In a sad turn of events, we say goodbye to a true legend of the silver screen

We grieve the departure of a silver screen legend at this sad time for fans of the little screen. According to People magazine, Bill Hayes, the renowned actor who played Doug Williams on the enduring soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” died quietly at the age of 98.

Hayes brought Doug Williams to life for over fifty years, making a lasting impression on television history. A pillar of the show’s history, the Williams-Horton family came to be associated with the role.

The devastating news was announced by a representative for the show, who said, “We share the loss of our dear Bill Hayes with heavy hearts.” He created the character of “Doug Williams” in 1970 and played him continuously for the rest of his life.

An Item of Greatness in Television History
Executive producer of “Days of Our Lives,” Ken Corday, paid respect to Hayes, characterising him as a key component of the show’s intricate plot. “Bill was more than just an actor; he personified the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,'” Corday said. Bill’s unbreakable legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we continue to tell, both on and off the screen, even though we mourn and will miss him terribly.

Surrounded by other cast members, Bill Hayes celebrated his extraordinary 98th birthday on site last summer. The actor’s early portrait and the words “Happy Birthday Bill” were displayed on a customised cake for the ceremony.

Susan Seaforth-Hayes, a famous figure in television, who was his devoted wife, also celebrated with him. Susan revealed an amazing fact to the celebrations: Bill Hayes was the first person to ever sing on daytime television, a momentous occasion. His colleagues’ admiration and respect for him was demonstrated when they serenaded him with “Happy Birthday” by the cast and crew.

A heartfelt video that was uploaded with followers on the couple’s shared Instagram account thanked the “Days of Our Lives” family for celebrating Hayes’ 98th birthday on the set that had grown to be his second home.

Bill Hayes was honoured with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his outstanding performance as Doug Williams on “Days of Our Lives.” But his efforts went beyond the screen, since he had initially met Susan Seaforth-Hayes on the set of the programme. Their July 1970 on-screen kiss developed into a real-life romance that ended in marriage in October of that same year. Like their on-screen counterparts, the pair celebrated their love with a second marriage on October 1, 1976.

Both colleagues and fans alike treasure the caring legacy that Bill Hayes leaves behind. William Foster Hayes IV, his son, carries on his father’s illustrious acting career.

As we say goodbye to this cherished celebrity, we consider the lasting impression he made on “Days of Our Lives” and on the hearts of millions of fans throughout the globe. We shall always remember and see Bill Hayes on our TVs as a great icon.