Did I ever tell you how much I love you?” before leaning in for a kiss. These final scenes are sure to resonate deeply with viewers, showcasing the genuine love shared between Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes, both on and off-screen.
The couple’s enduring romance has been a cornerstone of their performances throughout the years. As Seaforth Hayes has shared, her husband’s health had been declining for some time, making each scene they filmed together all the more precious. Their ability to infuse their real-life love into their on-screen characters has been a hallmark of their performances, touching the hearts of viewers for generations.
In a recent interview with Harvey Brownstone, Susan Seaforth Hayes reflected on her life in show business and her long, happy marriage. She emphasized that her marriage was the most important aspect of her life, particularly during Bill’s decline. The actress also spoke about the extended family she gained through her union with Hayes, including dozens of grandchildren, children, and other relatives scattered across the United States.
Seaforth Hayes also highlighted the significance of Days of Our Lives in her life, especially in the months following her husband’s passing. She expressed gratitude for the support and kindness shown by her co-workers, stating that the show has become increasingly important to her. Her commitment to honoring both the show and her late husband’s memory is evident in her determination to continue delivering powerful performances.
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As Days of Our Lives prepares to bid farewell to Doug Williams in the coming months, viewers can expect a heartfelt and emotional storyline. Susan Seaforth Hayes’ portrayal of Julie during this difficult time is anticipated to be both heartbreaking and cathartic, helping fans process the loss of a beloved character and the legendary actor who brought him to life.
Bill Hayes’ impact on Days of Our Lives and the broader entertainment industry cannot be overstated. His 98 years were filled with remarkable achievements on stage and screen, culminating in his iconic role as Doug Williams. As viewers watch his final scenes and prepare for the character’s eventual departure, they will undoubtedly reflect on the joy, drama, and romance that Hayes brought to their screens for decades.
The legacy of Bill Hayes will continue to live on through the memories he created, the performances he gave, and the love story he shared both on and off-screen with Susan Seaforth Hayes. As Days of Our Lives moves forward, it will carry with it the indelible mark left by one of daytime television’s true legends.
